The holiday lights are up and twinkling, it's getting chilly and you're looking to duck into somewhere warm and snuggle up with a date. There is perhaps no better time for a romantic night out than early winter, and no better place for a fun suburban date than right here in Oak Park. Here's a look at a few places that will serve as the perfect backdrop:
Lake Street Kitchen + Bar: Exactly what sometimes-sleepy downtown Oak Park needed, this new restaurant features sharable small plates and entrée creations from chef Jason Kurosaki, a smart wine list and a great selection of craft beers. Grab a table and have a romantic meal, belly up and order at the bar or make new friends at the restaurant's communal seating space. 1101 Lake St. (708) 383-5253
Not your average bean-and-burrito hut. Trained by Chicago's culinary hero Rick Bayless, chef Ruben Beltran's top-notch Mexican fare at Maya continues to dazzle while the service continues to impress. Great drinks, too. 144 S. Oak Park Ave. (708) 358-9500
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Il Vicolo: Though the restaurant's namesake outdoor walkway (Il Vicolo is Italian for "the alley") won't be open in colder months, make your way inside the warm and inviting dining room for traditional southern Italian food. 116 N. Oak Park Ave. (708) 386-5801
Unlike the megaplexes that dominate our suburban landscape, the venerable Lake fits in along Lake Street, where the marquee been casting its glow on downtown for decades. Comfortable seats, first-rate films and, as an added old-school touch, you're offered a piece of hard candy on your way out of the theater. Showtimes here. 1022 Lake St. (708) 848-9088
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Cap your night off with a dessert of gourmet French pastries and Julius Meinl coffee drinks at this downtown bakery. 119 N Marion St. (708) 948-7720
If your date night went, ahem, especially well, why not continue the good vibes together the next morning with a Dixieland Jazz Brunch at Marion Street Cheese Market. On Saturdays, Chef Leonard Hollander whips up a southern-themed brunch menu while a jazz band fills the room with sounds that are easy like Saturday mornings. The restaurant also serves a Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 100 S. Marion St. (708) 725-7200
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