Skip the chain restaurants and try out these five local, family-friendly gems nestled throughout Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods offering free kids’ meals on select nights. These casual sit-downs all have designated kids’ menus that are both cost effective and nutritious, with their own unique spins on classic kid pleasers like burgers and pasta.
But don’t worry parents, there’s lots of yummy food options for you, too. It’s nothing but great food, great service and kids’ menus that won’t disappoint. Whether you’re searching for new, unique flavors or familiar comfort food, you’ll find it all here.
Community Tavern
Kids eat free Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday
The Community Tavern is an elevated (i.e. slightly pricier) mom-and-pop restaurant located in the Portage Park neighborhood that serves up local fare with a pan-Asian twist. The dumplings and noodle dishes are highly recommended. Every kid’s meal is $10, with the option for nutritious sides like seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- From the Kids’ Menu: Unique to the Community Tavern, order the kids’ chicken and rice stir-fry loaded with healthy, seasonal vegetables served with jasmine rice.
- For the adventurer: Reddit users rave about the short rib dumplings and crispy rice noodles.
- Address: 4038 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Crosby’s Kitchen
Kids eat free from 4-6 p.m. everyday
Crosby’s prides themselves on being a family-friendly American grill, located in the heart of Chicago’s Southport neighborhood. The whole family can warm their bellies with homemade comfort food like rotisserie chicken, cornbread and loaded mac and cheese. Don’t forget to top it all off with a cookie skillet. Kids won’t be disappointed with Crosby’s menu selections, and parents can rest easy knowing they’re all made with fresh, local ingredients.
- From the Kids’ Menu: Crosby’s is known for their comfort food, so consider ordering the kids’ wood-roasted rotisserie chicken leg with a side of fries they can dip in their signature garlic aioli sauce.
- For the adventurer: Redditors recommend trying the lobster devil eggs and filet sliders.
- Address: 3455 N Southport Ave., Chicago
Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar
Kids eat free from 4-6 p.m. everyday
If your family is craving Italian, Frasca is a must-try. They make hand-crafted pastas and wood-fired pizzas, paired with an extensive wine menu for tired parents. Frasca’s kids’ meals are made with fresh, simple ingredients, and they each come with a complimentary soda drink and scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- From the Kids’ Menu: You can’t go wrong with a classic cheese pizza or bowl of noodles covered in san marzano tomato sauce and topped with fresh parmesan.
- For the adventurer: A restaurant reviewer recommends trying the Italian sausage pizza. The pappardelle bolognese also sounds like a dream.
- Address: 3358 N Paulina St., Chicago
The Perch
Kids eat free from 4-6 p.m. everyday
Three things about The Perch: It’s consistent, tasty and pretty affordable. Dine inside the classy atmosphere of the dining room—with high vaulted ceilings, brick walls and hanging plants—or, weather permitting, sit outside on their patio. The kids’ meals are fresh, simple and come with a complimentary soft drink and scoop of ice cream.
- From the Kids’ Menu: It’s the usual classic hits. You can’t go wrong with a burger and fries here, and a root beer float to wash it all down.
- For the adventurer: Redditors rave about the filet sliders.
- Address: 1932 W Division St., Chicago
Chicago Waffles
Kids eat free from noon-2 p.m. Monday-Friday
Chicago Waffles is a lively breakfast and brunch spot popular for its golden waffles, fluffy pancakes, hearty skillets and creative brunch dishes — and it’s a go-to for families. Their “Tiny Tummies” kids menu includes mini waffles, pancakes or egg-and-bacon combos, perfectly sized for little appetites and often offered with weekday deals like “kids eat free” during select hours.
- From the Kids’ Menu: Kids love the two mini chocolate waffles with strawberry ice cream and chocolate drizzle (imagine that!)
- For the adventurer: Try the maple-bacon sausage delight skillet
- Address: 10S642 Kingery Highway, Willowbrook
