Mas Alla Del Sol
5848 N. Broadway, 773-654-1900
Best date-night dinner: The vibe (friendly) and noise level (low enough to talk) are just right at this modern cantina, which serves big portions of tasty Tex-Mex and great guac.
First Slice Pie Café
5357 N. Ashland Ave., 773-275-4297
Best dessert destination: Granted, it’s hot as an oven inside this tiny café. So take your slice of French silk or cherry pie to one of the outdoor tables and enjoy the breeze.
Hellas Gyros
1133 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., 773-728-3950
Hellas Gyros: Open about as late as it gets in this area (10 p.m.), Hellas is worth a stop for its monstrous signature sandwich. Request extra tomatoes and sauce.