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Add some (good) drama to date night, without breaking the bank! 🎭

Here's your plan for dinner, drinks, and drama in Lincoln Park on a budget

Dinner, Drinks, and Drama 🍸

Enjoy comforting, made-to-order pasta at Pasta Palazzo in Lincoln Park, perfect for building up a hearty appetite before a night out!

Dinner at Pasta Palazzo

💪 Pro tip
• Be sure to peek at their “specials” board before ordering (especially for their desserts!).

Dinner at Pasta Palazzo 🍝

Catch breathtaking world premieres at Steppenwolf Theatre Company with wallet-friendly ticket options.

Theater Show

✅ Before you go
• “Purpose” is a must-see and closes on May 12!!
• Check out what’s playing now: 
https://www.steppenwolf.org

💪 Pro tips (ticket deals!!)
• Tuesday nights are Pay-What-You-Can, just call their box office: 312-335-1650.
• If you’re under 30, their Steppenwolf RED membership is a great option! It’s $99 for 6 tickets which ends up being $16.50/ticket. Three date nights planned, just like that!
• Every performance, there are twenty $20 tickets up for grabs! More deets here: https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/discounts/ 

Drama at Steppenwolf Theatre Company 🎟️

Enjoy specialty cocktails at Front Bar, a cozy spot that transforms from a cafe to a bar on show days, perfect for post-theater discussions.

Bar Drinks

💪 Pro tip
• Front Bar doubles as a cafe during the day on show days. They serve coffee and small plates, and have free Wi-Fi if you’re looking for a new WFH spot 👀

Drinks at Front Bar 🍸

I'm a big fan of dinner and a show for date night, but make it affordable.

Here's my go to combo in Lincoln Park! First, dinner at Pasta Palazzo:

their made to order pasta is so comforting

and their portion sizes are pretty generous.

and walk down the street to catch a show at

We saw their world premiere production of Purpose and our tickets were only $17.

I'm always blown away by the detail in their sets

and the actor’s stellar performances. Afterwards,

my boyfriend and I like to grab a drink at Front Bar to debrief.

I usually get the specialty cocktail they

make for each show, which never disappoints.

always spark interesting conversations which

Check out the plan details for ticket discounts and

For my sober babes and dry January warriors: ‘In Good Spirits’ in West Town is the low-key Chicago gem making Non-Alcoholic drinks way cooler. 

Zero proof, all fun—because why not have it all? From wine to whiskey to CBD infused products, this is great for all those missing just the taste of a good cocktail. 

Go see for yourself and let them know Destiny from The Nudge sent you 🙂‍↕️🍷


Sober AF!? 🥂 Let’s Drink to That!

Explore 'In Good Spirits' in East Village, Chicago, for non-alcoholic treats and check their Instagram for event updates to enjoy with friends.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

💪 Pro Tip
• Check out their Instagram @ingoodspirits.online for event updates for you and your crew! 

Events + More! 

Anyone else missing an Espresso Martini during Dry January?

this non-alcoholic bottle shop in West Town has all that and then some.

‘In Good Spirits’ is the perfect spot to check out during Dry January.

They've got everything from canned mocktails,

and even offer different events for you and your

friends to stay in good spirits throughout Dry January.

Enjoy a meal at Marisol and stroll through The Museum of Contemporary Art 

Here's your plan for brunch at Marisol followed by exploring the Museum of Contemporary Art

Afternoon Art Museum + Brunch Downtown 🖼️

Dine at Marisol, a chic eatery featuring a James Beard award-winning chef in Chicago. Ideal for brunch with options from breakfast burritos to beignets.

Fine Dining

✅ Before you go
• Marisol is open for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and brunch on the weekends
• Explore their menu at marisolchicago.com

💪 Pro tips
• If it’s peak time, check for a reservation available on Resy! 

Enjoy a meal at Marisol Restaurant & Bar

Explore changing art exhibitions at MCA Chicago, with special free admission for Illinois residents on Tuesdays.

