New Kid-Friendly Chicago Eateries to Try in 2025

A lot of New Year’s resolutions can feel restrictive, which is why I prefer to take on the new year with a bucket list, instead. My 2025 bucket list is filled with exciting new things I want to experience in the year ahead, from checking out new attractions coming to Chicagoland to dining at some of the best new restaurants in town. 

Trying new flavors as a family is an awesome addition to any New Year’s bucket list. Looking for recommendations? These five eateries opened in 2024 and have lived up to the hype. From mouthwatering barbeque to delicious desserts, give these kid-friendly spots a try if you’re looking to try new things and support local businesses in 2025.

Fat Peach Bakery

• Address: 2907 S Archer Ave., Chicago

Start your day with something sweet from Fat Peach Bakery. Located in the iconic Bridgeport Bakery space, this neighborhood bakery had big shoes to fill when it opened in August 2024. Fat Peach offers a mix of old school treats and creative new flavors that kids will love, including strawberry milk-filled croissants. For grown ups, there are coffee drinks and savory options like cheese and mushroom Danish, and Korean-inspired laminated pastries with spam. 

Café Cubano

• Address: 113 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

This tropical Cuban restaurant relocated from Elmwood Park to Oak Park earlier this spring. The family-owned restaurant specializes in traditional Cuban food, drinks and desserts, including kid-friendly options like bite-sized tapas and classic Cuban sandwiches (think grilled ham and cheese, but with authentic Cuban flavors!) For dessert, churros and flan are sure to make your kiddo eager to visit again. 

Sanders BBQ Supply Co 

• Address: 1742 W. 99th St., Chicago

Barbeque fans all over Chicagoland have been raving about this Beverly barbeque joint since it opened in June 2024. Littles can snack on mac & cheese, fries and cornbread, or try bites of mom and dad’s ribs, brisket or pulled pork. Once the weather warms up, you’ll want to enjoy your meal on the spacious outdoor patio. 

Sando Street

• Address: 1547 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago

On Sando Street’s second day open, the Japanese street food restaurant sold out in just three hours! The restaurant’s main draw is the sandos — sandwiches made on fluffy Japanese milk bread called shokupan. Popular sandos include Korean BBQ or traditional Japanese flavors, but there are also sweet sandos with matcha or ube whipped cream and strawberries.

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