42 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago & Suburbs

Shila said:  This casual, ground floor dine-in restaurant serves famous pizza-pot-pies plus grinders, huge salads and more (cash only). It is located in East Lincoln Park, steps from the zoo and most notably, directly across from the garage site of the 1929 St. Valentine's Day Massacre (which is now an empty lot). Rumor even has it that the house above 2121 Clark served as a lookout post for Al Capone's team that Valentines Day.

Yoli B said:  As a major fan of the TV show "Top Chef," I've followed the Girl and the Goat franchise for years! I finally tried Little Goat Diner last year and it does not disappoint. The gourmet diner has a huge menu which can only be described as fun! The atmosphere is bright and airy and everyone will have tons of items to choose from. If the kids get restless, take them over to the bakery which has huge windows to peek in on the pastry chefs. Enjoy the food, but make sure to not leave without ordering a milkshake, you will not regret it!

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Vanessa M. said:  Come to the Chicago Diner, an iconic Chicago staple, where they've been "meat free since '83". Delicious vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options abound. From the "Titanic BLT burger" to their famous "Radical Reuben", I promise you won't leave hungry. Kids enjoy "mac and teese", veggie burgers, and vegan ice cream sundaes from the kid's menu. Don't miss their insanely good, award winning vegan shakes! Oh, and brunch!

Note they have 2 locations: the original (smaller) diner on Halsted, and their larger location in Logan Square.

Yoli B said:  Pequod's Pizza is always on the list of best deep dish pizza in Chicago and if you are willing to wait at this busy spot you will be handsomely rewarded. They only use the freshest ingredients and have the gooiest slices I have ever seen. The crust is caramelized and packs a nice crunch when you bite down but wait one more second and you will get the flavor explosion! You can't go wrong with anything at Pequod's Pizza. Tip: go early or call ahead for seating. There is always a line!

Serving lunch and dinner

Molly Weber said:  Crosby's not only welcomes children at their establishment, it was designed to accommodate them, making the doorways wide enough for strollers to fit through, putting in a sink in the dining room for hand washing, as well as a step stool in the bathroom for your shorter family members. Their menu has a great balance of breakfast and lunch items, as well as some lighter options if you are looking for a healthier choice. There is a children's breakfast and lunch menu available at the restaurant as well.

Kathleen O'Donovan said:  If you are up near Wrigley Field (or even if you're not, it's worth it!) be sure to check out D'Agostino's! This in my top two places for Chicago deep dish pizza. D'Agostino's is a neighborhood place so it's not a busy as some of the touristy places downtown and it is really really delicious. The tomato sauce is fresh & light, the cheese is abundant, the crust is buttery, and the topping are generous. Did I mention how much I love this pizza?

Serving lunch and dinner

Yoli B said:  Piece Pizza and Brewery has something for everyone! Located in Wicker Park and close to the CTA Blue Line, it offers a convenient location and great food! The pizzas are unique and they even have sausage made by the famous "Hot Doug" Sohn! Parents can order one of the award winning small batch brews or a cocktail from the full bar. The restaurant is typically loud from music or patrons, so rowdy kids won't bother anyone!

This place is an unexpected family option. It has coloring sheets and crayons as well as covered plastic cups for kids, generously sized booths with high backs so your kid can horse around relatively undetected by other patrons, and best of all, amazing pizza. The restaurant also has an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail list as well as a few TVs around showing various sporting events to entertain adults in your party. The staff is clearly well versed in serving families and wait times are often reasonable, even on weekend evenings.

Yoli B said:  Nino’s Pizzeria is a far south side staple offering amazing deep-dish, stuffed, thin, and pan pizza. 

The checkered tablecloths and the gritty ambiance will take you back in time and the pizza will keep you coming back. Nino's deep dish is both saucy and oozing with cheese and is my favorite item on the menu! 

Alexandra F. said:  Cooper's Hawk is nice enough for date nights, but spacious and loud enough that you can take your youngest diners without worrying about disrupting others. It has been a family favorite since we discovered it, as the menu is both sophisticated and approachable for less adventurous palates. It certainly offers one of our favorite kids menus.

Yoli B said:  This is your spot for Neapolitan Pizza and you will love every bite. Spacca's secret is their custom built oak lined oven that creates the beautifully charred pizzas. The crusts are all hand formed and topped with the best ingredients available. The sausage, broccoli rabe and prosciutto is to die for and you can finish it all off with a nice glass of the house limoncello!

Serving lunch and dinner

Lisa R said:  The motto of Inspiration Kitchens is "Dine well, do good". This family friendly establishment serves absolutely delicious Southern-inspired American cuisine in an award winning, environmentally-friendly building. Patrons can feel good knowing that Inspiration Kitchens is committed to combating local homelessness and poverty through multiple programs that give back to the community.

The restaurant has a large parking lot and is located steps from the Green Line and Garfield Park. It is the perfect place to take kids after a visit to Garfield Park Conservatory just around the corner.

This place is DELICIOUS! It's also the perfect option for families who want to eat outside. They have a great kid's menu, and an enclosed patio for eating with a large magnet board set up just for kids. Great for a fast, great tasting option outside in the spring, summer, and early fall.

This charming spot in downtown Evanston is a great restaurant for families. The menu has kid- favorites like black bean tostadas and a barbeque seitan sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. For more sophisticated palates, Blind Faith Cafe has entrees inspired by Mexican, Thai, Indian, and French cuisine. Don't forget to hit up the bakery for dessert!

Lisa R said:  Kids love this traditional hibachi-style restaurant where chefs cook your meal directly at the table. Each dinner includes a healthy dose of fire and tricks that will amaze parents and kids alike. Hibachi entrees include chicken and vegetables, so even picky eaters should find something they like.