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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

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Kid-friendly restaurants are beloved by parents.
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Warning: The following list isn’t a golden ticket. There’s no guarantee that these restaurants will satiate your little one. What this list can provide, hopefully, is a fighting chance. To perhaps increase the probability of a good meal with limited chances of a meltdown, with menus offering enough variety to support picky eaters. And diaper changing tables and high chairs — you’ll need those. Every kid is different with dynamic tastes — one size doesn’t fit all. But armed with this list, you’ll be surrounded by an empathetic staff and good food. A glass of wine won’t hurt, either.

Pizza is great, but this list wants to offer families and friends more. Chicago isn’t Europe where children are openly welcomed at fine dining restaurants without judgey hosts and servers only interested in upcharging guests for booze (sorry, kids don’t drink!). You can spot the irritated American diner, disturbed by the mere sight of a child. While a trip to Ever or Alinea with a toddler isn’t advised, perhaps there’s common ground. Even The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri says so, telling IMDB that while restaurants should be judicious about letting kids in all the time, “maybe if we let them in restaurants they’ll know how to act?”

Wise words, Sydney. Wise words.

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Superdawg Drive-In

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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. 

A carhop with tray of food hanging from a door and drive-in menu. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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.

Smoque BBQ

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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.

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.

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.

A diner has always been a good call for kids, and they’re better when the menu strays from Western classics. Cebu, which will eventually launch dinner service, is a bright and open space with tons of fun pastries for light snacks. This Filipino American restaurant also serves fun pancakes, fried chicken, and one of the greatest gifts adults can give kids: lumpia. 

French toast
If the kids enjoy sugar, Cebu has them covered.
Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

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.

The dining room features limewashed brick paneling, wood accents, hanging lights, and booth seating. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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.

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.

Galit is a friendly choice.
Galit/Sandy Noto

Daisies

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Daisies is one of the best all-around restaurants in Chicago, providing coffee and pastries during the day with counter-service lunch in the afternoon, and morphing into a full-service restaurant at night. Kids are welcome during the day, and at night, adults who score early reservations will find a great dining experience with plenty of noodles and other dishes they can enjoy alongside their young ones. There is a children’s menu with buttered noodles made on-site. Kids love noodles and these might be the best they ever eat in Chicago. The spread-out space also gives kids a chance to walk around when meltdowns are on the horizon. Daisies was Eater Chicago’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year.

Daisies in yellow neon. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

DeNuccis

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This Lincoln Park Italian American restaurant lies inside a rehabilitated tavern and features a children’s menu, crayons for kids, and a friendly staff. While folks can take their little ones anywhere for pizza, DeNuccis’ menu offers enough variety for adults who actually don’t want pizza. This is big for folks tired of the children’s birthday circuit where pizza is inevitable.

The exterior of DeNucci restaurant in daylight. Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

Family-owned businesses usually show the most empathy for families with youngsters. Irazu, which specializes in Costa Rican food, checks that box. The menu has plenty of finger foods — fried plantains might be enough to entice picky eaters; ceviche might help junior challenge their taste buds. The pressed sandwiches are good for little hands, and adults can ask staff to omit ingredients to sate their little ones.

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.

Ponce, Puerto Rican Restaurant

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This Puerto Rican restaurant on Division Street is open for breakfast and lunch. The service is warm and welcoming; they won’t shame adults if their kid spills their food. The breakfast buffet is famous, and the jibaritos are top-notch. There’s also a full espresso bar for cafe con leche and more.

French toast served with powdered sugar, sliced bananas and strawberries.
Ponce’s French toast.
Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

Rudy’s Ramen

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A neighborhood favorite, just east of Wicker Park in Noble Square, the menu is no-frills, but the flavors are large and the space is comfortable. Many ramen shops are cramped or a little divey — Rudy’s is not. The hospitality is great and this is a place to ask for a small bowl and introduce a child to the wonders of ramen. The chicken karaage, buns, and fried mushrooms are also good moves.

Ed Debevic's

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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. 

Uncle Mike's Place

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Uncle Mike’s Place is one of the city’s iconic eateries, a mix of tradition Western diner favorites and blended with Filipino favorites. It’s a little narrow and if you don’t get there early on the weekends it will be a wait, but the service is stellar, and once you’re seated your kids will be treated like royalty. Order pancakes, tocino, eggs, and more.

A smattering of Uncle Mike’s menu items. Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Carson's

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Carson’s has made a home near Navy Pier, inside a dimly lit space along Illinois Street, just before the tourist attraction’s entrance. While there’s a variety of restaurants at the pier, Carson’s provides an escape from the tourist madness with ribs and surprisingly good brisket. This is the kind of situation without a dedicated children’s menu where grown-ups should just order a combo plate and share. Food tastes better off your plate anyway. 

