Any parent who has tried to enjoy a restaurant meal with little ones in tow can attest to the fact that the right environment is everything. As much as we’d love it if our kids would quietly sit for a meal at Le Cirque or Nobu, the fact is, getting everyone fed while avoiding breakdowns and broken dishes is an even bigger priority. Fortunately, in some of America’s major cities, like Chicago, the wealth of dining options makes it possible for parents and kids alike to enjoy a meal unscathed. If you’re traveling to Chicago this winter, make sure to hit up these unique, kid-friendly eateries for a meal the whole family can enjoy.
Crosby’s Kitchen | 3455 North Southport Avenue
This Lakeview eatery has earned its reputation as one of the city’s best spots for family dining. Modern, sophisticated, yet entirely kid-friendly, Crosby’s is eager to please customers of all ages with its eclectic American fare. After a meal of kid-approved foods, like spinach dip, lobster deviled eggs, and cheeseburgers, little ones can choose from Crosby’s famous desserts, like their cast iron skillet-prepared cookie with vanilla ice cream or a piece of carrot cake.
Little Goat Diner | 820 West Randolph Street
Diners are always a surefire hit when it comes to the underaged set, and Little Goat is no exception. Fortunately, for parents, this isn’t your average greasy spoon. Helmed by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, who has earned acclaim for Little Goat’s sister restaurant, Girl and the Goat, this diner is an upscale eatery that also happens to have the classic American fare your kids will love. Snack on biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, and spiced apple pancakes served as part of their all-day breakfast, enjoy pork belly pancakes and patty melts at lunch, and end your meal with a thick milkshake or the restaurant’s famous take on the Choco Taco.
BIG & little’s Restaurant | 1034 West Belmont Avenue
If you’re looking for a restaurant where every option will be met with “oohs” and “aahs” from your kids, look no further than BIG & little’s. This Lakeview eatery, one of three around the city, has one of the most kid-friendly menus you’ll find this side of a candy store, with a long list of tacos, burgers, po’boys, hot dogs, fried seafood, and specialty French fries, topped with everything from foie gras to kimchi gracing their menu.
Forno Rosso Pizzeria Napoletana | 1084 West Randolph Street
Lou Malnati’s may be the most famous name in Chicago pizza, but when it comes to authentic, Italian-style pies, it doesn’t get much better than Forno Rosso. This Neapolitan-style pizzeria eschews the deep-dish pizza Chicago is famous for in favor of crispy crusts and traditional ingredients. Choose from 22 varieties, including Mickey Mouse and Nemo-shaped pies for the little ones. The gluten allergic and avoidant should make a point to check out this eatery, too — every pie on the menu can be made with gluten-free crust.
Pinstripes | 435 East Illinois Street
The thought of eating at your local bowling alley may be less than appealing, but that’s far from the case at Pinstripes, This Near North Side American eatery combines bowling and bocce ball with more than just the stale popcorn and vending machine snacks you’ll find at your local lanes.
Kids can enjoy favorites like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, spaghetti and meatballs, mac and cheese, and freshly-made pizza from Pinstripes’ wood-burning oven, while hitting the pins with their parents.
You don’t have to subject yourself to endless grilled cheese sandwiches and squeezable yogurts just because you’re eager to find kid-friendly eateries. This winter, enjoy some of Chicago’s best food with your little ones in comfort and style at the city’s wealth of kid-friendly eateries.
