My husband and I will be staying in downtown Chicago for one night and would like to have a very nice, romantic dinner. Husband would rather not pack a sport coat if possible ---does anyone have a special restaurant they can suggest?

Is there a budget range?

Around $150 -- $160 including wine. Any ideas?

I adore Spiaggia for some place romantic..a sport coat would be a necessity. It overlooks the Oak Street Beach from Michigan Avenue. They have a tasting menu that's always interesting to try. But there are tons of great restaurants to try. Maybe giving an idea of the type of cuisine you like and the area of the city you'd like to have dinner in would help those that will give you suggestions.

We're staying in the River North area but are planning to taxi to dinner. We like Italian and French as well as steak and seafood. Spiaggia sounds great..not sure about the jacket.

Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park, it's very cozy & I think romantic. It's cuisine is French Bistro. Price range about right with a good wine.
No jacket required, but do dress up a bit.

http://www.monamigabi.com/chicago

Not sure if it's romantic but I love MK and it's in River North.

One of my favorite's is Geja's Cafe in Lincoln Park.

http://www.gejascafe.com/

It is a fondue restaurant. Very dark & romantic. Lots of little curtained booths. Live flamenco guitar.

I know fondue is not for everyone. But I really like it.

I like Geja's too but you will end up smelling like fry oil by the end of the evening. Not terribly romantic.

Spiaggia is a terrific restaurant and you can probably get away without a sports coat although every time we go my sports coat phobic husband feels compelled to wear one. You also might quickly hit the upper limit of your $150 budget as Spiaggia (unless that was per person).

mk is a great idea. Two of the best meals of my life were there (both food and atmosphere and general good time). So, I always recommend it.

North Pond cafe hasn't been mentioned and it is a great idea. Beautiful view of the city lights twinkling, world reknown chef in the kitchen, wonderful atmosphere. I would check that out as well.

Is that $150-160 for both of you - or per person?

Spiaggia is very romantic, and currently has the distinction also of being one of the Obamas favorite restaurants. Sport coats are required, however, and you would not be able to accomodate your budget (assuming it is not per person).

Other thoughts: NAHA, at 500 N. Clark, food is great, and atmosphere is romantic. Or Nomi, in the Park Hyatt overlooking the Water Tower, has a very cool vibe. Try to get a window table.

I can think of many places out in the neighborhoods, but not sure how long of a cab ride you are OK with.

Maybe Topolobampo.

Thanks taitai!!! I used to live in Chicago and have been to mk a few times on return visits. Spent one of my birthdays there. It's really cool and the food is delish. Chitown has so many great restaurants-sorry I haven't gone to many in a while so I can't really help further. Spiaggia is also a good idea. Didn't the Obamas just go there on a date?

The last time I visited Chicago, I went to Nomi with DH and a foodie friend, and all I can say is Wow! Great hip vibe without being hipper-than-thou (if that makes sense -- but your DH won't need a sport coat if he wears a nice sweater and dressy jeans/pants). The food was fabulous. DH and I eat out a good bit, but it's rare for me to remember the specifics of my meals unless they are amazing. I had a bowl of risotto (with duck confit, wild mushrooms and parm-reg) that had the guys dipping their forks in and groaning with pleasure. The deconstructed borscht I had as a starter was also delicious and inspired (the little gelee vodka cubes it came with were just the perfect accent). You should meet your budget if you don't go crazy with the wine.

Yes, Spiaggia is the first restaurant the Obama's visited after the election for a date night. Allegedly, it is one of their favorites.

I love mk and remains partial to it...and North Pond.

taitai