Eating out with kids is an opportunity for children to try new textures and flavors, practice their table manners, and spend time together as a family in a new space. It can be an even more enjoyable experience when the restaurant is welcoming to younger diners. Restaurants with special menus, flexible seating, and early hours are a boon for families with children.
When you’re a parent in Chicago, you’re always on the lookout for a family-friendly restaurant with an atmosphere that kids love. Setting aside time for a family to share a meal together can make any night a special occasion. Kids can put on a new outfit, show off a spiffy haircut, and spend an evening out on the town.
Parents at The Gardner School of Bucktown, The Gardner School of Lincoln Park, and The Gardner School of West Loop gave us their top picks for successful family dining in Chicago. After you’ve spent an exciting day exploring all that Chicago has to offer, find a table at one of the following restaurants. These kid-friendly establishments will provide a delicious end to the perfect day. If you’ve been to more than a few of them, you’re definitely a Chicago parent!
Forno Rosso
It’s an international law of the universe that kids love pizza. At Forno Rosso, adults get just as excited about what comes to the table. They serve up authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with some awesome flavor combinations. Kids love watching the paper-thin pies enter the big brick oven, especially if they’re Chicago natives. After all, it’s not easy to find a pizza this thin in the Land of Deep Dish. After feasting on pizza, it would be a shame not to stay for dessert, with handmade Italian treats that range from cannoli to spumoni. Mangiano!
Hollywood Grill
This colorful diner is open around the clock, 365 days a year, making it an excellent choice for early-rising kiddos ready to munch. With fun decor and famously friendly servers, the whole family will feel at home here. They offer a kid’s menu with classic American comfort food, as well as breakfast options all day. And with special kids’ meals for $2.49 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Hollywood Grill is a reasonable dinner option for Chicago families.
Little Goat Diner
Culinary wizard and Top Chef winner Steph Izard brings her innovative cuisine from The Girl and The Goat to a more casual setting at Little Goat. Especially on the weekends, you’ll find tables filled with young families ready for one of the best brunches in Chicago. Breakfast is served all day, and kids can choose from fluffy pancakes or delectable egg dishes. The sunny, eclectic ambiance and bakery next door all add up to the perfect Saturday morning.
Stella Barra
Take pizza night up a notch with a visit to this artisanal pizzeria. The incredible menu of creative, inspired pizzas will make your mouth water, and the accessible array of kid’s choices will make the little ones happy, too. Parents love the happy hour here, because from 4 to 6 p.m., the chef at Stella Barra offers kids a chance to make their own pizzas right up at the pizza bar while moms and dads can enjoy a delicious cocktail.
Marcello’s
Started in 1947 as a tiny father- and son-run pizzeria, Marcello’s expanded to three locations but remains family-run. This trio of family-built restaurants definitely prioritizes the families who come to dine with them. They still have incredible thin-crust pizza and their famous “broasted chicken,” and they’ve expanded their menu to include pastas, sandwiches, and salads, all at reasonable prices. There’s something for everyone at any Marcello’s location. Parents love the ample parking that allows them to bring the family in. They can enjoy a leisurely meal without worrying about feeding the meter. With so many menu options, even a family with varying preferences will find something to hit the spot for everyone.
The Madison Bar & Kitchen
Our parents love the laid-back atmosphere at The Madison Bar & Kitchen. Its fast-paced service is perfect for when you have a hungry crew to feed. They have a large and super affordable children’s menu, with a separate gluten-free menu for kiddos with wheat allergies or sensitivities. While it’s walk-in friendly, you can always book a table ahead of time online, making this restaurant an especially convenient choice for families on the go.
Rainforest Cafe
This unique restaurant is definitely geared toward families, and the décor is just as appealing as the food. Kids will feel like they’re embarking on a safari in this jungle-themed cafe. They can enjoy dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, and dessert comes in the form of a chocolate volcano. Perfect for parties, Rainforest Cafe offers an adventurous experience right in the heart of downtown Chicago.
WestEnd
Kids love the lively atmosphere and sports focus at WestEnd. Even young Chicago sports fans enjoy supporting their team together with a group of people. Kids can grab a soda and some wings, while watching as their parents and siblings cheer on a hometown team. WestEnd is also known for hosting kid-friendly events that are a big draw for the under-10 crowd. Their annual Meet and Greet with Disney On Ice characters always brings the house down.
Summer House Santa Monica
Housed in a light-filled room with high ceilings and hanging ferns, Summer House recreates the magic of Southern California even in the dead of a Chicago winter. Using seasonal and local ingredients, trained chefs create fare that’s inspired by California but with a Midwestern heart. Kids can choose from quesadillas, burgers, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, or the ever-popular Breakfast for Dinner option. Chicago parents love that a portion of the proceeds from every child’s meal benefits the No Kid Hungry charity. Parents can feel good about supporting other children while feeding their own, and it helps families start a conversation about everyday activities that give back to others.
Tuco and Blondie
This family-friendly taco spot hosts special events for kids almost every week. They serve killer tacos that consist of a soft cloud of fresh tortilla piled high with the meat of your choice. Even better are their sizzling fajitas, served with everything: rice, beans, and guac. Savvy parents know that just like at its sister restaurant Crosby’s, kids eat free from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., and they finish every meal with a kid-sized ice cream cone.
Crosby’s Kitchen
This family-friendly diner offers Midwestern-inspired comfort food that’s sure to please. The staff are very accommodating to children and work hard to make sure they have a good time. You can’t go wrong with their dinner menu, and definitely give brunch a try—no one can get enough of their signature monkey bread! Chicago parents know the best part of Crosby’s: kids eat free from 4 to 6 p.m., every single day of the week.
Epic Burger
With 8 locations across the Chicagoland area, this burger joint does things a little differently. They’re famous for providing meat that’s locally and ethically sourced, raised without antibiotics or hormones, and free of preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, nitrates, phosphates, and other additives. At Epic, you can rest assured that your kiddos are biting into a healthy alternative to traditional fast food offerings. For kids with dietary restrictions, they also offer burgers made from turkeys, vegetables, chicken, and mushrooms so that everyone can enjoy a delicious meal, no matter what.
A Chicago Preschool That Helps You Grow Healthy Kids
The Gardner School locations in Chicago are committed to keeping kids healthy and happy. We use a variety of learning tools to help children understand the importance of healthy eating during the school day at our Bucktown, West Loop, and Lincoln Park locations. We offer cooking enrichment classes and help our students learn about health and nutrition. In the Kids’ Café, our little ones develop healthy eating habits in a space that’s set apart just for them.
With a healthy mix of structured enrichment and free play, we give children the guidance they need to start learning healthy habits as soon as they’re ready. To learn more about why Chicago parents choose The Gardner School, visit our website or schedule a tour today.
