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Kid-friendly restaurants are beloved by parents.
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The Best Places to Eat With Kids in Chicago

No matter how good the food tastes — if a restaurant’s staff doesn’t make you feel welcome, it leaves a sour note

by Ashok Selvam and Naomi Waxman Updated
1 comment / new
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Kid-friendly restaurants are beloved by parents.
| Shutterstock
by Ashok Selvam and Naomi Waxman Updated
1 comment / new

Hunting for food on an empty stomach while dealing with an “enthusiastic” group of kids is enough to cause a serious headache. When folks want to leave their house without a plan, everything will go wrong. Don’t subject yourself to that nonsense and find a restaurant that actually believes that children and their guardians are worthy of good service. No one’s asking for a night Alinea while wearing a Baby Bjorn. This is for caregivers with picky kids who want to do something different. Some of these restaurants are for a quick bite. Others may have children’s menus. Others might just be good restaurants that are welcoming.

Because no matter the excellence of the menu, if a restaurant’s staff doesn’t make you feel welcome, that leaves a sour taste in your mouth. Also, this is a good place to remind restaurant managers to talk to their staff about how to deal with parties with kids. A little bit of TLC will go a long way. And parents can tip well.

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Superdawg Drive-In

Copy Link

Who doesn’t like a trip to a drive-in? And while watching two giant anamorphic hot dogs wink at you with neon glances? Superdawg is a Chicago classic thanks to their special sausages, a minimalist take on the Chicago-dog with pickled tomato and a bed of crinkle fries. If hot dogs don’t satisfy junior, the burgers and grilled cheese will do just fine. Customers can enjoy their meals in their car which means the kids don’t even have to power down their Nintendo Switches. 

6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 763-0660
(773) 763-0660
A carhop with tray of food hanging from a door and drive-in menu. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Luella's Southern Kitchen

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Luella’s in Lincoln Square is a casual spot where customer order at the counter. Darnell Reed doesn’t offer a kid’s menu, but his menu, which includes chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, is kid-friendly, and service is quick in case folks find themselves in a rush.

4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 961-8196
(773) 961-8196

Also featured in:

Old Irving Brewing Co.

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Brewpubs are surprisingly some of the best places to bring kids due to their laid-back atmospheres, daytime hours, and menus full of sandwiches, burgers, and fried finger foods — not to mention all beer for adults. Old Irving Brewing has all that and more in a neighborhood full of families, plus a kids menu with mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and ice cream made on-site.

4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 916-6421
(773) 916-6421

Also featured in:

Irene's

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Irene’s Finer Diner is an update on nostalgia. It features a classic diner menu from the ‘60s but uses farm-fresh ingredients and meats from reputable vendors. It’s a spacious dining room with plenty of high chairs and a children’s menu. Touches like house-made hot sauce will keep parents wanting to come back, while the kids have plenty of attention from a waitstaff who doesn’t act like kids are some bother.

2012 Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
(872) 272-0303
(872) 272-0303
Eggs with home fries and a side of bacon. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Smoque BBQ

Copy Link

Barbecue is messy and hands-on, which are helpful tools to get kids excited about a meal at one of Chicago’s best barbecue spots. A special kids menu features tiny brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, along with macaroni and cheese. Indoor seating hasn’t yet resumed but staff have opened a covered outdoor patio that’s also BYOB.

3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 545-7427
(773) 545-7427

Also featured in:

Crosby's Kitchen

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Crosby’s Kitchen is one of the most popular restaurant for kids in the stroller-saturated Southport Corridor. With a children’s menu stacked with grilled cheese, chicken fingers, and PB&J, management pulls out all the stops to make a meal for the whole family. Finish it all off with a skillet cookie topped with ice cream.

3455 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 883-2525
(773) 883-2525

Also featured in:

lowcountry

Copy Link

Seafood may not be the first thing people think of when many think “kid-friendly,” but what better way to introduce the kids to a good crustacean than by (literally) cracking them open on the table and getting their hands dirty with bags of seafood dressed however they’d like. There’s also a South Loop location of this popular Wrigleyville/Lakeview spot.

3343 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 996-9997
(773) 996-9997

Also featured in:

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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Fried chicken and mac and cheese are shoo-ins with most kids, but Honey Butter Fried Chicken goes even further with a kids meal that includes chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and a sticker sheet for a little entertainment. The restaurant is back open at full capacity.

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-4000
(773) 478-4000

Also featured in:

Superkhana International

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Superkhana is an Indian-style restaurant that serves pizzas, grilled cheese, and butter chicken calzones. But for folks who want to brunch with kids, there might not be any finer restaurant in town. Service is friendly and accommodating, there’s plenty of room. And the menu is diverse from French toast to Indo Chinese noodles.

3059 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-9028
(773) 661-9028
The dining room features limewashed brick paneling, wood accents, hanging lights, and booth seating. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Lula Cafe

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Chef Jason Hammel’s acclaimed neighborhood restaurant takes care of hungry little ones with an unfussy kids’ menu of baked mac and cheese or chicken tenders, a vegetable side, and a cookie for dessert. Lula is currently open for takeout.

2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-9554
(773) 489-9554

Also featured in:

Galit

Copy Link

Galit has a James Beard winner, Zach Engel, preparing Israeli and Palestinian favorites with a four-course family-style feast for $79 per adult. This is a great celebratory restaurant, as the management actually won’t deliver death stares at customers for bringing children into the restaurant. Hummus and pita are great for kids, and if customers give the restaurant a head’s up, the staff may even make something a little special for kids. Galit is the kind of restaurant that understands children deserve hospitality, too.

2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-8755
(773) 360-8755
Galit is a friendly choice.
Galit/Sandy Noto

Also featured in:

Bocadillo Market

Copy Link

Chef James Martin takes a creative spin through Spain with Bocadillo Market. Daytime service features sandwiches and coffee with counter service on weekdays, with full-service dinner at night. The weekend brunch is a must for parents with plenty of child-friendly items and serves who are accommodating. The confit duck and waffle is genius, something adults can enjoy and perhaps split with a child.

2342 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 857-0331
(773) 857-0331

Also featured in:

The StopAlong

Copy Link

Kids these days may not know much about the pop-culture glory of the ‘80s and ‘90s, but a visit to family-friendly pizza and burger spot the StopAlong will help fill in that vital knowledge gap. Key references include the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, along with tons of classic toys and arcade games. Check out the wide selection of New York-style pizzas and boozy beverages for grown-ups. They’re soon opening a second location in Logan Square.

1812 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 394-4694
(773) 394-4694

Also featured in:

Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern

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Twin Anchors is a Chicago classic, a subterranean dining room with walls covered with memorabilia. The ribs, a North Side classic, are solid with the spicy prohibition sauce. The kids menu offers plenty of options. But to survive this business, the service is important and Twin Anchors staff understands that children are just as important as adults. This is a place to bring the kids and have a cocktail to treat parents and guardians for their hard work.

1655 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 266-1616
(312) 266-1616

Also featured in:

Tortello

Copy Link

During the warmer months, there’s something magical sitting outside Tortello on their patio along Division Street. When there’s music playing, it feels a bit like Stars Hollow from the Gilmore Girls. Pasta is the name of the game here, and few make it better than this small noodle shop in Wicker Park. This is a great option for a small child where you can put a baby carrier on one of the benches and just enjoy a meal.

1746 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-1293
(773) 360-1293

Also featured in:

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Lola’s Coney Island

Copy Link

This charming Detroit-style hot dog stand is truly a family affair, as owner and Motor City native Jesse Fakhoury named it after his own daughter, Lola. The iconic chili-smothered Coney Dog naturally gets top billing, but the menu also highlights other regional varieties like Chicago dogs (dragged through the garden) and New York-style dogs (sauerkraut or onions or both, spicy brown mustard). Other hits include burgers, malts, and floats.

2858 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-9459
(773) 687-9459

Also featured in:

Ed Debevic's

Copy Link

The resurrection of Ed’s, relocated from River North to Streeterville, is great news for kids. The faux-‘60s diner has been updated. Punk rock mohawks have replaced peace-loving hippy servers. The dancing on tables and “mean” attitude remain the same. As does the quality American diner menu. It’s dependable and well-executed. Everyone needs a little Ed’s in their lives. 

159 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 374-8497
(312) 374-8497

Also featured in:

Rose Mary

Copy Link

Yes, one of the hottest restaurants in town, Joe Flamm’s Rose Mary, is designed for kids. There’s diaper-changing tables in the bathrooms (originally, the tables were only planned for the women’s bathrooms, but co-owner Kara Callero asserted herself). The small dishes of this Croatian and Italian restaurant are good for nibbles — cevapi should be a hit with meat-eating kids. This restaurant is for daring parents who trust their kids in a bustling environment.

932 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607
(872) 260-3921
(872) 260-3921
An empty dining room Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Greek Islands

Copy Link

A trip to Greek Islands is an adventure in itself, especially for young diners who long for more than chicken nuggets. The restaurant is Mediterranean royalty in Chicago, and an ideal venue for novices to learn about the wonders of flaming saganaki, mini pork and chicken kebabs, and pan-fried calamari.

200 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 782-9855
(312) 782-9855

Also featured in:

Lou Mitchell's

Copy Link

This longtime classic diner in West Loop serves breakfast and lunch with Milk Dud pancakes, chicken fingers, and buttered noodles for children. Adults can eat like a kid too, with thick French toast smothered in syrup and fruit for a sweet start to the day.

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 939-3111
(312) 939-3111

Also featured in:

Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop

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While pizza might be one of the most essential elements of a kid’s diet, the kids menu at this family-friendly pizzeria in South Loop/Printer’s Row location (they have a retractable roof) also lets little patrons choose from fried shrimp, mini corn dogs, and plenty of pastas in different shapes. There’s also locations in Lincoln Square, West Town, and Old Town.

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 645-4909
(773) 645-4909
A bowl of green pasta
Big Elbow Alfredo (spinach macaroni, peas, spinach, basil, alfredo sauce)
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Eleven City Diner

Copy Link

Make kids happy at this classic Jewish deli and ice cream fountain in South Loop. An array of sweet treats including shakes, sundaes, house-made sodas and candy. Mammoth sandwiches, fluffy pancakes, and fried staples all add up to a food paradise for most minors.

1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 212-1112
(312) 212-1112

Also featured in:

Joy Yee

Copy Link

This popular pan-Asian spot is best known for its fun and colorful bubble tea and smoothies, and kids can pick out their own fruits and toppings to make an extra-special drink just for them. The food menu features oodles of noodles, as well as protein and rice dishes, soups, and dumplings. Additional outposts are located in University Village and suburban Evanston.

2139 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 328-0001
(312) 328-0001

Also featured in:

Holu

Copy Link

Inside 88 Marketplace in East Pilsen, Holu brings a refreshing vibe to the stale American steakhouse formula. Everything is served family style, from the meats grilled table side to the plates of rice and sides. This proves advantageous for picky eaters. They can take what they want — parents won’t have to quiz the children. Seeing the food cook also gives children a little bit of a show. The smoke will be a problem for some (as well as the tableside grills for energetic kids), but the staff is totally accommodating for stroller and high chair use (at least during off-peak times, come in at 8 p.m. Friday and you’ll deserve what you get). The food is beautifully plated, and might be the closest parents get to fine dining until they’re comfy with a babysitter. 

2101 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 291-8472
(312) 291-8472

Also featured in:

Antique Taco Bridgeport

Copy Link

Antique Taco, with locations in Bridgeport and Wicker Park, is a great space for gourmet tacos inside a room that’s friendly. It’s a no-nonsense experience where customers are in and out quickly. 

1000 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 823-9410
(773) 823-9410

Also featured in:

Ascione Bistro

Copy Link

Diners of all ages get excited about this comfortable yet stylish Italian restaurant in Hyde Park. Thoughtful menu options range from handmade pastas (also available gluten-free) and juicy meatballs to salmon coated in lemon butter. There’s a covered and heated patio plus indoor dining.

1500 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 363-8161
(773) 363-8161

Also featured in:

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Superdawg Drive-In

6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

Who doesn’t like a trip to a drive-in? And while watching two giant anamorphic hot dogs wink at you with neon glances? Superdawg is a Chicago classic thanks to their special sausages, a minimalist take on the Chicago-dog with pickled tomato and a bed of crinkle fries. If hot dogs don’t satisfy junior, the burgers and grilled cheese will do just fine. Customers can enjoy their meals in their car which means the kids don’t even have to power down their Nintendo Switches. 

6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 763-0660
(773) 763-0660
A carhop with tray of food hanging from a door and drive-in menu. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Luella's Southern Kitchen

4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Luella’s in Lincoln Square is a casual spot where customer order at the counter. Darnell Reed doesn’t offer a kid’s menu, but his menu, which includes chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, is kid-friendly, and service is quick in case folks find themselves in a rush.

4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 961-8196
(773) 961-8196

Old Irving Brewing Co.

4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Brewpubs are surprisingly some of the best places to bring kids due to their laid-back atmospheres, daytime hours, and menus full of sandwiches, burgers, and fried finger foods — not to mention all beer for adults. Old Irving Brewing has all that and more in a neighborhood full of families, plus a kids menu with mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and ice cream made on-site.

4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 916-6421
(773) 916-6421

Irene's

2012 Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618

Irene’s Finer Diner is an update on nostalgia. It features a classic diner menu from the ‘60s but uses farm-fresh ingredients and meats from reputable vendors. It’s a spacious dining room with plenty of high chairs and a children’s menu. Touches like house-made hot sauce will keep parents wanting to come back, while the kids have plenty of attention from a waitstaff who doesn’t act like kids are some bother.

