Kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago

Northwest Side residents know and love Community Tavern. The Asian-influenced menu is seriously good (and the burger is among the best in Chicago), there are solid happy hour deals including $25 bottles of wine, and kids eat free on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday when adults spend at least $16. What more could you ask for?

Retro-themed diner Ed Debevic’s returned in 2021 to expose a new generation to its antics. Bring your kids and expect to engage in some snarky banter with the servers, who role-play as characters and dress in ‘50s-inspired costumes. You may even catch them dancing on platforms during your meal.

On weeknights from 4:30pm-6pm, families are invited to check out the Warbler's Supper Club special, which goes for $27 per person (kids under 9 eat for free) and includes five family-style dishes of your choice. The plates are portioned just right to ensure everyone leaves full and happy.

Stephanie Izard’s modern diner is the first step in expanding your child’s palate. The environment is kid-friendly and the menu offers both approachable and chef-driven dishes. Picky eaters can stick with chicken fingers and nachos but those who are more adventurous have Japanese savory pancakes and gochujang-marinated chicken tacos to try.

Drive-in restaurants are a dying breed but not completely extinct in Chicago. For parents who are really worried about their children being too unruly for a dining room, load them in the car and head to this iconic hot dog stand. You’ll get to enjoy dogs, burgers, shakes and more without the fear of bothering other patrons.

Established in 1921, Margie’s Candies is a timeless ice cream parlor. It’s also the perfect place to take kids after dinner. They’ll love the large sundaes and banana splits while you take a trip back to yesteryear. It’s a win-win.

Take the family out for a delicious meal and some competitive action. This dining and entertainment chain is a hit with kids as they can feast on wood-fired pizzas and pastas before bowling or playing a game of bocce. Parents are encouraged to let the little ones win to keep the peace.

Located across from the Lincoln Park Zoo, this Lettuce Entertain You original is almost too convenient. Park your stroller near the front of the restaurant and sit the kids down with crayons and animal crackers. Meals are even served on old-school cafeteria trays, so they'll feel right at home.

This Jewish deli and diner serves breakfast all day—a lifesaver when children are causing you to run behind. It also boasts a dedicated kids’ menu with choices that include sliders, mac and cheese, chicken fingers and pancakes. Topping it off are ice cream floats from an old school soda fountain.

No matter the age, everyone feels like a kid at this charming Lincoln Park bakery thanks to its impressive selection of sweet treats. Adults can indulge their children with cakes, pies, brownies and Rice Krispies bars that are impossible to resist. And hey, we won’t judge if they’re used as a bribe for good behavior.

While you're munching on pork rinds and cheese curds, the kids will be tucking into crispy chicken tenders, a cheeseburger or buttered noodles at this Irving Park brewery. All kids' meals are $9 or less and include a drink and your choice of fries or fresh fruit. 

It's easy to please everyone at Shake Shack, especially now that the burger empire has five locations in Chicago. Kids can choose from hamburgers, a crispy chicken sandwich and flat-top dogs, all of which are crafted with premium ingredients. It's a fast and easy option for moms and dads on the go.

Bet you didn't think that Schubas-adjacent Tied House catered to the kids. The beautiful Lakeview restaurant has a dedicated kids' menu that's packed with parent-approved meals like mac and cheese, chicken tenders and grilled cheese. Finish the meal with a scoop (or two) of ice cream.

While date night with the kids won’t ever be anyone’s first option, it is possible. At Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ bright and airy eatery, the youngins can be distracted by silver dollar pancakes and cheeseburgers, leaving the adults free to peruse the wine list and California-inspired menu.

This Ravenswood spot is wonderfully kid-friendly, and owner Jonathan Goldsmith goes out his way to make sure families have a stress-free dining experience. No need for a special menu, as your bambinos will love the tasty Neapolitan pizzas that this place is known for.

Little ones will love the expansive kids' menu that offers everything from burgers to chicken fingers. Servers go out of their way to accommodate the kiddos so that parents can relax and enjoy a martini.

Grilled cheese and tomato soup are essential parts of every child’s diet so visit Cheesie’s for a variety of sandwiches that please. Kids can get the unfussy O.G. (American and cheddar cheese) in half portions while adults have interesting options like the Tenderizer (cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, chicken tenders) to choose from. Diners of all ages will appreciate a deep fried PB&J for dessert.