Call the babysitter, grab your couple friends and make plans to go out on one of these awesome dates.
Because dinner and drinks can get old, we rounded up 11 of the coolest events, tours and activities you can do in the Chicago area.
1. Chicago History Museum Pub Crawl
The Chicago History Museum organizes monthly history pub crawls, where you can hop on a trolley and visit a few historic watering holes. Pop in each stop, grab a drink, and listen as your tour guide shares the history of each bar and surrounding neighborhood. Past themes have included: the best Bloody Mary bars, famous speakeasies and greatest dives. Tours lasts for three hours, with 30 minutes spent at each bar. Be sure to plan ahead, since you need four weeks advance notice when booking. Cost is $30 per person, not including food and drinks at each location. 312-642-4600
2. Concert at SPACE in Evanston
It might be a few months too early for Ravinia, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on local concerts. SPACE is the new “it” spot on the North Shore, where you can check out up-and-coming artists and even a few old favorites. The best part? No matter where you sit in the theater, you’re never farther than 40 feet from the stage. You can find tickets to certain shows starting at just $12, and doors open 45 minutes before show time—so get there early and grab a drink from the full-service bar. Skip the dinner reservation and carry in pizzas from Union Pizzeria, which is located right out front. Live music in an intimate setting with great acoustics—plus, you can call ahead and reserve tables—sounds like a perfect night out to us. SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanson, 847-492-8860
3. Late Nite Catechsim—Interactive Comedy Show
Relive your Catholic school days at Late Nite Catechism—Chicago’s famous interactive comedy show. This hilarious one-woman show has been around forever, and will take you back to the days of school uniforms, meatless Fridays and the dreaded smack of the ruler. Even if you have never been to Catholic school, there’s something for everyone, and no one is immune to being singled out, so bring your sense of humor. Shows are Thursday and Saturday nights, and tickets cost $30. Late Nite Catechism, Royal George Theater, 1641 N. Halsted, Chicago, 312-988-9000
4. Brewery Tour
Spend your Saturday with great friends and great beer at a Half Acre or Goose Island brewery tour. Half Acre tours are scheduled for every Saturday at 11 a.m., but get there early, because they can only take 60 people on each tour—not to mention they’re super popular. Ten dollars will get you a Half Acre pint glass and a hefty amount of samples throughout the tour. The Goose Island tours of their Clybourn Brewery in Lincoln Park also cost $10 and include a souvenir pint glass and tasting of six beer selections. Goose Island tours run Saturday and Sunday, and there are a few more times to choose from. They also serve food—burgers, salads and small plates—so stick around for lunch to round out the day. Half Acre Beer Company, 4257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-248-4038; Clybourn Brewery, 1800 North Clybourn, Chicago, 312-915-0071
5. Chicago Food Planet Food Tour
Chicago Food Planet Food Tours offers three food tours that have been highly praised by Bon Appetit, CNN and ABC, just to name a few. These 3-hour long tours each explore a different neighborhood and allow you to try 5-7 delicious spots. Try the Near North Food Tour, the Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour or the Chinatown Food Tour. Take in the history and culture of the neighborhood on these walking tours, and you’ll be able to venture back and enjoy the spots again—maybe even for your next night out! Tours range in price from $47-60 per person. 212-209-3370
More fun ideas:
- Bocce ball at Pinstripes, Northbrook
- Luxury dinner and a movie at iPic Theaters, Barrington
- Retro-style bowling at King’s, Rosemont
- Wine tasting at The Wine Goddess, Evanston
- Cooking class at The Chopping Block, Chicago
- Salsa dancing at Alhambra Palace, Chicago
