If you are half as busy as everyone seems to be these days, it is difficult to set aside some time for schmoozing dating. And heaven forbid we waste a Saturday night on a mystery date with a fifty/fifty shot of just an okay time.
So after testing out the newly opened South Branch Tavern and Grille (from the same owners as Sweetwater), a little lightbulb came on. I couldn’t help but think how perfect this overly due, hot spot would be for squeezing in a lunch-break date. Or a not so quick after-work food and cocktail.
It’s by far the best bar in the Sears (I still refuse to call it Willis) Tower and Union Station area. With a MASSIVE space, plenty of seating, two bars and a drink list longer than a mile, you simply cannot go wrong.
My better half and I grabbed a drink and appetizer this past Friday. I could not decide what was more impressive; the attractive, happening crowd or the nachos. If these morsels are a small taste of what else South Branch has to offer, I am sure the rest of the menu is most tasty. I cannot wait to come back to try an actual meal (stay tuned!). The server highly recommended their calamari too. But please save room for dessert…
If you haven’t figured it out by now, I am here to tell you that I am a huge advocate of ending on a sweet note. And I am a huge advocate of cupcakes. And I am an even bigger advocate of things right around the corner. So naturally, I would suggest Crumbs Bake Shop, a very well-known, New York bakery that recently plopped itself right in the middle of the Loop (and conveniently right around the corner from South Branch).
WARNING: You may develop diabetes of the eye.
You are bound to enjoy every last crumb. So take some time out of your schedule, to spend some time with your crush. It is a great break in your day without sacrificing the prime-time Saturday night.
References: South Branch Tavern and Grille, Facebook, Crumbs Bake Shop
