Chicago is packed with brilliant family-friendly restaurants, from cosy cafés by the zoo to ice cream parlours that have been serving happy families for decades. We’ve rounded up a great list of kid-friendly dining options that both adults and kids will enjoy — comfortable surroundings, tasty food and great service in superb locations around this awesome city. Check out our best restaurants in Chicago for kids!
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#1. Café Brauer
Perfect after a trip to Lincoln Park Zoo, this restaurant serves lovely food and has a patio overlooking the duck pond, where you can rent paddle boats. Café Brauer is in a beautiful location and serves an American-style menu of sandwiches, salads, burgers and homemade chips, with a few fresh twists.
#2. R.J. Grunts
Another venue close to Lincoln Park Zoo, R.J. Grunts is a quirky place and a locals’ favourite, so it’s worth booking ahead to avoid long queues. This place is busy for a reason — great atmosphere and delicious food. They have a fantastic kids’ menu, and their burgers are a real hit. We’d highly recommend the coconut milkshake and cookies too!
Looking for free family activities in Chicago? Check out 10 Free Fun Things to do in Chicago with Kids.
#3. Lula Café
A hip little place serving exceptional food in Logan Square, Lula Café is child-friendly, with outdoor seating available if the weather is good. All meats and fish are from sustainable sources, and there’s a great range of vegetarian options too. Honest, good food.
#4. American Girl
If you want to enjoy a special treat with your little girl, American Girl is dining fit for a princess. The menus are extremely child-friendly and tasty — much better than you might expect — and the staff go above and beyond to create a magical experience.
Brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served, so it’s worth booking in advance. Kids are encouraged to bring their American Girl dolls along, and they receive a little take-home gift such as hair ties or a doll cup and saucer, which is a lovely touch.
#5. The Celtic Knot
A favourite spot for a leisurely afternoon, The Celtic Knot serves a wide selection of delicious dishes, but we’d especially recommend its afternoon tea menu. Tea is served in gold-rimmed teapots with mini sandwiches, homemade scones and fruit tarts — a real treat for a special family outing.
Exploring Chicago with the little ones? See 10 Best Things to do in Chicago with Kids.
#6. Il Poggiolo Ristorante
We’re not saying this is the best pizza in town (this is Chicago, after all!) but some people will definitely tell you it is. Il Poggiolo has a wood-burning oven, and the pizza just melts in your mouth. The kids’ menu includes tasty options like meatballs, chicken and pizza, with dessert included.
#7. Harry Caray’s Navy Pier
Not just a restaurant, Harry Caray’s Tavern is like a sports museum, packed with Chicago sporting memorabilia. Situated at the entrance to the lively Navy Pier, with all its family-friendly attractions, the waterfront location of this restaurant is also perfect for views of Lake Michigan. The menu features tasty steaks, burgers, salads and oven-fired pizzas, while the kids’ menu offers plenty of familiar favourites the little ones will enjoy.
#8. Mitchells Premium Ice Cream and Soda Shop
This place is divine! A family favourite for generations, the Hot Fudge Sundae is legendary, and the huge choice of home-made ice creams makes it so hard to choose. Mint Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Cup, English Toffee — not to mention the range of fantastic sweet treats. Mitchell’s is well worth a visit.
If you’re visiting other US cities, you’ll find more great family ideas:
- Free Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
- Free Things to do with Kids in New York
- Free Things to do with Kids in Boston
- Free Things to do in Atlanta
Over to you now! Which Chicago restaurants would you recommend for kids? We’d love to hear your suggestions, so please let us know below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants in Chicago for kids?
Chicago has plenty of family-friendly options, from casual favourites like R.J. Grunts and Harry Caray’s Tavern to special-occasion spots like American Girl and The Celtic Knot’s afternoon tea. Most places on this list offer dedicated kids’ menus and a relaxed atmosphere.
Are there restaurants near Lincoln Park Zoo that are good for families?
Yes — both Café Brauer and R.J. Grunts are close to Lincoln Park Zoo, making them ideal for a bite to eat before or after a visit.
Is it worth booking ahead at family restaurants in Chicago?
For popular spots like R.J. Grunts and American Girl, it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially at weekends or during busy tourist periods, as these places can get booked up quickly.
Are there good dessert or ice cream spots for kids in Chicago?
Mitchells Premium Ice Cream and Soda Shop is a firm family favourite, known for its Hot Fudge Sundae and wide range of home-made ice cream flavours.
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- 10 Free Fun Things to do in Chicago with Kids
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