42 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago & Suburbs

Kristy Pepping said:  Since 1938, Johnson's has been an outdoor restaurant that lets drivers eat under a canopy in the comfort of their own vehicle. The outside servers are called "Carhops," a throw back to the 1920s when cars had running boards, the server would actually "Hop" on to the vehicles to take the drivers order.

Serving lunch and dinner

Medici restaurant, adjacent to the cafe, offers many different menu items, but their pizza is what draws the biggest crowd. Their garbage pizza is legendary, but their other pizza offerings are unique and delicious. Top it off with one of their shakes or malts. Kids sizes are offered in both pizza and shakes, making this a great restaurant for the whole family.

Kristy Pepping said:  What once started as a train station, Flossmoor Station is now a rustic and charming restaurant and brewery. Since the inception, this place has been a destination for local families and craft beer lovers alike.

Serving lunch and dinner

Yoli B said:  Minghin Cuisine has several locations throughout Chicagoland and offers traditional dim sum as well as a full Cantonese menu. The menu is quite large and the options can become overwhelming, but I assure you nothing on the menu will disappoint. The brave at heart can impress (or gross out) your kids by ordering Chicken Feet with Special sauce and marvel in the flavors! The service is fast at Minghin so the place will be a winner with the kids!

Alexandra F. said:  Wildberry offers an extensive menu of brunch favorites, from waffles and French toasts piled high with yummy toppings, to omelettes and skillets for the “savory” crowd, to sandwiches and salads for the lunch lovers among us. The kids menu includes such delights as fruity pebble french toast and berry bliss pancakes, and perhaps best of all, they have a fabulous smoothie and coffee bar serving Intelligentsia coffee...my personal favorite! The menus include plenty of gluten-free options.

Serving breakfast and lunch

Kristy Pepping said:  Epic Burger, located in the Streeterville area, opened in 2008 by a Chicago resident. They prepare menu items without artificial colors, nitrates, and other additives found in everyday foods. The offer all things burgers, but also chicken and vegetarian options. You can order ahead and arrive when food is ready to be served and they offer junior sizes of some burgers.

Serving lunch and dinner

Kristy Pepping said:  Flat Top Grill was inspired by the open-air fresh market grills of Asia. You select meat, veggies and other ingredients and a chef cooks it. Whether your kids are paleo, vegan, nut-allergic or gluten-free, they have special sticks that you can use to indicate this to the chef. Plus, food is ready right away!

Serving lunch and dinner

The Berghoff has been a Chicago classic since its opening in 1898. It boasts Chicago's first liquor license after the prohibition, and is best known for authentic German dishes and in house brews of beer and root beer. Schnitzel dishes, Reubens and the hard to pronounce Spätzleknödel make The Berghoff a must try restaurant when visiting the Windy City. The children's menu offers all the kids' favorites. Don't miss out on dessert! The German Chocolate Cake is the real deal!

Serving lunch and dinner

Tim Ponisciak said:  This restaurant offers great views of Michigan Ave and amazing food! It is owned by the same company that runs the Cheesecake Factory but has a completely different menu. Make sure to order the fresh baked cookies! There is a very good kids menu available and it is the perfect place to go to after visiting American Girl Place and shopping along the Magnificent Mile.

Gina I. said:  The theme? Sugar! Where else can you get away with ice cream for dinner? The Sugar Factory features a delicious assortment of sweet & savory cuisine, including their enormous signature drinks (also available without alcohol), chocolate martinis, and more. The menu offers everything from pancakes and waffles to salads and burgers. But the real star is the actual dessert menu with colorful, sprinkled, gourmet treats...every kid's dream come true!

Vanessa M. said:  If you enjoy Chicago's deep dish pizza, hold onto your fork because Giordano's serves stuffed deep dish pizza which is a whole different entity. It can only be described as "a double crusted, cheese stuffed masterpiece" and should be on every Chicago visitor's bucket list. With so many locations within Chicago, it is easy to fit a meal at Giordano's in, no matter where you are sightseeing! When ordering, do as the Chicagoans and phone your order in ahead of time as pizzas are made to order and take about 45 minutes to bake. Giordano's has many locations throughout Chicago and the Suburbs.

Alexandra F. said:  One of my favorite things about Eggsperience is that most of their locations have high ceilings -- which make the restaurant feel spacious -- and an open floor plan to make maneuvering a stroller or car seat around less daunting! And of course, you can enjoy all of your breakfast and lunch favorites (including some of the yummiest skillets around!), with kid-friendly dishes like chocolate chip pancakes, French toast triangles, and green eggs and ham. Gluten free options also available.

Serving breakfast and lunch

Kristy Pepping said:  Portillo's in the River North neighborhood has been a Chicago staple since 1963. They serve hot dogs and several other "kid-friendly" menu items. Their locations have many Chicago souvenirs and memorabilia, so there are lots of fun items to look at around the restaurant to keep kids entertained. They have quick counter ordering and food arrives at the table. See their website for all 30+ Chicagoland locations.

Serving lunch and dinner

Kristy Pepping said:  Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, is considered the oldest family name in Chicago pizza. What kid doesn't like pizza? This restaurant offers both deep dish and thin crust pizzas. See website for over 20 dine-in locations and even more carry out spots.

Serving lunch and dinner

Molly Weber said:  Wishbone serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and their menu includes some dishes with a Southern flare. There is also a kids menu available that includes french toast covered in crunchy corn flakes - yum!

Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch