"Let us count the ways Bavette’s in Chicago is romantic. One, it’s the only dining room we’ll describe as “sexy” unironically—dark and windowless, with red leather booths, 1920s jazz, and suave servers. Two, the bone-in ribeye is the best in the city, and sharing a piece of juicy red meat is inherently romantic. Three, there’s some special magic in the way the flickering candlelight shines on their collection of ornately framed paintings, rustic mirrors, and a “free wine daily” sign. And when curiosity about that sign is rewarded with a complimentary glass of red or white, it’s easy to buy into all of Bavette’s charm before even having a bite." - anne cruz