Top 10 Chicago Spots to Meet (and Impress) the Parents
via Prime & Provisions
Dating is all fun and games until things get serious…and the next big step on the agenda is MEETING. THE. PARENTS. Just ask Ben Stiller, it’s not always as easy as you’d like 😉 But, nothing brings strangers together like a night filled with delicious food and drink. Biiiig bonus points if you’re the one to make the plans yourself and get a reservation made ahead of time…parents like a responsible planner!
So, that’s where we come in… to make that nerve-racking meeting a little more stress-free. We composed a list of restaurants that can impress even the pickiest of eaters and drinkers and hopefully, by the end, you will have all the approval you need! Good luck 🍀
For the swanky steakhouse parents: Prime and Provisions
This Chicago staple, with a beautiful riverside location, is the perfect spot to impress parents that they might not have visited yet. With juicy chops, fresh salads, and unbeatable sides, this is a place where everyone can find something to enjoy. Honestly…they have flaming bacon…need we say more? Oh, and the seemingly endless wine and cocktail list will most certainly take the nervous edge off night as well 🥂 And, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Top Chef Fan Favorite Chef Fabio Viviani….
For the boujee bistro-loving parents: The Kitchen American Bistro
Think cafe, but upscale European-style. This restaurant takes everyday food favorites and adds a unique and creative spin on it. With an ample amount of small plates, The Kitchen can be great for “family style” dining if you want the parents to really get the hint (wink). Then, after your meal, head across the bridge to take a relaxing stroll on the infamous Chicago Riverwalk. Views are always a crowd pleaser (extra points if you can show off some Chicago history knowledge as you walk!)
via Dusek’s
For the laid back parents: Dusek’s Tavern
Pilsen’s pride and glory, Dusek’s, is a perfect spot to show parents a new area of Chicago they may not have explored before. When you think of Dusek’s, think high-end pub fare in a funky & historic setting. It’s an ideal spot for the more laid-back, bar and beer loving parents (the best kind IMO). Oh and MEGA bonus points will be given if you plan the meal around a concert at the legendary Thalia Hall, right next door. Good food and live music? Sign us up!
For the rooftop-loving parents: Shanghai Terrace
Located in the legendary, upscale Peninsula Hotel, Shanghai Terrace will truly provide you with a memorable experience from start to finish. Just the walk through the ornate hotel lobby is enough to impress! Whether you’re there for golden hour or late night, the views of downtown are 😍😍😍 With a swanky interior and cuisine rated “Number One Chinese Restaurant in Chicago” by Zagat Survey, Shanghai Terrace will do all the impressing for you.
For the “hustle & bustle of the city” parents: Remington's
When you dine at Remington’s, it’s like you’re eating at Millenium Park without ACTUALLY eating at the park. Located directly across from the famous Cloud Gate (or cough, cough, The Bean) and directly on Michigan Avenue, you really can’t beat a view and environment like this. It is great for parents that are first timers in Chicago because you are mere steps away from some of its most popular attractions (Millenium Park, The Art Institute, Buckingham Fountain, etc). Its traditional steakhouse and seafood fare make it easy for everyone to find something to enjoy. And if you want to earn extra points with the parents, treat them to a sunset drink at Cindy’s Rooftop beforehand 🥂
via Gibson’s Italia
For the Italian food loving-parents: Gibsons Italia
Yes we all know Gibson’s….but have you ever been to Gibson’s Italia? It has views. It has class, It has style. It has hand-crafted cocktails & wine. It has DELICIOUS Italian dishes. Need we say more? Gibson’s is a beautifully safe bet for any type of parent. After all, who doesn’t like Italian food?! The atmosphere, combined with the gourmet cuisine, will make you look like a true restaurant connoisseur.
For the Chicago skyline-loving parents: The Signature Room at the 95th®
It should be no surprise to anyone from Chicago that The Signature Room would make this list. Situated on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building, this spot is definitely not for parents who don’t do well with heights. But the views might make even the faintest of heart awestruck. The Signature Room is perfect for cocktails with an unbeatable skyline view. Sip, stay for dinner, or walk somewhere else nearby…there are numerous fine-dining options within blocks.
For the downtown hotel staying-parents: NoMI Kitchen
NoMI Kitchen is one of those hotel restaurants that makes you forget you’re even in a hotel. However, its location in the newly-updated Park Hyatt makes it a prime location for any parents who are spending the night in the big city. They may not even need to leave the building! NoMI offers a mix of New American food with a French twist. Their newly renovated rooftop garden is sure to WOW the parents in every way. Plus, if you happen to be meeting parents in a day time setting, you’re in luck! NoMi is open for breakfast and weekend brunch as well as dinner.
via North Pond
For the nature loving-parents: North Pond
North Pond gets you as close to dining in nature as you might be able to get in Chicago. Its “off the beaten track” location in the middle of Lincoln Park (the ACTUAL park itself) makes it the perfect spot for parents who may find downtown Chicago a little overwhelming. Eating modern American fare surrounded by greenery and lake views is the ultimate relaxation that parents will appreciate. Plus, the chefs at North Pond use farmer’s markets and local produce to inspire their dishes, so you will also be supporting Chicago small business owners at the same time. It’s a win win🥂
For the creative cuisine parents: BOKA
Boka is the ideal spot if you know that the parents are adventurous and flare-loving foodies. Securing a reservation will be impressive enough…seriously though, this restaurant BOOKS UP so make sure to plan accordingly. It’s Lincoln Park location also makes for a more quiet “neighborhoody” vibe, in case the parents aren’t big city people per say. But don’t let that confuse you, because BOKA is still 100% a high-end, Michelin-starred restaurant serving up highly-seasonal dishes. Nothing but impressing going on here!
Need more date night ideas? Check out our list of ALL the places for ALL the dates you could ever need to plan in Chicago!
By Robyn Glaza | Social Coordinator