"Paris ruined me for vending machine food forever."

That’s the thought that kept flashing through my head one chilly night on Chicago’s South Side when my boy Malik sent me a text: “You gotta come check this spot out. Trust me. It’s wild.” Now, I grew up in Chicago, the land of Harold’s Chicken and Italian beefs big enough to double as a dumbbell. So “wild” when it comes to food usually meant unseasoned tofu masquerading as soul food or some hip cafe serving fried air with a sprinkle of parsley. I was skeptical. But Malik? Malik doesn’t play when it comes to good eats, so I threw on my sneakers and met him. Why not? Life’s short, and Malik always knows the vibe.

What Malik failed to mention in his text—and I cannot stress this enough—was that the spot was literally inside a laundromat.

Entering SpinCycle Saga Land

Now, I’ve been to some odd places for food. A basement house party in Back of the Yards where they ladled pozole out of a Crockpot? Chef’s kiss. A pop-up brunch with mimosas served in a beauty supply store on Stony Island? A masterpiece. But this laundromat setup hit different. Picture this: rows of whirring washing machines spinning away people’s dirty socks and T-shirts while a makeshift kitchen in the corner served artisanal tacos. It was part dive bar, part Instagram trap, and—as ridiculous as it sounds—it actually worked.

The “laundry restaurant,” as its regulars called it, was a mash-up of the mundane and the extraordinary. A bored DJ (yes, there was a DJ) spun an eclectic mix of trap beats and Erykah Badu while would-be diners balanced paper plates on top of detergent bottles. Some folks actually brought laundry baskets and folded towels mid-bite. Others didn’t even pretend they were here to do laundry—they were fully dressed to stunt, posting up next to spinning washers like it was a club’s VIP section.

I couldn’t tell if this was peak Chicago grit or a parody of gentrification. Probably both.

Why The Laundromat Works on a Date (Yes, Seriously)

So listen, let’s talk about this wild setup from a dating perspective because, spoiler alert, I’ve been back. Twice. Both times with someone I was interested in, and here’s why this place actually has date potential. (Feel free to bookmark this if you’re ready to upgrade your game.)

  1. It’s an Icebreaker
    On a first date, the last thing anybody wants is a stale, interview-style convo over overpriced small plates. But when you're eating tacos next to someone’s Whites-Only load spinning at 900 RPM? The awkwardness evaporates. It’s impossible not to crack a joke about mismatched socks or how laundry detergent costs half your rent these days. The sheer weirdness of the spot lightens the mood instantly, giving you free banter points.

  2. It’s Casual but Memorable
    You don’t have to wear a suit or a cocktail dress here—bless. But it’s not so casual that it screams “Netflix-and-chill energy,” either. It hits that sweet spot between low-key and interesting, which means you’ll stand out when your date tells their friends later.

Them: “We went where?”
Their friends: “No way. Did you fold somebody’s socks, though?”
Boom. You’re unforgettable.

  1. It Forces You to Abandon Pretenses
    Even if you came in intending to front like life is perfect and your sneakers always stay white—good luck keeping that up here. This spot’s energy is delightfully chaotic, and it reminds you not to take yourself too seriously. Real connections tend to happen when you’re relaxed, when you let folks see the little quirks and the real you. (Pro tip: Be the type to help someone fold their fitted sheets if the moment arises. It’s a flex.)

The Tacos That Could Make You Cry

Now I gotta take a moment to talk food, because the tacos here were the real deal. Flavors so bold and layered, you could tell somebody’s abuela or tía taught the chef well. I ordered the birria tacos—the ones with consommé on the side—and let me tell you, dipping that taco into the savory broth was a spiritual experience. Somewhere between my first bite and wiping the inevitable mess off my chin, I envisioned my future self opening Yelp specifically to write an essay-length review.

Meanwhile, Malik kept raving about a mash-up creation they called the “laundry dog”: a Chicago-style hot dog wrapped in a queso-covered tortilla, somehow deep-fried to crispy perfection. It sounded sacrilegious, but the man wouldn’t stop hyping it, so I tried one. And, well, I’m not saying I’m ready to divorce Portillo’s, but I’d call up my lawyer for a consultation.

Oh, and the drinks? BYOB, which is always a win, but they also sold cans of fruit punch “spiked” with tamarind syrup for $2. It slapped.

Dating Advice, Courtesy of the SpinCycle Diners

This story wouldn’t be complete without sharing the unexpected nuggets of wisdom I overheard while there. Listen, when you’re at a spot this unpredictable, everybody’s guard is down—and the things strangers will say within earshot? Priceless.

  1. “If they won’t help you fold clothes, they’re not ready for a relationship.”
    Big laugh when I heard it, but tell me that’s not a metaphor for emotional labor in relationships? No matter how cute someone is, if they dodge the messy work—whether it’s folding clothes or addressing deeper issues—you’re wasting your time. The voice of reason this city needs came from a dude sipping tamarind punch between dryer cycles.

  2. “Sometimes you gotta spin your own cycle before you let someone else throw in their load.”
    This was shouted mid-debate about detergent brands (Tide Hive vs. Gain Gang), but it hit like Iyanla Vanzant. Translation? Don’t let anyone disrupt your flow, your goals, or your peace until you’re steady in your own rhythm. Is it corny? Sure. Is it also one of the realest things I’ve heard? Absolutely.

  3. “Don’t date nobody who folds the towels wrong, man. That’s chaos energy.”
    This one’s more niche, but it’s a nice reminder that compatibility often lurks in the details. Towels, toothpaste habits, taco orders—pay attention to the little things.

Why I’ll Always Love the Crazy Places

The truth is, it’s the unexpected spots that often reveal the most about ourselves and the people we’re with. Sure, this quirky laundromat-turned-dining-zone was a little ridiculous. But it reminded me of something crucial—relationships, like the best meals or nights out, flourish where there’s spontaneity, laughter, and shared experiences. You don’t need fancy settings or perfectly curated plans to spark something meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is good vibes, a dash of chaos, and a plate of tacos.

So, whether you’re dipping your toes into the dating pool or diving deeper into an established connection, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Who knows? The next crazy place you check out just might end up teaching you about people, love, or maybe even how to fold a fitted sheet. And trust me, that’s knowledge you’ll want in your arsenal.