When it comes to planning a family trip to Chicago, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to eat. As a parent, you know that a hungry kid can quickly turn a fun day into a disaster, and finding a restaurant that pleases both kids and adults can be a challenge. But fear not, dear parent! Chicago is a city that loves kids, and there are plenty of amazing restaurants that cater to families.
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In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago. From classic American diners to ethnic eateries and sweet treat shops, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite on-the-go or a sit-down meal that’s sure to impress, we’ve got you covered.
What to Expect
In the following sections, we’ll highlight some of the top kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago, including:
- Favorites for picky eaters
- Restaurants with play areas and activities
- Spots for a special treat or dessert
- Places with healthy and kid-friendly menu options
So, sit back, relax, and get ready to plan a delicious and stress-free dining experience for your whole family in the Windy City!
Where to Eat in Chicago with Kids
Chicago is a fantastic city to visit with kids, with its world-class museums, iconic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods. But when it comes to dining out, it can be challenging to find restaurants that cater to families with kids. Fear not, dear parents! We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Chicago with kids, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants that welcome little ones.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Starting the day off right with a delicious breakfast or brunch is a must when traveling with kids. Here are some kid-friendly breakfast and brunch spots in Chicago: (See Also: Where To Eat In Oia Santorini)
- The Original Pancake House: With multiple locations throughout the city, this beloved breakfast chain serves up fluffy pancakes, waffles, and omelets that kids love. Plus, they have a kid’s menu with fun options like “Pancake Puppies” (pancake bites with syrup and butter).
- Wildberry Cafe: This popular breakfast spot in the Lincoln Park neighborhood offers a kid-friendly menu with options like scrambled eggs, pancakes, and French toast. They also have a fun atmosphere with a play area and coloring sheets to keep kids entertained.
- The Bongo Room: This trendy brunch spot in Wicker Park has a fun atmosphere and a menu that kids will love, with options like pancakes, waffles, and sandwiches. They also have a “Little Bongo” menu for kids under 10.
Lunch and Dinner Spots
When it comes to lunch and dinner, you’ll want to find restaurants that offer a variety of options that kids will enjoy. Here are some kid-friendly lunch and dinner spots in Chicago:
- Gino’s East: This classic Italian restaurant in River North has been a Chicago staple for over 50 years. Kids love the pasta dishes, pizza, and meatball subs, and the atmosphere is lively and fun.
- Pizzeria Uno: Another Chicago institution, Pizzeria Uno has been serving up deep-dish pizza since 1943. Kids love the pizza, and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming.
- The Purple Pig: This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in the Magnificent Mile area has a fun atmosphere and a menu that kids will love, with options like burgers, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
- River North’s Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab: This upscale seafood restaurant may not seem like an obvious choice for kids, but they have a kid’s menu with options like fish sticks, grilled cheese, and mac and cheese. Plus, the atmosphere is lively and fun.
Family-Friendly Chains
Sometimes, it’s just easier to stick with what you know and love. Here are some family-friendly chain restaurants in Chicago that are sure to please:
- The Rainforest Cafe: This themed restaurant in the River North area is a kid’s paradise, with animatronic animals, waterfalls, and a volcano that erupts every 30 minutes. The menu is kid-friendly, with options like burgers, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
- The Cheesecake Factory: With multiple locations throughout the city, this chain restaurant is a kid’s dream come true, with a vast menu that includes everything from burgers to pasta to salads. And of course, no meal is complete without a slice of their famous cheesecake.
- Buca di Beppo: This family-style Italian restaurant has multiple locations throughout the city and is a great option for families with kids. The menu is kid-friendly, with options like pasta, pizza, and meatballs, and the atmosphere is lively and fun.
Tips for Dining Out with Kids in Chicago
Dining out with kids can be challenging, but with a few tips and tricks, you can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone:
- Make a reservation: Many restaurants in Chicago are popular and can be crowded, especially on weekends. Make a reservation to ensure that you get a table at a time that works for your family.
- Choose restaurants with kid-friendly menus: Look for restaurants that have menus specifically designed for kids, with options like burgers, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese.
- Bring entertainment: Bring along coloring books, crayons, and small toys to keep kids entertained while you wait for your food.
- Be prepared for messes: Accidents can happen, so be prepared with wipes, bibs, and a change of clothes (just in case!).
- Take advantage of outdoor seating: When the weather is nice, take advantage of outdoor seating areas, which can be a great way to keep kids entertained and active while you dine.
Neighborhoods with Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Some neighborhoods in Chicago are more kid-friendly than others, with a higher concentration of family-friendly restaurants and activities. Here are some neighborhoods to consider:
- Lincoln Park: This upscale neighborhood is home to many family-friendly restaurants, including Wildberry Cafe and The Purple Pig. It’s also close to the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
- River North: This neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, but it’s also home to many family-friendly restaurants, including Gino’s East and The Rainforest Cafe. It’s also close to the Navy Pier and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
- Wicker Park: This trendy neighborhood is home to many family-friendly restaurants, including The Bongo Room and Big Star. It’s also close to the Wicker Park Playground and the Chicago Avenue Pedestrian Mall.
Recap
In conclusion, Chicago is a fantastic city to visit with kids, with a wide range of family-friendly restaurants to choose from. From casual eateries to upscale restaurants, there’s something for every taste and budget. By choosing restaurants with kid-friendly menus, making reservations, and being prepared for messes, you can make dining out with kids a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Happy eating! (See Also: Where To Eat In Tuscon)
| Restaurant | Location | Kid-Friendly Menu Options |
|---|---|---|
| The Original Pancake House | Multiple locations | Pancakes, waffles, omelets, kid’s menu |
| Wildberry Cafe | Lincoln Park | Scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast, kid’s menu |
| The Bongo Room | Wicker Park | Pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, “Little Bongo” menu |
| Gino’s East | River North | Pasta dishes, pizza, meatball subs, kid’s menu |
| Pizzeria Uno | Multiple locations | Deep-dish pizza, kid’s menu |
| The Purple Pig | River North | Burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, kid’s menu |
| River North’s Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | River North | Fish sticks, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, kid’s menu |
| The Rainforest Cafe | River North | Burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, kid’s menu |
| The Cheesecake Factory | Multiple locations | Burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, salads, kid’s menu |
| Buca di Beppo | Multiple locations | Pasta, pizza, meatballs, family-style menu |
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your dining adventures in Chicago with kids. Happy eating!
Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in Chicago with Kids
Are there any kid-friendly restaurants in downtown Chicago?
Yes, there are many kid-friendly restaurants in downtown Chicago. Some popular options include Rainforest Cafe, Ed Debevic’s, and American Girl Cafe. These restaurants offer a fun atmosphere and menus that kids will love. Additionally, many restaurants in the downtown area have outdoor seating areas where kids can run around while parents relax.
What are some good restaurants near Navy Pier that are suitable for families?
Navy Pier has a variety of restaurants that are perfect for families. Some popular options include Billy Goat Tavern, Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. These restaurants offer a range of menu options and a fun atmosphere that kids will enjoy. You can also consider packing a picnic lunch and enjoying it in the park area near Navy Pier.
Can I bring my stroller into a restaurant in Chicago?
Most restaurants in Chicago are stroller-friendly, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm. Some restaurants may have limited space or require you to fold up your stroller, so it’s better to check ahead of time. Additionally, many restaurants have high chairs and booster seats available for young children. (See Also: Where To Eat In San Fernando Pampanga)
Are there any restaurants in Chicago that offer kids’ menus?
Yes, many restaurants in Chicago offer kids’ menus that are specifically designed for children. These menus often feature kid-friendly favorites like mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and burgers. Some popular restaurants that offer kids’ menus include The Berghoff, Gino’s East, and Lou Mitchell’s.
Can I request a table with a view at a Chicago restaurant?
Yes, many restaurants in Chicago offer tables with a view, especially those located near Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. If you’re looking for a table with a view, be sure to request it when you make your reservation. Some popular restaurants with great views include The Signature Room at the 95th, The Purple Pig, and The Gage.
