Experience · Evanston

Evanston Date Night: Cocktails & Puzzles

Kick off your evening with a creative cocktail at a cozy lounge, then test your wits and teamwork in an exciting escape room. Conclude your date with an exquisite Thai dinner at a stylish restaurant, making for a fun and memorable night out.

A 4-hour Evanston evening plan for couples — Ward Eight, Lock Chicago Escape Rooms - Evanston, NaKorn.

Duration
4 hrs
Cost
$80–$150
Stops
3 stops
Walking
Light walking · Total 4.5-mile driving route
Best time
5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for
Couples · Friends · Solo
Start Plan
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Evanston Date Night: Cocktails & Puzzles

The plan

The plan

  1. 1Ward Eight(45 min)→
  2. 2Lock Chicago Escape Rooms - Evanston(1 hr 30 min)→
  3. 3NaKorn(1 hr 45 min)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 4.5 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Evanston instead of crossing town between them. NaKorn is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at NaKorn — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, and solo who want a planned Evanston outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Kick off your evening with a creative cocktail at a cozy lounge, then test your wits and teamwork in an exciting escape room. Conclude your date with an exquisite Thai dinner at a stylish restaurant, making for a fun and memorable night out.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. Ward Eight1
    45 min
    Ward Eight

    Nightlife

    Cozy neighborhood cocktail lounge serving artisanal spirits, wine & beer plus a small-plates menu.

    What to do — Arrive early to grab a comfortable spot and enjoy a couple of Ward Eight's signature cocktails or a fine wine from their selection.

    3.1 mi · 10 min drive

    Then Head over to Lock Chicago, just a short walk or quick drive away, for your next adventure.

  2. Lock Chicago Escape Rooms - Evanston2
    1h 30m
    Lock Chicago Escape Rooms - Evanston

    Family

    Entertainment option featuring 3 themed escape rooms with puzzles & alternate end goals.

    What to do — Choose from one of the three themed escape rooms and work together to solve puzzles and achieve your goal within the time limit. Booking ahead is recommended.

    Scout Side Quest

    Before the timer starts, make a friendly wager on who will find the very first clue.

    1.4 mi · 6 min drive

    Then Make your way to NaKorn, located a short distance away, for a well-deserved dinner.

  3. NaKorn3
    Optional 1h 45m
    NaKorn

    Food & Drink

    Upscale Thai eatery serving sophisticated dishes & cocktails amid stylish, eclectic decor.

    What to do — Indulge in sophisticated Thai dishes and cocktails amidst stylish and eclectic decor, providing a perfect end to your evening.

    Scout Side Quest

    Scan the eclectic room and pick the one design detail you'd secretly love to take home.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Evanston itinerary for couples?
Yes. It's built for couples, friends, and solo and runs about 4 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Ward Eight.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 4 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Evanston itinerary cost?
Roughly $80–$150 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Not entirely. The stops cover about 4.5 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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