If you haven’t snagged a special someone just yet, you’re likely making the first date rounds. After all, cuffing season is coming up fast and you want to lock down a sweetheart to snuggle with during the cold Chicago winter months. Nothing can kill the mood or make a date take an awkward turn more than choosing the wrong dining option. These picks might be delicious, but steer clear and don’t dish over these favorite Chicago dishes if you’re trying to win over a new mate.
1. Deep dish pizza. Sure, the rest of the world knows us for our Chicago-style pies, but the reality is we rarely eat it on the regular because it’s basically like consuming a brick of cheese wrapped in crust. So sexy. And if your Tinder date suggests Giordano’s for your meet and eat, are you sure you aren’t dating a tourist?
2. Ricobene’s breaded steak sandwich. A crispy fried steak cutlet coated in tangy tomato sauce and oozing melted cheese is a wonderful thing (and possibly one of the best sandwiches in the world, depending who you ask). But you won’t win over your date when this massive mound oozes red sauce on your shirt. Save it for a hangover and not a first impression.
3. The Wrigleyville Taco Bell. No one should be finding late-night love at this south of the border shit show. Even if you have a soft spot for the Bell, (Crunchwrap Supreme, you hold a special place in our hearts) this location is only fun for people-watching around 1am and not the place to pick up or impress a new admirer. Do not live mas, just go home.
4. Pork rinds at Publican. Yes, take your date to Publican, especially if they like pork, beer, oysters and wonderful seasonal fare. But save their delectable pork rinds, so crispy, flavorful and dusted in the most delicious seasoning, for a more long-term partner. No one likes finding pork dust in their partner's cleavage at the end of an evening if all goes well.
5. Hot wings. Or ribs. Or anything sauced. I mean, this is dating 101, but if you need a wet nap and it isn’t an interactive activity, file it away for another day. That said, we’d be pretty smitten if someone suggested first date dining at a more adventurous spot that requires a bit of action, like smashing and digging out sweet crab meat at the Angry Crab.
6. Ramen. A good bowl of warm ramen is the perfect cure for colder months, but it's like a dating food obstacle course with slippery long noodles slurping up and splashing hot broth all over you and your date.
7. Italian beef. It's is delicious and wonderful, and there is something truly Chicago about taking the proper beef–eating stance and digging in. But you don’t want your dipped meat dripping juices down your arm while making eyes across the table.