Looking for the perfect family-friendly restaurant in Chicago for a meal out? The factors that make an eatery family friendly and popular among parents vary and include everything from amenities like stroller parking and available highchairs to a diverse and robust kids’ menu that appeals to even the pickiest eaters.
Chicago’s food culture abounds with relaxed and accessible places that make dining out with kids of all ages just a little easier. We’ve chosen some of the most popular among parents and kids of all ages, most with things in common like reasonable prices, great service and a welcoming atmosphere.
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- Find the Best Restaurants in Chicago
- 33 Most Family-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago
Find the Best Restaurants in Chicago
Picking a favorite restaurant for family dining can be difficult, with many considerations of menu offerings, noise-levels, accommodating service and comfort. One of the best ways to explore a number of new possible favorites is to take one of many food tours in Chicago, which allow you to sample new family-friendly restaurants in Chicago more efficiently than just awaiting the opportunity for a regular visit. You may also find some of the best restaurants in Chicago for taking even the youngest diners along.
33 Most Family-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago
1. Crosby's Kitchen
This casual Lakeview eatery is one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Chicago if you are looking for a place that accommodates large groups in style.
The Vibe
The interior of Crosby’s kitchen is large and expansive, making it a great family-friendly restaurant in Chicago for parents with strollers. Expect kid-friendly elements like step stools and booster seats for little ones amid a relaxed yet stylish interior with comfy booths and large tables.
What to Order
Kids will love the skillet cookie topped with ice cream. Kids also eat free from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Options on their kids menu include French toast, grilled cheese and buttered noodles.
Crosby’s Kitchen | 3455 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 | $$
2. Community Tavern
This Portage Park restaurant is known for being a family-friendly restaurant in Chicago that offers a mix of Pan Asian and American classics.
The Vibe
The interior of Community Tavern is elegant and upscale but with a friendly laid back atmosphere that includes elegant chandeliers, marble table tops and lots of old world memorabilia and decor touches.
What to Order
Kids eat free midweek and on Sundays with an adult minimum of $16. While the menu at this family-friendly Chicago restaurant has a lot of Pan Asian favorites, it is also known for excellent burgers, ideal if you're looking forChicago foods to keep fussy palates happy. The kids menu also includes a chicken and rice stir fry and grilled cheese.
Community Tavern | 4038 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60641 | $$
3. Ed Debevic’s
Located in River North, Ed Debevics is known as a fun family-friendly restaurant in Chicago that mixes mid-century nostalgia with snappy, snarky servers who provide laughs and entertainment.
The Vibe
The 1950s prevails, with wait staff decked in period costumes and the walls with classic Americana memorabilia. The fun atmosphere and dancing waitstaff makes it a popular family-friendly restaurant for Chicago locals.
What to Order
The kids menu is filled with more basic versions of the restaurant’s usual fare like hamburger, hot dogs, fries and chicken tenders.
Ed Debevic’s | 159 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611 | $$
4. Lou Mitchell's
A classic downtown diner destination,Lou Mitchellshas been in business for many decades, making a great family-friendly restaurant in Chicago’s loop if you’re visiting Downtown.
The Vibe
The atmosphere is lively and filled with early Chicago nostalgia. Cozy booths and counter stools invite long stretches lingering over coffee or a meal.
What to Order
The kids menu features the famous Milk Dud pancakes, chicken fingers and buttered noodles.
Lou Mitchell’s| 565 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60661 | $$
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This popular Lincoln Square spot is one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Chicago serving up pasta and other American favorites.
The Vibe
The interior ofThe Warbleris light, bright and contemporary, with an emphasis on casual laid-back dining that ensures its reputation as a kid-friendly restaurant in Chicago.
What to Order
While there isn't a separate kids menu, there are many simple classic pasta dishes that are sure to be a hit with little ones, as are many of the indulgent desserts. The restaurant also has a weekday early evening Supper Club special for $27 per person with kids under nine eating free.
