Going out to eat with kids can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have picky eaters. Thankfully, Chicago is full of family-friendly spots with menus that cater to little ones. No matter what you’re craving, we’ve got you covered with the city’s tastiest kid eats.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
If simply reading the name of a restaurant makes your mouth water, you know you’re in for some good food. In addition to featuring a menu full of savory southern favorites for adults, Honey Butter has equally tasty options for little eaters. Their $7 kids meal includes fried chicken strips, pimento mac and cheese, and a corn muffin with honey butter (of course). The cafe also has plenty of drink options for tots, like housemade lemonade, organic juice and milk. If they somehow have room left in their tummies after the mini Southern feast, a kids soft serve is just $3.
3361 N. Elston Ave., Chicago
Tavern on Little Fort
It may be freezing outside, but I’m already dreaming of summer and the kid-friendly patio at this North Center pub. Kiddos can nosh on mini corn dogs, cheeseburgers or quesadillas while parents enjoy a pint or two. All children’s menu items are $6 or under, making this spot as affordable as it is delicious. Finish your meal off with a skillet cookie sundae or an ice cream sandwich.
4128 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
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Lyfe Kitchen
Health food isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think “family-friendly,” but Lyfe Kitchen manages to make eating your fruits and veggies delicious. Kids can choose from options like un-fried chicken tenders (or their vegan counterpart, Gardein faux chicken tenders), pasta, fish tacos or a cheesy flatbread. Each kid’s entree comes with sweet potato fries or fruit on the side, keeping the meal both nutritious and totally yummy. Bonus: food allergy families, rejoice! Most dishes can be made gluten, dairy or nut-free.
Various locations in Chicago
Punchbowl Social
The best parenting hack I know: take kids to a restaurant where there’s some form of entertainment. Although not every activity here is made for kids, Punchbowl has arcade games, bowling and giant Jenga, so families can engage in a little competition while waiting for their food to arrive. Punchbowl’s Half Pint menu features trendy takes on kid favorites, like spaghetti with grass-fed beef meatballs and a banana-almond-butter sandwich served with kettle chips.
310 N. Green St., Chicago
Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
What’s better than eating pizza for dinner? Making the pie yourself! At this Chicagoland chain, kids are given dough, sauce and cheese to DIY a pizza right at the table, then Moretti’s bakes their creation in the kitchen. If they’re not in the mood for ‘za, mac and cheese, chicken fingers and spaghetti are also on the menu. Kids eat for just $4.95 and their meal is totally free if you dine in on Mondays after 4 p.m.!
Various locations in Chicagoland
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