“Where do you guys go for a date night?” It’s a question my husband and I get on occasion. “Um…maybe back in time to 2022?” (Our son was born in 2023).

I joke, but in all seriousness, we cook the majority of our meals at home, and while we still enjoy a good night out, those nights are few and far between. With a toddler and our busy schedules to juggle, a “date” in our book is a quick weekend brunch, a coffee shop or farmers market visit, or a stroll around town with the puppy.

When we do eat out, we want it to be special…and crunchy, of course! We look for locally-owned spots with a mindful menu (seasonal, farm-to-table, organic).

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I’ve rounded up the local restaurants and coffee shops I would recommend for a crunchy date with your partner, friends or kids. The recommendations are grouped by ‘Dinner’, ‘Brunch’, ‘Coffee’ and ‘Family’ dates.

Most restaurants on the list are open for both brunch and dinner and are family-friendly; the grouping category is based on our own experience at each spot.

As an alternative (or complement) to eating out, I am a big fan of outdoor walking dates! Check out my Top Nature Outings guide for active date inspiration.

All photos are my own unless otherwise noted.

Dinner Date

Everett Farms: Lake Forest

The toddler crashes most of our dates these days.

One of my favorite places for a crunchy date (or friends dinner) on the North Shore is Everett Farms in Lake Forest. Inside, the decor is bright and modern with a laid-back and comfortable atmosphere. In the warmer months, you can also enjoy al fresco dining on the restaurant’s patio. In addition to the mindful scratch-made items on the menu, it’s the consistently friendly and attentive service that keeps us coming back.

When our toddler joins us for a date night here, he loves the CDK Farms steak (yes, steak is an option on the kids’ menu!). Because I limit gluten in my diet due to a sensitivity, I appreciate that over half the menu is gluten-free.

Pro tip: Although I included Everett Farms in the dinner destinations list, we also really enjoy the brunch here.

Everett Farms
840 S Waukegan Rd Ste 113, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Uncommon Ground: Chicago

Uncommon Ground was likely my first venture into crunchy dining, but I didn’t know it at the time. I visited the restaurant’s Edgewater location when I lived in neighboring Rogers Park, while attending Loyola University Chicago. Although I wasn’t all that crunchy at the time, the seasonal, organic menu may have subconsciously sparked my interest in mindful food!

I loved coming here with friends for special occasions and still vividly remember enjoying a wonderful meal as we schemed our spring break plans. This was over 15 years ago, and while the Edgewater location has since closed its doors, the restaurant’s Lakeview location is still going strong, and it’s worth a visit!

Uncommon Ground features an organic rooftop garden and patio for the warmer months, where 100% of all the produce grown is used directly in the restaurant. If you choose to imbibe, Uncommon Ground is home to Greenstar Brewing, the first certified organic brewery in Illinois.

Uncommon Ground Lakeview
3800 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60613

Photo credit: Uncommon Ground

Farm Bar: Chicago

With locations in Lakeview and Ravenswood, Farm Bar, was one of my favorite date night destinations when I lived in the city. I wasn’t as health-conscious back then, but I always appreciated the rustic and cozy vibe of farm-to-table restaurants. I still remember going to Farm Bar Lakeview with my husband when we were first dating many years ago. Don’t be fooled by this restaurant’s name - while there are a variety of craft cocktails on the menu, the food remains the focal point (at least in my opinion).

I recently looked into the restaurant’s sourcing, and found that the owners have a farm in Southwestern Wisconsin where they grow some of the produce used in the menu. The property, called Brown Dog Farm, is home to a 200-tree orchard with apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries. Raspberries, currants, elderberries, garlic, and horseradish are also grown there.

Farm Bar Lakeview

1300 W Wellington Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Farm Bar Ravenswood

1970 West Montrose
Chicago, IL 60613

Photo credit: Farm Bar

Brunch Date

This “greenhouse-to-table” restaurant is a crunchy foodie paradise.

Eden: Chicago

Located in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood, Eden features a seasonal farm-to-table menu, vintage-inspired decor, and an on-site greenhouse that grows herbs and blossoms used in many of the menu items.

We enjoyed a Crunchy Culture Friendsgiving brunch and greenhouse tour with co-founder and Chief Culinary Officer Devon Quinn in November, who told us about the restaurant’s organic practices and shared his passion for curating produce from local markets and farmers. I highly recommend Eden if you’re looking for a mindful meal with your partner (or crunchy friends).

Pro tip: for all of my neighbors in the north suburbs who typically shy away from city excursions, Eden is quick and easy to get to with convenient parking in the lot across the street.

Eden

2734 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618

Prasino: La Grange

My family and I stumbled upon Prasino in La Grange while looking for a place to eat with my in-laws after they flew in to visit for the weekend; we were pleasantly surprised by the menu and the experience. In fact, I left with only one complaint: I wished this place were closer to home!