The Warbler| 535 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625 | $$
6. Irene's Finer Diner
This North Center family-friendly restaurant in Chicago offers a dose of 50s and 60s nostalgia complete with a promise of farm-fresh and well-sourced meats.
The Vibe
The dining room of Irene’s Finer Diner has high chairs and boosters, as well as a patient and attentive wait staff.
What to Order
Order off the kids menu, where you will find daily pancakes, French toast sticks and grilled cheese served with fruit, breakfast potatoes or fries.
Irene’s Finer Diner | 2012 Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618 | $$
7. The StopAlong
Rooted in 60s and 90s nostalgia and pop culture, this family-friendly restaurant in Chicago is equally popular among adults who lived through the decades and youngsters encountering them for the first time.
The Vibe
Brightly colored with touches like fun murals, neon, classic toys and video games, The StopLAong will make you feel like a kid again at this kid-friendly restaurant in Chicago.
What to Order
Burgers and pizzas prevail, with many pies themed around late 20th century entertainment gems like “Animal House” and “The Goonies.”
The StopAlong | 1812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647| $$
8. Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar
Located in Lakeview, this family-friendly restaurant in Chicago offers kids a chance to eat free from 4-6 p.m. every day of the week.
The Vibe
A mix of sleek contemporary style with old school Italian flavor, Frasca pizzeria offers a laid back and spacious interior dining room perfect for larger families or groups.
What to Order
The kids menu at this family-friendly restaurant in Chicago features cheese pizza, buttered noodles and grilled cheese, as well as dessert options like a popular root beer float.
Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar | 3358 N. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60657 | $$
9. Margie’s Candies
In business for just over 100 years, this classic ice cream parlor offers both nostalgia and sweet treats, making it a great family-friendly restaurant in Chicago for dessert or afternoon ice cream runs.
The Vibe
The interior is wood-paneled and cozy at Margie’s Candies, with tons of vintage memorabilia collected over the course of a century. It can get quite busy on weekends, so expect a lively environment.
What to Order
The large sundaes and banana splits are sure to be a hit among young ones, as will the selection of chocolates, pretzels, shakes and malts.
Margie's Candies | 1960 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 | $$
10. Pinstripes
This fun entertainment-focused spot melds Italian dishes with activities like bocce ball and bowling, making it a great family-friendly restaurant in Chicago if you're looking for a fun activity night that goes beyond a good meal.
The Vibe
The chic loft space of the dining room at Pinstripes gives way to bowling alleys and courts, as well as a selection of arcade games.
What to Order
Little ones will love their wood-fired pizzas and pasta, but may be distracted from the food by the fun activities on offer at this family-friendly restaurant in Chicago.
Pinstripes | 435 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611 | $$
11. Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Located in Avondale, this family-friendly restaurant in Chicago offers a delicious take on an all-time classic childhood favorite — chicken strips!
The Vibe
The atmosphere is fun and casual atHoney Butter Fried Chicken, with meals served on sturdy and unbreakable trays and baskets.They also have sticker sheets on hand for entertainment.
What to Order
The famous boneless chicken strips are only $12 and come with a side of your choice, including the eatery’s famous mac and cheese and a corn muffin.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken| 3361 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 | $$
12. Rose Mary
One of the most in-demand and on-trend eateries, you might be surprised to find that Rose Mary is also one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Chicago due to small and important touches.
The Vibe
This bustling spot features amenities like diaper changing stations in the restrooms and a general feeling of liveliness that pays no mind to fussy infants or toddlers.
What to Order
The menu focuses on Croatian and Italian fare and small plates that are great for sampling, whatever your age and experience with gourmet cuisine. Menu items include cevapi, pork ribs and pastas.
Rose Mary | 932 W. Fulton St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$$
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A more casual sibling to Stephanie Izard’s famous Girl and the Goat, the Little Goat Diner is a great family-friendly Chicago restaurant with a kids menu and approachable dishes made with high quality and expertly sourced ingredients.
The Vibe
The wood paneled interior is bright and well-lit, with a bustling environment that is kid-friendly and laid back.
