ZipPicks Awards
Best Romantic Restaurants in South Chicago
Master Critic Review
The New Look Restaurant
7.8
A South Chicago dinner-and-drinks spot where soul food and nightlife energy overlap—more “music and a vibe” than quiet candlelight. When you time it right, it’s a fun, intimate-feeling outing with big-flavor comfort plates and a crowd that stays lively.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef short ribs, Catfish, Fried chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Soul food plus nightlife energy when you want dinner with a scene.
Who should go: Couples who prefer lively rooms over quiet dining.
When to visit: Friday or Saturday night for peak vibe.
What to order: Beef short ribs; catfish; fried chicken.
Insider tip: Go earlier for smoother service, then stay for the energy shift.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking nearby; easier earlier in the evening and tougher once the late-night crowd arrives. Plan a couple extra minutes on Friday/Saturday nights.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine if styled well, but most guests look date-night ready (nice top, clean shoes).
Noise level: Lively/Loud - expect music-forward energy and a room where you’ll lean in to talk, especially later at night.
Weekend wait: 30-60 min during peak Friday/Saturday hours (longer if you arrive late-night).
Weekday lunch: Not a typical lunch stop - if open earlier, waits are usually light compared to weekends.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - you can build a meal from sides and simpler vegetable-forward items, but it’s not a vegetarian-focused menu.
Vegan options: Very limited - best approach is confirming ingredients and leaning on plain sides (expect constraints).
Gluten-free options: Limited - some proteins may work without breading/sauces, but cross-contact risk is likely in a comfort-food kitchen.
Best For
Better for: A romantic outing with personality: big-flavor comfort plates plus a live, music-driven room that feels like dinner and a night out in one stop.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet conversation, a formal fine-dining pace, or strong dietary accommodations—choose a calmer, reservation-first date-night restaurant instead.