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Date like the Obamas: Your guide to the first couple’s first date

We can’t all be as beautiful, powerful or wonderful as Barack and Michelle Obama. But we can try to emulate them as much as possible, right down to their first date.

In “Southside with You,” the first couple goes on their first date in 1989 Chicago. The two spent the whole day together—”He was showing me all facets of his character,” Michelle said in a 2012 campaign video—and the rest is literally history. Now, we can’t all be this lucky in love, but with a little finagling you can recreate this first date and hope for the best.

Although none of these places are in the South Side of Chicago, we were inspired to envision a date centered around two places Barack and Michelle visited: the Art Institute and the Music Box Theater.

Stop one: The Art Institute

111 S. Michigan Ave. 312-443-3600

In the movie they go to the Cultural Center—also a solid place to take your future bae—but according to that same campaign video, the Obamas actually went to the Art Institute. The Art Institute has more commonly known pieces of art, so you’ll likely be able to dig deep to that art history course you took in college and impress him or her.

Admission: $20 each for Chicago residents

Stop two: Millennium Park for lunch

11 N. Michigan Ave. 312-521-7275

Millennium Park didn’t exist back in 1989, but the Obamas went to a park for lunch, and this is as good as any if you’re already at the Art Institute. Stop by The Plaza (touristy, yes, but a classic if you’re there). Grab a grilled chicken burger with kale to make Michelle extra proud.

Grilled chicken burger: $12

Stop three: Lakefront Trail

Nothing says romance like a long walk along the water, right? We’re sure that cliche is what Barry had in mind while planning the next portion of his date.

Stop four: The Butcher’s Tap

3553 N. Southport Ave. 773-325-0123

You’ll need to start making your way to Lakeview to catch a movie later, so The Butcher’s Tap is a solid place to grab a beer beforehand.

Two Goose Island Green Lines: $12

Stop five: Music Box Theatre

3733 N. Southport Ave. 773-871-6607

The Obamas saw Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” which, sadly, won’t be playing. But any movie here will be a good one (or at least artsy enough to impress your date), so take your pick.

Two tickets: $22

Stop six: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

3404 N. Southport Ave. 773-348-7139

If you’re already up on Southport, you have no excuse to not stop here for ice cream. It’s not only delicious but also highly Instagram-worthy. Do it for the ‘gram.

Two small cones: $10

@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com