2012 Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
(872) 272-0303
(872) 272-0303
Eggs with home fries and a side of bacon. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Smoque BBQ

3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641

Barbecue is messy and hands-on, which are helpful tools to get kids excited about a meal at one of Chicago’s best barbecue spots. A special kids menu features tiny brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, along with macaroni and cheese. Indoor seating hasn’t yet resumed but staff have opened a covered outdoor patio that’s also BYOB.

3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 545-7427
(773) 545-7427

Crosby's Kitchen

3455 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Crosby’s Kitchen is one of the most popular restaurant for kids in the stroller-saturated Southport Corridor. With a children’s menu stacked with grilled cheese, chicken fingers, and PB&J, management pulls out all the stops to make a meal for the whole family. Finish it all off with a skillet cookie topped with ice cream.

3455 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 883-2525
(773) 883-2525

lowcountry

3343 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Seafood may not be the first thing people think of when many think “kid-friendly,” but what better way to introduce the kids to a good crustacean than by (literally) cracking them open on the table and getting their hands dirty with bags of seafood dressed however they’d like. There’s also a South Loop location of this popular Wrigleyville/Lakeview spot.

3343 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 996-9997
(773) 996-9997

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Fried chicken and mac and cheese are shoo-ins with most kids, but Honey Butter Fried Chicken goes even further with a kids meal that includes chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and a sticker sheet for a little entertainment. The restaurant is back open at full capacity.

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-4000
(773) 478-4000

Superkhana International

3059 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Superkhana is an Indian-style restaurant that serves pizzas, grilled cheese, and butter chicken calzones. But for folks who want to brunch with kids, there might not be any finer restaurant in town. Service is friendly and accommodating, there’s plenty of room. And the menu is diverse from French toast to Indo Chinese noodles.

3059 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-9028
(773) 661-9028
The dining room features limewashed brick paneling, wood accents, hanging lights, and booth seating. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Lula Cafe

2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

Chef Jason Hammel’s acclaimed neighborhood restaurant takes care of hungry little ones with an unfussy kids’ menu of baked mac and cheese or chicken tenders, a vegetable side, and a cookie for dessert. Lula is currently open for takeout.

2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-9554
(773) 489-9554

Galit

2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Galit has a James Beard winner, Zach Engel, preparing Israeli and Palestinian favorites with a four-course family-style feast for $79 per adult. This is a great celebratory restaurant, as the management actually won’t deliver death stares at customers for bringing children into the restaurant. Hummus and pita are great for kids, and if customers give the restaurant a head’s up, the staff may even make something a little special for kids. Galit is the kind of restaurant that understands children deserve hospitality, too.

2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-8755
(773) 360-8755
Galit is a friendly choice.
Galit/Sandy Noto

Bocadillo Market

2342 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Chef James Martin takes a creative spin through Spain with Bocadillo Market. Daytime service features sandwiches and coffee with counter service on weekdays, with full-service dinner at night. The weekend brunch is a must for parents with plenty of child-friendly items and serves who are accommodating. The confit duck and waffle is genius, something adults can enjoy and perhaps split with a child.

2342 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 857-0331
(773) 857-0331

The StopAlong

1812 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Kids these days may not know much about the pop-culture glory of the ‘80s and ‘90s, but a visit to family-friendly pizza and burger spot the StopAlong will help fill in that vital knowledge gap. Key references include the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, along with tons of classic toys and arcade games. Check out the wide selection of New York-style pizzas and boozy beverages for grown-ups. They’re soon opening a second location in Logan Square.

1812 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 394-4694
(773) 394-4694

Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern

1655 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60614

Twin Anchors is a Chicago classic, a subterranean dining room with walls covered with memorabilia. The ribs, a North Side classic, are solid with the spicy prohibition sauce. The kids menu offers plenty of options. But to survive this business, the service is important and Twin Anchors staff understands that children are just as important as adults. This is a place to bring the kids and have a cocktail to treat parents and guardians for their hard work.

1655 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 266-1616
(312) 266-1616

Tortello

1746 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

During the warmer months, there’s something magical sitting outside Tortello on their patio along Division Street. When there’s music playing, it feels a bit like Stars Hollow from the Gilmore Girls. Pasta is the name of the game here, and few make it better than this small noodle shop in Wicker Park. This is a great option for a small child where you can put a baby carrier on one of the benches and just enjoy a meal.

