Intimate Chicago Spots for a Cozy Dinner Out
Antique Taco
Thanks to updated health standards, Chicagoans are slowly becoming more able to dine in restaurants. However, many of us are still trying to avoid over-crowded areas, even when we dine. The perfect solution to that, of course, is a more intimate dining experience! These restaurants, even when full, prioritize the personal touch with a smaller dining area and menus created with the most expert of hands. If you’re not ready or interested into a popping dining room full of people, these are the perfect restaurants to support. Now and in the future, they’ll give you an extra special, personalized night out with Chicago food.
Omkase Yume {651 West Washington Boulevard #101, Chicago; 312.265.1610}: If you have a quarantine anniversary or big birthday, and want some place special to celebrate…we found it! Their omakase tasting menu is a bit of a splurge, but it’s well worth it for sushi-lovers looking for a one-of-a-kind meal. With only two seatings a night in a dining room that seats less than 20 people, you can know that each bite will be uniquely made just for you to enjoy.
Gaijin {950 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.265.1348}: During the summer months, you can have an open-air dine-in experience at Gaijin. Their patio leads right into the cozy dining room, making it easy to dine safely, even with the citywide seating restrictions. It also means that every table in their restaurant and patio area is in on the action of the kitchen! Dig in to savory Japanese pancakes and feel like you’re a part of the culinary magic happening at the same time.
Riccardo Trattoria
Riccardo Trattoria {2119 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.549.0038}: Riccardo Michi has been cooking up his family recipes for more than a decade at three different restaurants, but all the Italian magic began at Riccardo Trattoria. This spot is perfect for a family dinner, as their staff is taking all kinds of extra precautions to keep their small Lincoln Park dining room safe for every diner.
Antique Taco {multiple locations}: Great things can come in small packages…just ask Antique Taco! Tacos themselves pack a huge punch of flavor in a hand-held meal, and the Antique Taco team makes some of the best in the city. They’ve even been ranked as some of the best tacos in the country! Their Bridgeport and Wicker Park are small in size but mighty in taste. Plus, tacos are always good to go as well. Dine-in or carryout…just get ready to enjoy!
Daisies
Daisies {2523 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.661.1671}: Logan Square became more delicious a few years ago when Daisies and their pasta-focused menu opened its doors. They’ve always treated their employees and their guests like family, and have continued that with transparent health standards and partnerships with local farms and businesses. Pair those efforts with a fresh menu of beautiful pastas and many veggie-focused items, and you’ve got a great evening of dining.
Ever Restaurant {1340 West Fulton Street, Chicago}: Chef Curtis Duffy is once again serving Chicagoans deliciously unique dishes, this time at the newly-opened Ever Restaurant. Their open-concept seating leaves plenty of room for social distancing while enjoying a 8- to 10-course tasting menu focused on proteins as well as seasonal vegetables, complemented with fruits, grains, seeds and nuts. Perfect for the season!
Giant {3209 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago; 773.252.0997}: The long-lauded spot is once again serving Logan Square! Their menu is constantly changing with the season and the ingredients they are able to source, so even if you’ve dined here before, it’s well worth another visit.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor