Chicago · West Loop
Avec
Chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates
Communal cedar bench, Mediterranean small plates, one of the best wine-by-the-glass lists in the Midwest.
Cozy· Date· With Friends· Business
Restaurants
Where we'd actually go.
A short list of restaurants across the US that we love — places that are good for a date, a girls' night, lunch with your mom, or just dinner that doesn't require a month of planning.
City
St. Petersburg here means St. Pete, Florida — your Tampa Bay home base, not the one in Russia. Type "Tampa" and it'll work too.
Chicago · West Loop
Au Cheval
The cheeseburger (add an egg)
Often called the best burger in America. Put your name in early and have a drink across the street.
Lively· With Friends· Solo· Business
Austin · South Lamar
Uchi
Machi cure, hama chili
The Tyson Cole sushi temple that put Austin on the food map. Sit at the bar.
Cozy· Date· Celebration· Business
Austin · Downtown
Hestia
Live-fire dry-aged steaks, smoked beets
An open wood-fire kitchen and a cocktail bar (Kalimotxo) worth a stop on its own.
Lively· Date· Celebration· Business
Nashville · Germantown
Rolf and Daughters
Squid ink chitarra, sourdough with cultured butter
Communal tables, low light, and the pasta program that anchored modern Nashville dining.
Cozy· Date· With Friends· Business
New Orleans · Warehouse District
Cochon Butcher
Muffuletta and house-cured charcuterie
A counter-service sandwich shop from Donald Link's team — exactly as good as everyone says.
Neighborhood favorite· Solo· With Friends· Business
St. Petersburg, FL · Downtown St. Pete (Tampa Bay)
The Mill
Crispy brussels sprouts, shrimp & grits
Reliable, generous, easy to bring anyone — a true downtown St. Pete go-to.
Lively· With Friends· With Mother· Business