1746 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-1293
(773) 360-1293

Related Maps

Lola’s Coney Island

2858 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

This charming Detroit-style hot dog stand is truly a family affair, as owner and Motor City native Jesse Fakhoury named it after his own daughter, Lola. The iconic chili-smothered Coney Dog naturally gets top billing, but the menu also highlights other regional varieties like Chicago dogs (dragged through the garden) and New York-style dogs (sauerkraut or onions or both, spicy brown mustard). Other hits include burgers, malts, and floats.

2858 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-9459
(773) 687-9459

Ed Debevic's

159 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

The resurrection of Ed’s, relocated from River North to Streeterville, is great news for kids. The faux-‘60s diner has been updated. Punk rock mohawks have replaced peace-loving hippy servers. The dancing on tables and “mean” attitude remain the same. As does the quality American diner menu. It’s dependable and well-executed. Everyone needs a little Ed’s in their lives. 

159 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 374-8497
(312) 374-8497

Rose Mary

932 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607

Yes, one of the hottest restaurants in town, Joe Flamm’s Rose Mary, is designed for kids. There’s diaper-changing tables in the bathrooms (originally, the tables were only planned for the women’s bathrooms, but co-owner Kara Callero asserted herself). The small dishes of this Croatian and Italian restaurant are good for nibbles — cevapi should be a hit with meat-eating kids. This restaurant is for daring parents who trust their kids in a bustling environment.

932 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607
(872) 260-3921
(872) 260-3921
An empty dining room Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Greek Islands

200 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661

A trip to Greek Islands is an adventure in itself, especially for young diners who long for more than chicken nuggets. The restaurant is Mediterranean royalty in Chicago, and an ideal venue for novices to learn about the wonders of flaming saganaki, mini pork and chicken kebabs, and pan-fried calamari.

200 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 782-9855
(312) 782-9855

Lou Mitchell's

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

This longtime classic diner in West Loop serves breakfast and lunch with Milk Dud pancakes, chicken fingers, and buttered noodles for children. Adults can eat like a kid too, with thick French toast smothered in syrup and fruit for a sweet start to the day.

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 939-3111
(312) 939-3111

Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605

While pizza might be one of the most essential elements of a kid’s diet, the kids menu at this family-friendly pizzeria in South Loop/Printer’s Row location (they have a retractable roof) also lets little patrons choose from fried shrimp, mini corn dogs, and plenty of pastas in different shapes. There’s also locations in Lincoln Square, West Town, and Old Town.

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 645-4909
(773) 645-4909
A bowl of green pasta
Big Elbow Alfredo (spinach macaroni, peas, spinach, basil, alfredo sauce)
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Eleven City Diner

1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Make kids happy at this classic Jewish deli and ice cream fountain in South Loop. An array of sweet treats including shakes, sundaes, house-made sodas and candy. Mammoth sandwiches, fluffy pancakes, and fried staples all add up to a food paradise for most minors.

1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 212-1112
(312) 212-1112

Joy Yee

2139 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616

This popular pan-Asian spot is best known for its fun and colorful bubble tea and smoothies, and kids can pick out their own fruits and toppings to make an extra-special drink just for them. The food menu features oodles of noodles, as well as protein and rice dishes, soups, and dumplings. Additional outposts are located in University Village and suburban Evanston.

2139 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 328-0001
(312) 328-0001

Holu

2101 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60616

Inside 88 Marketplace in East Pilsen, Holu brings a refreshing vibe to the stale American steakhouse formula. Everything is served family style, from the meats grilled table side to the plates of rice and sides. This proves advantageous for picky eaters. They can take what they want — parents won’t have to quiz the children. Seeing the food cook also gives children a little bit of a show. The smoke will be a problem for some (as well as the tableside grills for energetic kids), but the staff is totally accommodating for stroller and high chair use (at least during off-peak times, come in at 8 p.m. Friday and you’ll deserve what you get). The food is beautifully plated, and might be the closest parents get to fine dining until they’re comfy with a babysitter. 

2101 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 291-8472
(312) 291-8472

Antique Taco Bridgeport

1000 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609

Antique Taco, with locations in Bridgeport and Wicker Park, is a great space for gourmet tacos inside a room that’s friendly. It’s a no-nonsense experience where customers are in and out quickly. 

1000 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 823-9410
(773) 823-9410

Ascione Bistro

1500 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615

Diners of all ages get excited about this comfortable yet stylish Italian restaurant in Hyde Park. Thoughtful menu options range from handmade pastas (also available gluten-free) and juicy meatballs to salmon coated in lemon butter. There’s a covered and heated patio plus indoor dining.

1500 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 363-8161
(773) 363-8161

Related Maps