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 make reservations in advance 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 amazing! Highly recommend the coconut milkshake and cookies – yum!!

Looking for free family activities in Chicago? Check 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 is a great range of vegetarian options also. Honest good food!

#4. American Girl

If you want to enjoy a special treat with your little girl, I recommend American Girl for dinning fit for a princess! The menus are extremely child-friendly and tasty, much better than you would expect, and the staff exceed at creating a magical experience.

Brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served at set times, so you’re advised to book in advance. Kids are encouraged to bring their American Dolls, of course, and they receive a little gift such as hair ties and a doll cup & saucer to take home which is a nice touch!

#5. The Celtic Knot

A favourite spot for Sunday afternoons, The Celtic Knot serves a wide selection of delicious dishes but we are recommending its afternoon tea menu in particular. Served from 2- 4pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, tea is served in gold-rimmed teapots with mini sandwiches, homemade scones and fruit tarts.

Exploring Chicago with the little ones? See 10 Best Things to do in Chicago with Kids.

#6. Il Poggiolo Ristorante

I’m 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 yummy kids menu includes delicious meatballs, chicken and pizza and costs less than $10 including dessert.

#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 it’s family-friendly attractions, the waterfront location of this restaurant is also perfect for views of Lake Michigan. The menu consists of tasty steaks, burgers, salads and oven-fired pizzas, while the kids menu offers lots of familiar favourites the little ones will enjoy.

#8. Mitchells Premium Ice Cream and Soda Shop

Oh my gosh, this place is divine! A family favourite since 1931, the Hot Fudge Sundae is legendary and the huge choice of delicious home-made ice creams make it so difficult 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.