Art Museum Visit

✅ Before you go
• Tickets for Chicago residents are $19/pp and can be purchased at the door or online at mcachicago.org

💪 Pro tips
• Visit on Tuesdays late hours and free admission for Illinois Residents
• Illinois teachers are always free with a valid teacher ID

Wander the galleries of the MCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art features Marisol,

a restaurant from a James Beard award-winning chef.

We kicked off and cheers’d to the world's largest ice lattes,

and even larger breakfast burrito. Finished with the best

beignets I've had in the city, and then made our

You'll begin to wander through the galleries where MCA

is always rotating through a variety of different art.

there is truly always something new to see.

Exit through the gift shop for some lovely finds and

gifts and celebrate in your afternoon of being cultured.


A cozy date night that starts with sipping wine at a charming bar and ends with indulging in juicy burgers at a laid-back spot—perfectly blending elegance and comfort.

Date Night Done Right 🥂🍔

Start your evening at Uvae Wine Bar in Andersonville with happy hour specials on cava, shrimp, and oysters. Enjoy the cozy ambiance and extensive wine selection.

Wine Tasting

✅ Before you go
• HH $5 cava, $2 shrimp, $2 oysters 

💪 Pro tips
• HH T-Fr. 5-6:30 pm and Sat-Sun 3-6:30 pm

Uvae Wine Bar 

At Little Bad Wolf, enjoy the famously filling Wolf burger in a laid-back atmosphere where waiting is part of the experience with no reservations taken.

Burger Dining

✅ Before you go
• They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait (or grab a drink meanwhile!)

💪 Pro tips
• We ordered the wolf burger which was delicious but soooo filling. 

Little Bad Wolf dinner 

End your night at Lady Gregory’s with a vast selection of cocktails at the bar in a cozy atmosphere.

Nightcap Drinks

✅ Before you go
• We had no problem nabbing a seat at the bar. 

💪 Pro tips
• They have a huge list of cocktails! 

Lady Gregory’s nightcap 

Here's a cute date night idea if you're looking

to switch it up from your regular routine.

In Andersonville we went first to Uve Wine Bar

and my boyfriend tried this local jam and bourbon drink that was really good.

Then we walked across the street to little Bad Wolf

and then the star of the show was this burger.

Then we walked down to Lady Gregory's right down the street

where we ended the night with a little nightcap.

Fresh-baked cardamom buns, almond croissants, and steaming lavender lattes are the real MVPs of winter survival — all served at Lost Larson in Wicker Park and Andersonville.

With cozy Scandinavian vibes, minimalist design, and rich flavors, it’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends, enjoy a cozy café date, or savor some me time. 

Don’t let winter win—treat yourself 🥐☕️✨

Here's your plan for indulging in delicious pastries and lavender lattes at Lost Larson

The Only Layers You Need 🥐☕️

Enjoy Scandinavian inspired pastries like cinnamon rolls at Lost Larson, with cozy spots in Wicker Park and Andersonville perfect for a warm treat or a friendly chat.

Bakery Visit

✅ Before you go
• Find the nearest location to you! They have two bakeries each located in Wicker Park & Andersonville.

💪 Pro tips
• The Cinnamon Roll was my favorite! Highly recommend 🤩

Two Locations: Wicker Park & Andersonville 

You know that perfect winter moment when all you can think about

is something that's warm and sweet to get you through the day.

I had one of those moments and I walked out of Lost Larson

in Wicker Park with a box of their most delicious pastries.

Lost Larson is a Scandinavian inspired bakery with a warm minimalist

vibe that feels like a little escape when you walk in.

With so many cozy nooks and great natural lighting,

this is the perfect place to get some work done,

or even just reconnect with your friend over a cup of coffee.

from their Lingonberry Almond Cake all the

way down to their Chocolate Spelt Cookies.

I don't want you guys to miss out on this warm flaky,

So next time you're in Andersonville or Wicker Park,