Best Restaurants for Families in Chicago (Mapped)

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

Molly Weber said:  Mary's Morning Mix Up has an extensive menu for both breakfast and lunch. Their kids menu is a big hit, with holiday themed pancakes shaped like snowmen and reindeer or "doughnut pancakes" for the non holiday times. Don't forget to save room for one of their completely home made pies!

Yoli B said:  Egg Harbor Cafe is the top brunch choice for my friends when they are visiting from out of town. Healthy choices. The menu has many options to choose from and the kid's menu is exciting and inviting for the smallest patrons! Do not skip out on the fresh squeezed orange juice and the local Intelligentsia coffee. The bustling restaurants can be a little loud, so no one will bat an eye if your little one is a bit boisterous.

Kristy Pepping said:  Real Urban Barbecue offers wood-fired barbecue food from ribs to chicken to smoked pulled pork. They also offer their sauces for sale for home use and a club where the more you spend, the more you earn toward future food discounts. The BBQ entrees and combos can be made three sizes from mini to regular to specialty to accommodate all kid appetite sizes and food customized to their liking.

Serving lunch and dinner

This place happens to have delicious pizza, a really friendly staff, and are a family run business themselves, so understand that food has to be fast, good, and consistent. Additionally, the restaurant is huge which means you won't wait in line for hours like many other pizza places, making this place a top family destination for pizza.

Kristy Pepping said:  Buffo's speciality is pizza, but they have a full menu with something for everyone. Order with the cashier when you first enter, take a table number ,and wait for your food to be delivered to you. Buffo's has a great fun, casual, and friendly environment. After dinner take a stroll through Highwood!

Serving lunch and dinner

Yoli B said:  JD's in Arlington Heights is a great place for your big family or a big crowd. It has been the go-to place for all of our sports related celebrations! JD's has counter service, but a full service restaurant feel. The menu offerings are expansive and the beer selection will make the adults happy. In my humble opinion, brisket is the way to go here, but check out the full menu!

Kristy Pepping said:  Uncle Bub’s BBQ is home to the most flavorful barbecue dishes in Chicago. They are pleased to serve Chicago’s award-winning ribs and sauce for dine-in, carryout, or event catering.

Serving lunch and dinner

Molly Weber said:  Both of the Honey-Jam locations have breakfast and brunch options on Saturdays and Sundays . As a treat for the adults, indulge in one of their heavily garnished Bloody Marys, and for the kids, one of their all natural smoothies or Lucky Charms milkshake.

Kristy Pepping said:  Bob Chinn's has been an institution since 1982. For over 30 years they have served some of the freshest seafood from around the globe- Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand- just to name a few.

Yoli B said:  The Silo is located in a barn on the North Shore and has an actual farm silo out front. The restaurant has many food offerings, but the kids will be most impressed with the train that runs throughout the space. You may be overwhelmed by the many specialty pizza options on the menu, but rest assured whatever you order will knock you off your feet. If you are in the mood for something completely off the wall you should order the seafood pizza with a combo of fish, crab, shrimp and clams- it will surely cure your seafood cravings!