Best Restaurants for Families in Chicago (Mapped)

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