What to Order
The kids menu features classics like chicken fingers, nachos and classic American desserts for simpler palates. That said, this family-friendly Chicago restaurant invites young ones to sample dishes like Japanese savory pancakes or chili chicken and dumplings, because you never know!
Little Goat Diner | 3325 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 | $$
14. Daisies
The emphasis is on pastries and pasta at this Milwaukee Avenue eatery, making it a great family-friendly restaurant in Chicago if you are looking for some of the best buttered noodles in the city.
The Vibe
Industrial style décor accents and open space dominates Daisies, where families have plenty of room to spread out.
What to Order
During the day, enjoy excellent pastries and coffee. At dinner, Daisies turns into a full-service family-friendly Chicago restaurant, offering handmade pastas as well as appetizers like housemade chips and onion dip. It also has a great selection of non-alcoholic co*cktails.
Daisies | 2375 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 | $$
15. R.J. Grunts
Located near the Lincoln Park Zoo,R.J. Gruntsis the perfect family-friendly Chicago restaurant to stop for lunch or dinner after a day among the animals.
The Vibe
A stroller valet and complimentary coloring pages and animal crackers make the ding experience at this family-friendly restaurant in Chicago an excellent place to bring young children. Meals are served on school cafeteria-like trays for a fun, nostalgic experience.
What to Order
Classics like hamburgers, cheeseburgers, mac and cheese and chicken strips are available for kids, as well as the ever-popular chocolate shakes.
R.J. Grunts| 2056 N. Lincoln Park W., Chicago, IL 60614 | $$
16. Superdawg Drive-In
One of the city’s most distinctive signs, Superdawg’s dancing hot dogs have been reigning over in-car drive-in diners for decades. The in-car dining is perfect if you want to corral the kids inside the car, making it a handy family-friendly restaurant in Chicago.
The Vibe
While most diner’s eat in their cars amid the bright and colorful neon-lit parking lot, the restaurant also has limited counter and table seating inside.
What to Order
Hot dogs are a speciality here, but your kids can also order shakes and classic burgers and fries.
Superdawg | 6363 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60646 | $
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Located in Lincoln Park, Gemini Bistro offers one of the most sophisticated kids menus and mocktail selections, making it a perfect family-friendly restaurant in Chicago if you’re looking for lots of options.
The Vibe
The wide, open dining room with wood-beamed ceilings and chic décor of Gemini Bistro offers large tables perfect for big groups. It’s also located near the Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s worth bearing in mind that this family-friendly Chicago restaurant can get quite busy on weekends during the summer, such is its popularity.
What to Order
The kids’ menu offers gems like a Monterey jack cheeseburger on brioche and a cavatappi mac and cheese. Orders come with a choice of sweet potatoes, fries or Brussel’s sprouts. For dessert, something chocolatey is sure to delight the little ones!
Gemini Bistro | 2075 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 | $$
18. Eleven City Diner
Located in the South Loop, this downtown favorite’s fun and lively environment makes it a perfect family-friendly restaurant in Chicago if you’re looking for good food at an affordable price point Downtown.
The Vibe
The large and expansive lofted space of Eleven City Diner features classic diner-style touches and memorabilia like neon signs and a soda and candy counter. It also has grab-and-go options at the deli counter.
What to Order
Breakfast is available all day, along with sliders, chicken fingers and ice cream floats which are sure to win over children and adults of any age.
Eleven City Diner | 1112 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605 | $$
19. Old Pueblo Cantina
This fun family-friendly restaurant in Chicago offers Mexican regional cuisine and a laid-back environment perfect for family dining in Lincoln Park.
The Vibe
Bright warm colors and Mexican cultural accents fill a cozy and welcoming space for all ages atOld Pueblo Cantina.
What to Order
The $10.95 kids menu features quesadillas, rice and chicken and steak tacos with pineapple.
Old Pueblo Cantina| 200 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 | $$
20. Sweet Mandy B’s
This Lincoln Park bakery is legendary throughout the city for its baked treats and cozy pastel-colored interior, making it a great family-friendly restaurant in Chicago to stop for dessert.
The Vibe
Soft colors at Sweet Mandy B’s complement a selection of decadent and delightful treats of all persuasions that can be enjoyed inside or taken to-go.
What to Order
Sweet Mandy B’s offers cakes, muffins, pies, brownies and other desserts that are sure to appeal to kids of any age. It also makes great birthday cakes with lots of flavor varieties.
Sweet Mandy B’s | Multiple Locations | $$
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This popular chain has many locations throughout the city, making it a great family-friendly restaurant in Chicago for a quick and convenient bite or an on-the-go meal.
The Vibe
The interiors ofShake Shackare typically designed for streamlined service, so they are often light and bright with a cafeteria feel.
What to Order
Kid’s options include hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and hamburgers, as well as the chain’s famous shakes.
Shake Shack| Multiple Locations | $
22. Old Irving Brewing
This family-friendly restaurant in Chicago is tucked in among Portage Park’s neighborhood of family homes and specializes in sandwiches, burgers and fried finger foods.
The Vibe
The brick interior and barrels of beer lining Old Irving Brewing create a casual and laid back atmosphere for patron’s of all ages.
What to Order
A family-friendly Chicago restaurant for those who don’t want to break the bank, kids meals here are less than $10 and include options like cheeseburgers, buttered noodles and chicken tenders. There is also a great selection of ice cream, made on-site.
Old Irving Brewing | 4419 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60641| $$
23. PB&J: Pizza, Beer & Jukebox
While it turns into a popular late-night venue for adults, during the day, this West Loop pizzeria is a great family-friendly restaurant in Chicago.
The Vibe
The interior dining room atPB&Jis chic and industrial with numerous glowing beer signs and a tavern-like feel.
What to Order
Try the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or one of the restaurant’s famous pizzas topped with mac and cheese.
PB&J| 205 N. Peoria St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
24. Avli on the Park
This Greek family-friendly restaurant in Chicago is located just off Millennium Park, making it a great stop after ice skating, playing, exploring the lakefront or other fun things to do in Chicago.
The Vibe
The large and beautiful dining space at Avli on the Park looks out over the city from the vantage of Lakeshore East, with a dining room that is both stylish and accommodating of groups of all ages — just what you want from a family-friendly Chicago restaurant.
What to Order
Kids will love the basic chicken pasta or chicken skewers and pita. There is also an excellent selection of desserts like baklava ice cream or banana pudding.
Avli on the Park | 180 N. Field Blvd., Chicago, IL 60601 | $$$
25. Native Foods
Perfect for those with a limited or vegan diet, this family-friendly restaurant in Chicago offers plant-based kid friendly menu options.
The Vibe
The colorful and open interiorNative Foodsis a perfect stop for a quick casual bite or takeout.
What to Order
Try plant-based child favorites like burgers, quesadillas, chicken tenders and mac and cheese.
Native Foods | 218 S. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60604 | $$
26. Lucky Strike Social
Another option to pair food with recreational fun for the whole family, Lucky Strike features a bowling alley and over 100 retro and modern games, including air hockey and pinball. The Streeterville location is also attached to an AMC Theater, perfect if you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant in Chicago before heading to the movies.
The Vibe
Enjoy the games in a casual brewpub-like atmosphere. It can be bustling during busy weekends, and chilled and subdued on weekdays and nights, making this a perfect family-friendly restaurant in Chicago if you’re looking for a long afternoon or evening out.
What to Order
The menu features various sandwiches and burgers, as well as kid-friendly appetizers like mac and cheese bites and boneless wings. The funnel cake fries for dessert are sure to be a hit.
Lucky Strike Social | 322 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611 | $$
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With two popular locations in the city in East Village and Printer's Row, this family-friendly restaurant in Chicago serves up both classic pizzas and innovative combinations.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at Roots is casual and laid back and kids can watch the pizza made through a giant viewing window into the kitchen.
