From the dawn of time, caves have exerted a pull on the human imagination, presenting themselves as ideal settings for caveman houses, caveman art galleries, and romantic caveman picnics. Sup with a suitor subterraneously with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of continental cuisine and drinks at Café la Cave in Des Plaines.

For 40 years, Café la Cave's cave-like yet cozy dining room has harbored a cache of epicurean delights and bacchanalian imbibulants. As hushed piano tones drift through the cavern's romantic atmosphere, pairs thrill as chefs cook and carve much of the menu beside their table. Signature item steak diane is gently infused with garlic and shallots finished in rich cognac, then expertly sautéed before diners’ eyes ($29). The rack of lamb, coated in a tangy mustard crust, frolics atop a meadow of fresh veggies ($43), and the whole dover sole français falls from the chef’s fillet knife and splashes in a pool of toasted almond butter ($39). The full bar and carefully considered wine program work with entrees as smoothly as a by-the-books detective and his new partner fresh out of clown college.