Dim sum and foot massage
There's no need to wait until the sun sets to start a date. Why not start the day with some relaxation and dumplings? Imagine overflowing carts of delicious dishes winding through the restaurant stopping at each table. That is dim sum at Royal China.
Pile your plates with dumplings, BBQ pork buns and sticky rice. Just when you think you’ll burst, the custard cart will arrive. Don’t miss out.
The best part is it’s incredibly affordable; it's rare to have a check for more than $15 a person.
Resist the urge to go home and fall into a glorious food coma. Resist, because there are massages right around the corner.
Treat Your Feet is the go-to spot for this post-dim sum lethargy. Customers are ushered into a dark room filled with big, comfortable lounge chairs.. Pro-tip: Ask for one of the back rooms; it's as tranquil an experience as you can get.
Next, customers are offered a cup of delicious hot tea. The tea is blended by the owner, and they will not give up their secrets no matter how sweetly one asks.
Then, lie back and enjoy an hourlong foot and leg massage that drives many to snore. And for only $30 per hour, this date will be a regular part of your rotation.
Tour de Taco
To get this most awesome journey started, pull into the drive-thru of El Taco Veloz. There are a few of these around town, but the Buford Highway location is a must-visit. The taco that is a must-try is the chile relleno. It's a light fried poblano pepper stuffed with cheese and tucked into a fresh corn tortilla. You'll be tempted to stay there, but don't.
Grab your date and head to El Rey Del Taco. This traditional taqueria is open (nearly) 24 hours a day, so you can get your fix any time. Order the handmade tortillas (trust us), then select your filling. The lengua and al pastor are favorites. Order a few margaritas and a shrimp cocktail.
The final stop is just across the street at Chicago Supermarket. Yes, it's a grocery store. Walk to the back for a heavenly surprise. Head to the counter, grab a Mexican Coca-Cola, and order a mix of tacos and tamales. Tamales totally count as dessert, right?
Dinner and a show
Dinner and a show is a pretty standard, but on this date you’re the show.
First up, though, is dinner with some theater. Pull up to an unassuming shopping strip to visit Sushi House Hayakawa.
It might look like a typical strip mall sushi spot, but it’s not. If they could go ahead and set up a direct deposit of paychecks, it would be so much easier.
Really want to impress your date? Or horrify them with how much sushi you can devour? Order the omakase. This is basically chef’s choice. Just say how much you want to spend and whether any items are off limits.
Then walk over to Karaoke Melody. This is where the real show begins.
For $8 per person, your group gets a private room (you know, to minimize the embarrassment of wailing out your rendition of "Baby, One More Time").
Luckily there’s a full bar, so everyone will sound pretty great soon enough.
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