Prasino was quiet and comfortable; service was friendly, and the food was health-conscious and delicious. There are many gluten-free items on the menu, and the restaurant says it partners with local farms and uses organic ingredients whenever possible.

Prasino

93 S. La Grange Ave., La Grange, Il 60525

A Moveable Feast and Company: Wheaton

We have family and friends in the western suburbs, so we find ourselves venturing out that way several times a year. When we’re near the Wheaton area, we usually grab brunch at A Moveable Feast and Company. Named after Hemingway’s famous memoir, the restaurant features beautiful art deco-inspired decor that marries a vintage and modern vibe.

The menu includes health-conscious options and is entirely seed-oil-free and refined-sugar-free for those who choose to abstain.

A Moveable Feast and Company

112 N Hale St. Wheaton, IL 60187

Coffee (& Chocolate) Date

Ethereal: Woodstock

My husband and I discovered the chocolate cafe Ethereal in Woodstock when we had some time to kill before a concert in the area. While my husband hates chocolate with a passion (he was a trooper to come here), I adore it - especially the really dark stuff.

Ethereal takes a “bean-to-bar” approach, sourcing solely from organic producers and making chocolate with no additives or preservatives. The cafe also offers coffee and espresso drinks, teas, and a menu with local food.

Pro tip: If you’re not ready to head home after your chocolate date, head downstairs to the speakeasy, Emerson & Oliver.

Ethereal

140 Cass St Woodstock, IL 60098

Blu Fig Cafe: Long Grove

Blu Fig Cafe in downtown Long Grove is our go-to celebration spot after we complete the Turkey Trot - an annual tradition for my family. The French-style cafe has a certain ‘Je ne sais quoi’ about it. It’s small and cozy inside with funky decor and air-roasted coffee, espresso drinks, tea and organic sourdough sweet treats on the menu.

Blu Fig Cafe

225 Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047

Bean Bar: Northbrook

Located in downtown Northbrook, Bean Bar is relatively new to the North Shore coffee scene, but it has already become a household name. Inside, you’ll find a large space with high ceilings, intricate chandeliers, and thoughtful decor throughout. Several private rooms offer a first-come, first-served quiet space for calls or meetings.

The cozy setup by the fireplace is ideal for a coffee date, whether it’s with your partner or a good friend; in the warmer months, a large patio welcomes guests to get some fresh air. My go-to drinks here are Turkish coffee or cold brew.

Bean Bar

1901 Cherry Ln, Northbrook, IL 60062

Tala: Highwood, Libertyville , Winnetka

Tala Coffee Roasters is a locally-owned coffee shop with locations in Highwood, Libertyville, and Winnetka. Tala’s owners are passionate about creating local community within each of the coffee shops and have even created a custom menu for each location. They are also mindful about how they source the coffee beans: while you won’t see a “certified organic” label on most of their coffee bags, the owners prioritize working with farms that use organic practices.

You can come here for a casual coffee date or take one of their regular coffee classes with your partner or some friends. Led by Tala co-owner and head roaster, Keith, the comprehensive class covers Tala’s responsible sourcing practices and practical tips for making the perfect home-brewed cup.

Tala Highwood

428 Green Bay Rd suite b, Highwood, IL 60040

Tala Libertyville

834 Liberty Dr, Libertyville, IL 60048

Tala Winnetka

93 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka, IL 60093

Family Date

Fluffy Bunny Ranch House: Long Grove

Fluffy Bunny Ranch House is the new kid on the block in the charming suburb of Long Grove; it’s also a great spot to take the kids for a family date! This local family-owned restaurant offers a healthy twist on Eastern European favorites, organic coffee and a playroom tucked away in the back section of the restaurant.

We met up with friends here recently, and the toddler had fun playing with his buddies while we enjoyed our meal: beef cheek hash and shakshuka. Fluffy Bunny’s menu accommodates many dietary preferences with plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and sugar-free or reduced-sugar options.

Fluffy Bunny Ranch House

410 Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047

Left Coast Food and Juice: Chicago

While it doesn’t house a playroom like the above recommendation, Left Coast Food and Juice has become one of my favorite spots for a family date. Sometimes, a sit-down meal with a toddler is just not in the cards, and this is one of the few fast-casual spots in Chicagoland that I find myself yearning to return to.

I loved coming here for lunch with friends back in the day, but I had not been back in a long time. So when we were looking for a quick lunch before heading to my son’s first Cubs game last year, I jumped at the opportunity to come back! This West Coast-inspired spot features fresh, healthy options including salads, bowls, coffee, juice and smoothies. I ordered the spicy K-Town Bowl and was not disappointed.

Left Coast Food and Juice

2878 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657