Best Restaurants for Families in Chicago (Mapped)

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

Yoli B said:  All I can say is Yum! Shake Shack offers hot dogs, fries, and shakes, but I would drive a great distance to grab a Shackburger. This place is loud and no one will look twice if you have a screaming kiddo. You can always bribe them with a shake!

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

Vanessa M. said:  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.

Kristy Pepping said:  Before it was Macy's, it was Marshall Field's. The founder, Marshall Field, was from Chicago and his flagship department store still stands on State Street today. Inside this historic building, a lot has changed, but the Walnut Room remains true to tradition. This iconic restaurant is located on the 7th floor and was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. If you are visiting during Chicago's Christmas season, they have an enormous tree in the center of the room - viewable from upstairs in the store, too. Make a whole day of shopping and dining on Chicago's State Street!

Serving lunch and dinner

Kristy Pepping said:  Guests are seated at large communal tables at these fun restaurants for kids and families, surrounding a large flat top grill where a chef performs Teppanyaki. They slice, dice and prepare your meal right in front of you. Plus, walk around the restaurant and learn about Japanese culture.

Vanessa M. said:  Eataly Chicago is a destination in itself. The first floor market is full of Italian groceries and housewares, with coffee bars, gelato bars, and food counters. The second floor hosts a number of Italian restaurants for full meals and even more counters for quick bites where you can eat freshly made Italian cuisine.

Serving lunch and dinner

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.

Parlor's wood-fired pizzas are sure to please the whole family, with a great selection of craft brews to please parents. Parlor has three locations, with outdoor seating at their Wicker Park and West Loop locations which is always a hit with kids. Their pizza creations are unique and well-crafted, with the Burrata Be Kidding Me Pizza one you can't miss! This will be a place your kids ask to go again and again.

Serving lunch and dinner

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

Molly Weber said:  Nana's weekend brunch goes has a kids menu (ten and under) that includes a bear shaped pancake meal to entertain you and your kids alike. Their menu style has an American foundation with Latin America, Spanish, and Mexican influences. There are no reservations for groups under 6 for weekend brunch so get there early!

Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch

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

Yoli B said:  Lina's has been around for a while, so they've definitely had time to perfect their pies! The no-frills joint is located in Bridgeport and has a loyal customer base. The pizzas are just good from the cheese to the crust and you will love everything. Pizza by the slice is huge and filling, but if you are taking the whole family they will make the pizza any way you'd like. Make sure to order an authentic Italian ice when you are all done...you will thank me later!

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

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

Kristy Pepping said:  Gemini Bistro, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, offers American cuisine with French and Mediterranean influences. This restaurant offers a cozy setting perfect for family dining. They have plenty of gluten-free options.

Serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch

Vanessa M. said:  This small, casual cafe is best described using these four words: vegan deep dish pizza. (Chicago's ONLY vegan deep dish pizza to be exact!) Eat in, pop in for takeout or order delivery; you won't regret it! Other popular offerings include seitan Philly cheesesteak, Buffalo chick'n sandwich, and a mile high bbq cheddar burger that made the Zagat list of burgers you have to try in Chicago. Kids will love the house made cookies! Parents will love that it is byob with no corkage fee!

Serving lunch and dinner

Kristy Pepping said:  Chicago is also known for its hot dogs. A true Chicago dog is served on a poppy seed bun with mustard, pickle relish, tomato slices, onion, sport peppers, and a pickle spear. That's right, hold the ketchup! The Dog House is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, north of the city. They serve all things Chicago hot dogs and if your kids don't want a true Chicago-style, they can get one any way they like it.

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

Yoli B said:  Big Star specializes in Mexican street food and is one of the most popular outdoor patios in the summer! Tacos are the star here and over 10 types are available on the menu. If you are not a fan of tacos, you can order a salad or the amazing cheese dip! The patio is large and gets pretty rowdy at night, so I would recommend that families visit Big Star for lunch. Their flagship Wicker Park location is quite convenient and located under the CTA Blue Line Damen stop. The menu is pretty simple, but the food and drinks are amazing. Everyone will be happy with this food option.

Serving lunch and dinner, 21 years and over after 8 pm

Vanessa M. said:  Give your children a taste of Egypt! While the menu does offer meat, Cairo Kebab also caters to vegans and vegetarians by offering many tasty, meat free dishes. Vegan choices include falafel, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, tabbouleh, and Cairo Kebab's signature take on Egypt's popular dish koshary. Even the pickiest kids will find something they love!

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

Molly Weber said:  Here, brunch options are available all day on weekends. There is a menu full of sweet and savory options and a kids menu with both breakfast and lunch items. They also provide chalk and chalkboard to children to keep them entertained while waiting for their delicious meal. Don't miss the flight of bacon on the appetizer list for the family to share!

Serving breakfast, lunch & brunch

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!

Kristy Pepping said:  The Chop Shop, located in the Wicker Park area, is a butcher shop, deli, bar and restaurant. There is also a 6,000 square-foot event space behind it named the 1st Ward. The restaurant and butcher shop work together to create an American fare seasonal menu featuring affordable prime meats, salads and small plates.

Serving lunch and dinner

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

Hugely popular among the students at Lane Tech, Pete's is a neighborhood staple and a favorite of many families for pizza. The restaurant prides itself on maintaining the same quality for over 20 years, with many patrons growing up on their pizza and making it a part of their own family traditions as they grow up and start families of their own.

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.

Yoli B said:  For over 65 years Candlelite has been serving their crackery thin crust to the people of Chicago. The atmosphere is part sports bar and part family restaurant with a staff that is knowledgeable and ready to help. The pizza is definitely the star of the show, but other menu items are available for the picky eaters. My absolute favorite is the Margherita pizza with its fresh basil and tomatoes! Make sure to take a look at the marquee when you arrive...it's always entertaining!

Kristy Pepping said:  Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe is a blend of Mexican, Cajun-Creole, Southern cooking and slow-cooked smoked BBQ food. Be sure to check online to find out the daily specials. They take reservations as well. They have plenty of gluten free options.

Serving lunch and dinner

Kristy Pepping said:  Walker Bros. has proudly been serving the North Suburbs of Chicago for more then 50 years. They pride themselves on serving the very best from their famous apple pancake to the thick sliced bacon to their freshly squeezed orange juice.

Serving breakfast all day

Kristy Pepping said:  Superdawg started in 1948 as a way for the owner to pay for school. Today, its still a super fun drive-in that your kids are sure to love.

Serving lunch and dinner

Kristy Pepping said:  Barnaby's has been serving the Northshore Community for over 40 years. They are famous for the thin and crispy, corn meal crust pizzas. When you arrive, seat yourself and menus are on the tables. Decide what you would like and place your order with the cashier. Locations in Northbrook, Des Plaines, Niles, and Arlington Heights.

Serving lunch and dinner