What to Order
While pizza is a specialty here, you can also order various pastas, mini corn dogs and fried shrimp from a menu of kid-friendly options where kids eat free with any $20 adult purchase.
Roots Handmade Pizza | Multiple Locations | $$
28. American Girl Place Café
American Girl doll lovers will love the chance to dine with dollies amid the excitement of the large Water Tower Place store. It’s also a great family-friendly restaurant in Chicago for a girls’ day out.
The Vibe
The bright and cheery café atAmerican Girl Placeis designed with the young in mind, featuring place settings for the dolls as well as a doll salon.
What to Order
You will find a menu of American favorites like burgers, sandwiches and perennial favorites like chicken tenders alongside a great selection of desserts.
American Girl Place Cafe| 835 Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 | $$$
Book a Gourmet Cooking Class Now Kick-start your culinary confidence with help from a world-class chef. See what's cooking in your city today. Book Now29. Smoke Daddy
Located in Wicker Park, this family-friendly restaurant in Chicago can’t be beaten for classic barbeque and smoked favorites.
The Vibe
A great stop anytime of day, whether whiling away an afternoon onSmoke Daddy’s large patio or in the low-lit and casual pub-style dining room.
What to Order
The kids menu features burgers, a pulled-meat sandwich, fries and other favorites served with a scoop of ice cream.
Smoke Daddy| 1804 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622 | $$
30. The Perch Kitchen and Tap
This Wicker Park favorite family-friendly restaurant in Chicago lets kids eat free daily between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The Vibe
The bright and large dining room at Perch kitchen and Tap can accommodate larger groups or parties amid its lofted, barn-like feel.
What to Order
Kids will love the menu filled with cheesy eggs, peanut butter and jelly and classic grilled cheese. Each dinner comes with a drink and free ice cream.
Perch Kitchen and Tap | 1932 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622 | $$
31. Spacca Napoli
While it doesn’t have a dedicated kid’s menu, Spacca Napoli goes out of its way to invite families with kids of all ages to enjoy its famous Neapolitan pizzas, making it a great family-friendly restaurant in Chicago.
The Vibe
With an open kitchen and a good view of the wood-fired oven, diners can enjoy the spacious and relaxed dining room filled with rustic Italian accents.
What to Order
Kids will love many of the pizzas, but the adults in the party can also enjoy co*cktails, pastas, appetizers and sweet treats like peaches Vesuvio and panna cotta.
Spacca Napoli | 1769 W. Sunnyside Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 | $$
32. Wildfire
The service is excellent at Wildfire, with an eye toward accommodating younger patrons so the adults can kick back and enjoy the dining experience.
The Vibe
The dining room at Wildfire is both large and cozy with dark wood and low lighting, which makes it a delightful family-friendly restaurant if you’re looking for a romantic night but can’t quite find a sitter and have to bring everyone along.
What to Order
You can find classic burgers and kid favorites like chicken fingers amid a menu of more sophisticated fare like prime rib or filet mignon, perfect for the adults.
Wildfire | Multiple Locations | $$$
33. Smoque Barbecue
This go-to in Pulaski Park is the perfect place to bring kids if you’re looking to sample some of the best barbeque in Chicago.
The Vibe
The environment of Smoque Barbecue has a tavern feel and a relaxed vibe, making it a perfect family-friendly restaurant in Chicago if you’re looking to introduce the family to classic barbeque fare.
What to Order
The kids menu includes a smaller serving of brisket or pulled pork sandwiches accompanied by mac and cheese.
Smoque Barbecue | 3800 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60641 | $$
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Whether you're looking for a fast in-and-out dining experience or prefer to linger while the entire family enjoys a lengthy meal, the Windy City has much to offer in terms of great kids’ menus, friendly staff and relaxed environments.
In other words, there is an abundance of family-friendly restaurants in Chicago. All that’s left for you and your clan to decide is where you’ll stop first on your next Chicago adventure.
For even more ways to explore Chicago and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
