The best 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 Tuesday through 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 zany 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.

Kids want what they want when they want it, and Irene’s caters to those cravings by offering pancakes, grilled cheese, french toast sticks and burgers from 8am to 3pm (4pm on the weekends), all served with fruit, breakfast potatoes or french fries. Add on some organic chocolate milk or apple juice, and you’ll have a happy family.

Fact: Kids love fried chicken and mac and cheese. The nice thing about this beloved Avondale haunt is that the chicken is boneless, so parents don't have to keep a watchful eye on their youngsters while they eat. The kids menu here features a budget-friendly deal that includes chicken strips, choice of side, a corn muffin and, of course, honey butter—all for $12. They've even got treats from Bang Bang Pie for dessert.

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 chili crunch chicken and dumplings to try.

Kids eat free at Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar from 4-6pm every day, choosing from a menu that includes cheese pizza, buttered noodles and grilled cheese, plus a root beer float for dessert. Come in Monday through Thursday and you’ll also be able to take advantage of happy hour, which offers discounted charcuterie plates and cocktails to accompany your wood-fired pies.

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, head to this iconic hot dog stand. You’ll get to enjoy dogs, burgers, shakes and more from the comfort of your vehicle, and not have to worry about disturbing 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.

The kids won’t feel left out if you decide to order one of the classic cocktails on Gemini’s menu since they have their own zero proof drink list, featuring options like the FKG made with cranberry, mint, soda and housemade ginger syrup. That sophistication extends to the rest of the kids menu, with a monterey jack cheeseburger on a brioche bun, and cavatappi mac and cheese with sharp cheddar served with sweet potatoes, fries or brussels sprouts. Drop in after a trip to the nearby Lincoln Park Zoo.

Kids get their own activity sheet with a word search, maze and cacti to color when they sit down at Old Pueblo Cantina. The laidback spot offers a $10.95 kids menu that includes choices like quesadilla, mini rice bowl and chicken, ground beef or steak tacos served with pineapple, rice and beans.

This traditional 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 bribes 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 less than $10 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 multiple 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 served with a side of fruit or fries.

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. If you want to get them interested in cooking, bring them from 4-6pm Monday through Thursday for a kids pizza making workshop.

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.

After the kids work up an appetite ice skating or running around the play garden at Maggie Daley Park, head to Avli on the Park for Greek fare from executive chef Nikolaos Kapernaros. They can snack on a basic pasta or chicken kabobs with pita tzatziki and fries while you share saganaki, pork gyros and some strong Greek coffee to give you energy to head back outside.

PB&J is a late night party spot, but kids are welcome during the day with classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sliders and chicken tenders served with chips and barbecue sauce. The name actually stands for Pizza, Beer & Jukebox, and families can share a pie topped with mozzarella or mac & cheese.

There's no need for a kids menu when the little ones can eat just like Mom and Dad. Housemade mozzarella sticks are a favorite with the littles, and they can watch as the chefs prepare their pizza through a special viewing window. Save money Wednesday through Sunday, when kids eat free with a $20 purchase. Oh, and there's a kick-ass Midwestern beer menu for you.

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.

Start building healthy eating habits young with the help of vegan fast casual chain Native Foods, which offers a Lil’ Buddha Bowl made with teriyaki sweet potatoes, avocado, roasted corn, pineapple and jasmine rice. The restaurant also serves plant-based spins on kids classics, with chicken tenders, quesadillas and mac and cheese accompanied by a side of crispy fries.

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.

Connie's Pizza is one of Chicago's beloved pizza chains and a local favorite for family-friendly gatherings. Its iconic original pan crust is a delicious middle ground between thin crust and deep dish. To serve milder palates, there are plenty of starters to snack on like chicken tenders and garlic parmesan fries.

Want to show kids the ropes of weekend brunching? Bring them to The Perch, where the specialized kids brunch menu includes classics like grilled cheese, cheesy eggs and PB&J. Kids also eat free every day between 4pm-6pm for dinner and each meal is served with a drink and free vanilla ice cream. Be sure to snag the root beer float for dessert!

For the warmer months, Smoke Daddy’s side patio is perfect for diners of all ages. While you scarf down half a rack of baby ribs, kids 10 and under can enjoy a mini pulled meat sandwich for just $6 with a scoop of ice cream available upon request.

This Logan Square staple is a great place to bring diners of all ages for brunch or lunch. The eatery boasts kid-friendly options made available upon request as well as coloring sheets to keep the little ones entertained. So whether the youngins want to expand their palate with a mortadella, fennel and gruyere hand pie or are expecting simple and classic buttermilk pancakes, Lula Cafe is the place for all maturing tastes.