Chicken nuggets are a go-to for families and in Chicago, restaurants big and small have taken this classic popular food and put their own spin on it, giving parents plenty of options when dining out with kids.
From crispy and traditional to unexpected flavor twists, nuggets are showing up on menus in ways that make family meals both easier and more fun.
We reviewed menus across the city to confirm which six spots serve real nuggets. Each listing includes pricing, hours and family-fit details so parents can decide which place works best for their kids.
Cafe Prague
Cafe Prague lists a Chicken Nuggets kids’ meal for $6.99, served with French fries, according to Cafe Prague’s official menu. It’s one of the safer bets for true nuggets in a sit-down setting.
The restaurant itself is casual and works well for families who want a predictable, quieter experience compared to fast food. Because it’s a full-service spot, there may be a little wait, so it’s best when you’re not in a rush.
Address: 6710 W Belmont Ave., Northwest Chicago
Hours: Closed Monday; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 4 p.m.-midnight Friday; noon-1 a.m. Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday
Recommended ages / fit: Good for preschoolers through older kids
Parking / transit: Street parking near Belmont; near local roads
Portion cost / kids’ meal: $6.99 for the kids’ nugget meal
Stroller / accessibility / noise: moderate noise later on; casual layout helps stroller access
Park & Field
Park & Field includes chicken nuggets on its kids’ menu under what it calls “Sorta Hungry” meals, made with organic breast meat and served with ranch and fries, according to Park & Field’s kids menu.
The catch is the atmosphere. Since it doubles as a bar, the space can feel more adult in the evenings. Families might be most comfortable going earlier in the day when the environment is calmer and more kid-focused.
Address: 3509 W Fullerton Ave., Logan Square
Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; noon-midnight Friday; 10:30 a.m.-midnight Saturday; 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday
Kids’ nugget cost: $7 for the “Sorta Hungry” nugget meal, from Park & Field’s kids menu.
Recommended ages / fit: Better earlier in day for younger kids; after dark may feel more adult
Parking / transit: Street parking along Fullerton and side streets
Accessibility / noise: Moderate to high noise later; interior space is open
Sushi-San
Sushi-San might not be the first place parents think of for nuggets, but its kids’ “Bento Meal” includes chicken nuggets as a main choice, according to Sushi-San’s kids menu.
This makes it useful for groups with mixed tastes — some kids want simple food while parents or older siblings prefer sushi. The only concern is that the nuggets may come with more seasoning than what picky eaters expect, so it helps to ask the kitchen for plain if possible.
Address: 63 W Grand Ave., River North
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., open daily
Recommended ages / fit: Best for elementary school and up; ask for plain nuggets for picky eaters
Parking / transit: Likely street parking or local lot; near Lincoln Park area transit lines
Accessibility / noise: Moderate noise; standard restaurant layout
Little Goat
Little Goat, part of Chicago’s trendier dining scene, still makes room for kids. Its menu includes chicken nuggets alongside favorites like mac and cheese, according to Little Goat’s kids menu.
Because it’s a busier restaurant, the vibe can be more grown-up, especially in the evenings. Still, the nuggets give parents an easy option when bringing kids to a spot that also appeals to adults.
Address: 3325 N Southport Ave., Lakeview
Hours: 4:30-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 4:30-10 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m. Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday
Recommended ages / fit: Ok for preschoolers to preteens; quieter earlier
Parking / transit: Nearby lots or metered street parking in West Loop
Accessibility / noise: Medium noise; interior has standard restaurant seating
Fry the Coop
Fry the Coop, known for fried chicken sandwiches, also offers six-piece and 12-piece chicken nuggets, according to Fry the Coop’s menu.
The nuggets here are double fried, so they’re crunchier and a little different from standard kid versions. Older kids or less picky eaters may like them, while younger kids who prefer plainer breading might need encouragement.
Address: 4300 N Milwaukee Ave., Portage Park
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday
Recommended ages / fit: Better for school-age kids who enjoy crunch; may be a bit intense for toddlers
Parking / transit: Street parking and nearby lots in Portage Park
Accessibility / noise: Casual fast service environment; moderate noise
JJ Fish & Chicken
JJ Fish & Chicken, a neighborhood chain, lists chicken nuggets dinners in multiple portion sizes, according to JJ Fish & Chicken’s official menu.
It’s more of a takeout or fast-casual environment than a sit-down family restaurant, but it works well when you want something quick and familiar. Portions run larger, so you may need to share or save leftovers.
Address: 5211 W North Ave., Chicago (one of several Chicago locations)
Hours: Typically 10 a.m.-midnight daily
Recommended ages / fit: Good for preschoolers through tweens; casual environment suits kids
Parking / transit: Depends on branch — street parking or nearby lots
Accessibility / noise: Fast-casual noise; layout often open
