Best First Date Spots Around Chicago

Let's face it, first dates can be intimidating to say the least. The date ideas below are sure to fill those awkward silences with plenty of laughs and conversation. One key to first date bliss is keeping busy. Choosing an activity for your first date is a great way to break the ice, have fun, and really get to know each other. Now fellas, this is not a get out of dinner free card. Keep in mind the suggestions below are pre or post dinner activities!

1) Cooking Classes

Cooking classes are the perfect activity/dinner combination. Enjoy learning and creating together, while getting a great meal with drinks included!

The Chopping Block
Chicago's largest recreational cooking school and gourmet retail store, offers demonstrations, hands-on cooking and wine classes, as well as private cooking parties. Classes at the two Chicago locations cover basic to advanced cooking. Also be sure to check for date night specials.

Classes range from $45-$80. Depending on the class, wine or beer may also be included.

Locations:
The Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 107
Chicago IL. 60654
312.644.6360

Lincoln Square
4747 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625
773.472.670
www.thechoppingblock.net

2) Art Museums/Exhibits

Art can supply endless topics of conversation on a first date. From museums to local exhibits, Chicago has no shortage of spots to choose from.

Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St, Chicago
www.chicagoculturalcenter.org
(Free)

Museum Of Contemporary Art
220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago
www.mcachicago.org
(Free Tuesdays)

The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
www.artic.edu
(Free Thursdays 5-8:00PM)

Loyola University Museum of Art
820 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago
www.luc.edu/luma

3) Wii / Board Game Bars

For a great after dinner activity, spark up playful competition with a board game, or work off your meal at a Wii bar.

Guthrie's Tavern
1300 W. Addison St
773-477-2900

This Wrigleyville hot spot offers a cozy atmosphere, complete with affordable drinks, loads of board games, and Christmas lights. Games include Jenga, Trivial Pursuit, Jeopardy, Risk, Boggle, Scrabble, Candyland, and more.

Junior's Sports Lounge
724 W. Maxwell St
312-421-2277

Tuesday's, enjoy $6 Bud Light pitchers board games, bags, trivia and Wii.

Harry Caray's Tavern
3551 N. Sheffield Ave
773-327-7800

For more serious Wii players, Tuesday nights at Harry Caray's you can join a Wii tourney for some serious prizes. What girl wouldn't want you to win her CUBS tickets over a stuffed bear?

4) Bowling

Never over look one of America's oldest date-night gems. Chicago has a variety of bowling alleys in all neighborhoods and price-ranges.

Diversey River Bowl
2211 W. Diversey Ave
www.drbowl.com
Come on down to the river and experience over 2 dozen sound activated intelligent lights, fog machines, strobes and heart pounding Rock and Roll music while you bowl!

Lucky Strike
River East Center 322 E. Illinois St
www.bowlluckystrike.com
Upscale bowling alleys with lane-side food service and lounges also available for private parties.

10pin Bowling Lounge
330 N. State St
www.10pinchicago.com
10pin redefines the bowling experience by combining a retro sport with a hip upscale lounge. Located adjacent to the house of blues in landmark Marina City, 10pin is 20,000 square feet of high energy fun.