R.J. Grunts

Restaurants , American Lincoln Park
  • 2 out of 5 stars
(1 user review)
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R.J. Grunts
RJ Grunts

The man behind Tru and Everest started his Lettuce Entertain You empire with this shabby joint? Opened in 1971—with, we’re assuming, much of the same look it has today—this tightly packed hamburger shack is where to get the thick, juicy “Gruntburger,” topped with addictive fried onions and blue-cheese dressing; sloppy buffalo wings; and spoonable milkshakes with thick whipped cream. You can also check out the world’s first salad bar, since this is where it all began.

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Venue name: R.J. Grunts
Contact:
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Address: 2056 N Lincoln Park W
Chicago
60614
Cross street: between Clark St and Dickens Ave
Opening hours: Brunch (Sat, Sun), lunch, dinner
Transport: Bus: 11, 22, 36, 73, 151, 156.
Price: Average main course: $10
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Diane D

We met up with some friends from out of town here for an early Sunday dinner. Our friends have two kids-5 and 3. We have an 8 month old. Our reservation was at 3:30p. They wouldn't seat us until everyone had arrived despite having three small children running around the tiny lobby, laying on the floor, getting in the way, etc. We finally were able to be seated when we told them the third couple wasn't coming. Our waiter was really nice and the adult food was actually pretty tasty (my husband and I both got burgers). However, our entrees took so long to come out that my daughter started getting fussy. To keep her occupied, I asked the waiter if he could bring me a few plain pasta noodles...he placed an order for a full kids meal! So we paid $7 for a small bowl of pasta noodles (of which she "ate" two) and a pack of animal crackers.The other two kids got glasses (actual glass tumblers) of chocolate milk with cute little tops on them and cocktail straws. They were heavy. They required parental assistance. The coloring books were cute and tailored to RJs but were nothing special. The stroller lock-up was nice but I'd prefer if I could at least bring it inside with me, out of the elements. 


Overall, I would say RJs is kid-tolerant and better for older children. The tables are closely spaced, the room is fairly dim, and the high chairs put kids with their heads right at table level. There is nothing about RJs that makes it "kid-friendly" in any meaningful way. We will not be returning until our children are a LOT older, if at all. The stress just isn't worth it.