Welcome to the first of a monthly series of posts that will highlight Chicago happenings from the male perspective. Don’t worry, this won’t be an ongoing update on which bars have the best wing deals for Monday Night Football. Instead, expect to be treated to under-the-radar events and activities that will appeal to the frugal gentleman. Without further ado, Date Night on a Dime.

As a single guy wading through Chicago’s thriving dating pool, it will eventually be required of you to take a woman on a dinner date. For those of us who do not possess the necessary stacks on stacks on stacks to win a girl over with Michelin-starred meals and French wine, we have to be more discerning.

Enter Home Bistro, one of the best bangs for your buck in the city. At first glance, the tiny Lakeview restaurant does not look like much. The orange awnings and strange “hearty boys spot” slogan on the outside may be forgettable, but HB is one of the best for a memorable, relatively inexpensive meal. Inside, you’ll find an energetic, yet intimate café that emphasizes modest quality over luxury. The atmosphere promotes comfort, the perfect atmosphere for conversation. Due to its size, service is as prompt as it is friendly. The only slight downfall of this is that seats are limited, so you will want to make reservations at least a couple days in advance.

Photo courtesy of Home Bistro Chicago.

Chef Joncarl Lachman has seen to it that the menu stays true to his Dutch heritage, while remaining accessible to the vast majority of diners who have never eaten Dutch cuisine. With the average entrée priced at just over $20, HB isn’t exactly in the bar food price tier, but I assure you, the quality rivals that of more expensive restaurants. Another notable attribute is that Chef Lachman’s gem holds the holy grail of inexpensive dining acronyms: BYOB. Yes, in an effort to reduce the cost of the date, you can bring that $10 Malbec no one has heard of and sip your way into romance. Alternatively, you could just get drunk and try to work your seductive magic while enjoying a great meal. That is for you to decide.

All in all, Home Bistro is a great date spot for those looking to leave a lasting impression without breaking the bank.