Brunch doesn’t have to disappear just because kids are in the picture. While the days of sleeping in and rolling out of bed for a leisurely meal may be behind you, weekend brunch can still be one of the most enjoyable outings for the whole family.
These Chicagoland restaurants prove that kid-friendly and delicious can go hand in hand. From rainbow pancakes and Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles to cozy atmospheres and accommodating staff, these brunch spots welcome both picky eaters and hungry parents.
Read more:Â Cool Beans! Kid-Approved Coffee Shops in Chicagoland
Kid-friendly brunch spots in Chicagoland
Batter and BerriesÂ
- Address: 2748 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago and 3462 Vollmer Road Olympia Fields
Batter & Berries is famous for its French toast flight featuring strawberry, blueberry, lemon and caramel. Weekly specials, like Key Lime French Toast, keep things fresh. Parents will love the creative omelets, including ribeye, chicken fajita and veggie-packed “Green City.”
Brunch Café
- Multiple locations: Addison, Arlington Heights, Deerfield, Fox River Grove, Huntley, Kildeer, McHenry, Niles, Roselle, St. Charles
Brunch Café offers favorites like salmon toast, sliders and stuffed potato pancakes, plus sweet and savory classics. The “Little Brunchers” menu for kids 12 and under includes French toast sticks, Fruity Pebble baby cakes, mini cheeseburgers, and more—making it a hit for both grown-ups and young diners.
Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club
- Address: 3348 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago; 4459 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago; 4747 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
This vibrant North Park brunch spot serves up creative dishes like Oreo pancakes, churro French toast and chilaquiles. With generous portions, a laid-back vibe and easy street parking, Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club is perfect for families—whether you have picky eaters or adventurous brunch fans at the table.
Chicago Waffles
- Multiple locations:Â South Loop, West Loop, Lincoln Square, Oak Park and Willowbrook
Chicago Waffles offers a creative brunch experience with a variety of sweet and savory options. Families can enjoy unique dishes like the red velvet waffle, cheddar and short rib waffle, and waffle benedicts. The kids’ menu features favorites such as mini pancakes and grilled cheese.
Curt’s Cafe
- Locations: 2922 Central St., Evanston and 1766 Second St., Highland ParkÂ
Families in the North Suburbs will love these cute cafes, especially since they are a nonprofit that employs at-risk youth. The atmosphere is cozy, with couches, comfy chairs and board games decorating the space. Kids will love faves like chicken tenders, grilled cheese panini and peanut butter and jelly.
Egg Harbor Cafe
- Multiple locations: Arlington Heights, Barrington, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Evanston, Geneva, Glenview, Hinsdale, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Orland Park, River North, Schaumburg, Streeterville, Wheaton
Breakfast and lunch are served all day at this restaurant. They offer a seasonal menu, breakfast bowls, harbor benedicts including Farmer’s market benedict, smoked salmon Benedict, eggs Arlington and Barrington Benedict. Kids will love the rainbow pancake with colorful chocolates baked inside or the green eggs and ham (yes, they’re really green) with diced ham scrambled into two green eggs.
Eleven City Diner
- Address: 1112 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Stop in here to make your own omelette or enjoy a quinoa scramble bowl or  Keto bowl. You can even load up your mac and cheese bowl with meat like salami, bacon, ham or pastrami and add veggies like broccoli, zucchini and spinach. Enjoy their buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles or challah French toast plan or with a fun topping.
Elly’s Pancake House
- Multiple locations: Chicago, Norridge, Glenview, Elk Grove, Mundelein
This restaurant chain has been family owned since 1997. Kids can choose from a variety of crepes (banana, fresh strawberry and fresh blueberry), Mickey or Minnie Mouse pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes Oreo pancakes and much more. They have specialty baked pancakes like basked apple and German pancakes.
Summer House Santa Monica
- Address: 1954 N. Halsted St., Chicago
If you can’t spring for a family beach vacay right now, you can at least pretend you’re brunching beach side. This Lincoln Park favorite is bright, breezy and completely tot-friendly, offering a kid’s menu, highchairs and plenty of room to navigate a stroller through tables. Brunch selections include egg sandwiches, waffles and breakfast burritos. Make sure to grab one of the restaurant’s signature “huge” cinnamon rolls for the family to split.
Wildberry Cafe
- Multiple locations: Chicago, Libertyville, Schaumburg
Wildberry is often pretty crowded on the weekends, but that’s no doubt due to their tasty brunch selections. The kid’s menu (ages 12 and under) here is plentiful, offering everything from cinnamon roll pancakes to chicken tenders (all kids meals include a juice or soda, too!). The smoothie, juice and lemonade selections are sure to please little ones and there are mocha and espresso drinks for parents in need of a caffeine fix.
Yolk
- Multiple locations:Â South Loop, Streeterville, West Loop, Lakeview, Marina City, Wicker Park, Oak Park/River Forest
Enjoy your brunch in an upscale setting that offers reasonable prices, creative meals and their own private label coffee. Although its name is based on a breakfast food, it offers lunch fare like sandwiches, salads, wraps and burgers. Some unique favorites they offer include red velvet French toast, pot roast benedict and breakfast mac and cheese. Avoid waiting in line and add your name to the waiting list on the Yelp app.
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