A half slab of ribs, brisket, and tin of fries on a plate.
Sharing is caring.
Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

Minghin Cuisine

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As noted, dim sum is a great place for a kid. International restaurants often cater to children with special plates and cups. The small portions allow kids to try different things without committing to disaster. Ming Hin, which has several locations across Chicago and the suburbs, is one of the city’s most consistent spots for dim sum. The Lakeshore East location also offers limited outdoor seats, but dim sum might be better enjoyed in a big group so the Lazy Susan trays can be best utilized. Just make sure the kids don’t get too amused spinning the thing.

minghin grant park

Greek Islands

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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.

Lou Mitchell's

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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.

Eleven City Diner

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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.

Joy Yee

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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.

Antique Taco Bridgeport

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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. 

Ascione Bistro

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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.

Superdawg Drive-In

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. 

A carhop with tray of food hanging from a door and drive-in menu. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Luella's Southern Kitchen

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.

Smoque BBQ

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.

Crosby's Kitchen

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.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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.

Cebu

A diner has always been a good call for kids, and they’re better when the menu strays from Western classics. Cebu, which will eventually launch dinner service, is a bright and open space with tons of fun pastries for light snacks. This Filipino American restaurant also serves fun pancakes, fried chicken, and one of the greatest gifts adults can give kids: lumpia. 

French toast
If the kids enjoy sugar, Cebu has them covered.
Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

Superkhana International

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.

The dining room features limewashed brick paneling, wood accents, hanging lights, and booth seating. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Lula Cafe

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.

Galit

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.

Galit is a friendly choice.
Galit/Sandy Noto

Daisies

Daisies is one of the best all-around restaurants in Chicago, providing coffee and pastries during the day with counter-service lunch in the afternoon, and morphing into a full-service restaurant at night. Kids are welcome during the day, and at night, adults who score early reservations will find a great dining experience with plenty of noodles and other dishes they can enjoy alongside their young ones. There is a children’s menu with buttered noodles made on-site. Kids love noodles and these might be the best they ever eat in Chicago. The spread-out space also gives kids a chance to walk around when meltdowns are on the horizon. Daisies was Eater Chicago’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year.

Daisies in yellow neon. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

DeNuccis

This Lincoln Park Italian American restaurant lies inside a rehabilitated tavern and features a children’s menu, crayons for kids, and a friendly staff. While folks can take their little ones anywhere for pizza, DeNuccis’ menu offers enough variety for adults who actually don’t want pizza. This is big for folks tired of the children’s birthday circuit where pizza is inevitable.

The exterior of DeNucci restaurant in daylight. Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

Irazu

Family-owned businesses usually show the most empathy for families with youngsters. Irazu, which specializes in Costa Rican food, checks that box. The menu has plenty of finger foods — fried plantains might be enough to entice picky eaters; ceviche might help junior challenge their taste buds. The pressed sandwiches are good for little hands, and adults can ask staff to omit ingredients to sate their little ones.

Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern

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.

Ponce, Puerto Rican Restaurant

This Puerto Rican restaurant on Division Street is open for breakfast and lunch. The service is warm and welcoming; they won’t shame adults if their kid spills their food. The breakfast buffet is famous, and the jibaritos are top-notch. There’s also a full espresso bar for cafe con leche and more.

French toast served with powdered sugar, sliced bananas and strawberries.
Ponce’s French toast.
Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

Rudy’s Ramen

A neighborhood favorite, just east of Wicker Park in Noble Square, the menu is no-frills, but the flavors are large and the space is comfortable. Many ramen shops are cramped or a little divey — Rudy’s is not. The hospitality is great and this is a place to ask for a small bowl and introduce a child to the wonders of ramen. The chicken karaage, buns, and fried mushrooms are also good moves.

Related Maps

Ed Debevic's

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. 

Uncle Mike's Place

Uncle Mike’s Place is one of the city’s iconic eateries, a mix of tradition Western diner favorites and blended with Filipino favorites. It’s a little narrow and if you don’t get there early on the weekends it will be a wait, but the service is stellar, and once you’re seated your kids will be treated like royalty. Order pancakes, tocino, eggs, and more.

A smattering of Uncle Mike’s menu items. Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Carson's

Carson’s has made a home near Navy Pier, inside a dimly lit space along Illinois Street, just before the tourist attraction’s entrance. While there’s a variety of restaurants at the pier, Carson’s provides an escape from the tourist madness with ribs and surprisingly good brisket. This is the kind of situation without a dedicated children’s menu where grown-ups should just order a combo plate and share. Food tastes better off your plate anyway. 

A half slab of ribs, brisket, and tin of fries on a plate.
Sharing is caring.
Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

Minghin Cuisine

As noted, dim sum is a great place for a kid. International restaurants often cater to children with special plates and cups. The small portions allow kids to try different things without committing to disaster. Ming Hin, which has several locations across Chicago and the suburbs, is one of the city’s most consistent spots for dim sum. The Lakeshore East location also offers limited outdoor seats, but dim sum might be better enjoyed in a big group so the Lazy Susan trays can be best utilized. Just make sure the kids don’t get too amused spinning the thing.

minghin grant park

Greek Islands

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.

Lou Mitchell's

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.

Eleven City Diner

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.

Joy Yee

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.

Antique Taco Bridgeport

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. 

Ascione Bistro

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.

Related Maps