The Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago: 40+ Local Spots That Actually Welcome Kids

Dining out with kids in Chicago doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’ve got a baby in a stroller, a toddler with zero chill, or older kids with big appetites, the right restaurant can make all the difference.

This guide features mom-tested, kid-approved restaurants across the city—places that don’t just tolerate families, but actually welcome them. Think high chairs, quick service, forgiving noise levels, kids’ menus, and even treats for the grownups.

If you need a little help keeping your kiddo entertained at the table, don’t miss our favorite screen-free travel toys for restaurants and on-the-go.

Looking for baby friendly restaurants- see our guide here!

North Side Favorites

Old Irving Brewing (Irving Park)

Spacious and loud—in the best way. Great beer for parents and a menu that covers all ages.

Avenue Tap & Kitchen (Irving Park)

Unpretentious, crowd-pleasing menu and plenty of seating for groups with kids.

Eden (Avondale)

Spacious, modern, and airy with seasonal dishes and a kid-welcoming vibe. Easy parking, too!

Parsons Chicken & Fish (Andersonville, Logan Square & Lincoln Park)

The outdoor patio is perfect for squirmy toddlers. Fried chicken for the win.

Lonesome Rose (Andersonville & Logan Square)

Bright, casual Tex-Mex with a kid-friendly vibe. High chairs, quick service, and fun desserts like their horchata Chaco Taco make it a family favorite.

Lakeview

Crosby’s Kitchen (Lakeview)

A Southport staple for families. With crayons, a killer kids’ menu, and food that parents actually want to eat.

👉 Rotisserie chicken and mac & cheese = no-fail combo.

Tuco and Blondie (Lakeview)

Bright, colorful, and quick to bring chips and guac. Bonus: a fenced-in patio for al fresco kid chaos.

Southport Grocer (Lakeview)

This neighborhood brunch spot is small but mighty. High chairs, friendly staff, and a killer pancake stack.

Coalfire Pizza (Lakeview)

Thin crust pizza with simple toppings that kids devour. Great for casual family dinners.

Stella’s Diner (Lakeview East)

Charming café vibes with a solid kids’ menu and an easygoing crowd.

Swift & Sons Tavern (Wrigleyville)

Upscale but not uptight. Kids are welcome, and the service is quick.

Almost Home Tavern & Grill (Wrigleyville)

Friendly staff, kids’ menu, and an outdoor patio with space to roam.

Sakura Teppanyaki & Sushi (Lakeview)

A kid-friendly favorite where little ones can enjoy the hibachi show while parents savor fresh sushi.

Small Cheval (many locations)

Burgers, fries, shakes, simple and satisfying. Outdoor seating helps if your toddler is on the move.

Lincoln Park

RJ Grunts (Lincoln Park)

A Chicago classic with a salad bar, burgers, and plenty of family charm. Fun décor keeps little eyes busy.

Denucci’s (Lincoln Park)

Old-school Italian with red sauce classics and cozy booths.

Parsons Chicken & Fish (Andersonville & Lincoln Park)

The outdoor patio is perfect for squirmy toddlers. Fried chicken for the win.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! (Lincoln Park)

Tapas and sangria for you, kid-sized bites for them. Staff are pros at handling families and the kids' menu comes with wiki stix toys for kids.

Sushi-San (Lincoln Park)

Surprisingly kid friendly! For more adventurous eaters, this spot balances quick service with fun flavors.

Old Pueblo Cantina (Lincoln Park)

Colorful and casual with Mexican fare that kids actually like. Friendly service seals the deal.

Ramen-San (Lincoln Park)

Loud music and fast service make this River North ramen joint surprisingly family-friendly.

Replay (before 7PM) (Lincoln Park)

Arcade games and casual vibes = older kid heaven (before it flips into a bar at night).

Wicker Park & West Town & Logan Square

The Perch Kitchen & Tap (Wicker Park)

A go-to for families with space to spread out and a solid kids’ menu.

Small Cheval (Wicker Park)

Same formula: burgers, fries, shakes. No complaints.

West Town Bakery (West Town)

Bright colors, sweet treats, and a kids’ menu. Win-win-win.

Club Lucky (Bucktown)

Classic Italian with a retro vibe, roomy booths, high chairs, and a welcoming staff—great for an early family dinner.

Fry the Coop (West Town, Lincoln Park, Portage Park)

Nashville hot chicken, but kid-friendly versions are available too (get the nuggets or Smack Wraps). Fast, filling, and casual.

Bar Parisette (Logan Square)

Charming French vibes meet family-friendly dining. With a kids’ menu, relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of space for strollers, it’s a surprisingly easy spot to enjoy a weekday dinner or casual brunch with little ones.

Pizza Lobo (Logan Square)

Easygoing vibe with giant slices, picnic tables, and a roomy patio perfect for wiggly toddlers.

BiXi Beer (Logan Square)

Surprisingly kid-friendly with lots of space, high chairs, and shareable Asian-fusion bites.

Downtown

Eataly (River North)

Italian marketplace meets family-friendly food court. Pizza, pasta, and gelato that kids will love.

Stax Café (River West & Little Italy)

Known for amazing pancakes and friendly service. Great for early brunch with littles before the crowds.

Ed Debevic’s (River North)

A retro diner with playful, sassy servers, classic comfort food, and a lively atmosphere that keeps kids entertained. High chairs available and plenty of menu options for picky eaters.

South Side Favorites

Weather Mark Tavern (South Loop)

This nautical-themed tavern is casual, roomy, and a go-to for neighborhood families. Plenty of space for a stroller, high chairs, and a relaxed menu of American classics.

Flo & Santos (South Loop)

A Polish-Italian fusion spot that offers pizza, pierogi, and a warm neighborhood vibe. There’s outdoor seating in warmer months and space for strollers inside. Great spot for families with something for everyone!

The Spoke & Bird (South Loop)

A hidden gem with a cute outdoor patio and counter service setup. It’s super stroller-accessible and casual, with quick service, solid coffee, and breakfast all day.

Medici on 57th (Hyde Park)

A longtime Hyde Park favorite with roomy booths, a kids’ menu, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy for families to enjoy a casual breakfast, lunch, or pizza night together.

Peach’s (Bronzeville)

Southern comfort food in a cozy, casual setting with high chairs, quick service, and a friendly vibe that makes dining out with kids feel easy. Don’t leave without trying the peach cobbler.

Marz Community Brewing (Bridgeport)

A creative, family-friendly brewery with plenty of space, colorful art, and a relaxed atmosphere. Great for grabbing a bite and a drink while kids explore the open layout or enjoy weekend events.

Dolce Arte (Bridgeport)

Charming and bright with pastries, gelato, and espresso—plus plenty of space for strollers. A sweet spot for a low-key treat with little ones in tow.

Rico Bene’s (Bridgeport)

Classic Chicago-style pizza in a no-frills, family-friendly setting with plenty of seating, high chairs, and quick service—easy and reliable for a casual meal with kids.

Gio’s Café & Deli (Bridgeport)

A hidden gem with homestyle Italian dishes, generous portions, and a welcoming staff that treats you like family. Cozy, casual, and great for an early dinner with kids.

Multiple Locations

Nando’s Peri-Peri (Multiple Locations)

Multiple locations, plenty of high chairs, and chicken combos that work for every age.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop (Multiple Locations)

Toasty sandwiches, kid-sized meals, and always-friendly staff. Most locations have booths, high chairs, and milkshakes that keep little ones happy.

Parsons Chicken & Fish (Multiple Locations)

The outdoor patio is perfect for squirmy toddlers. Fried chicken for the win.

Cozy Corner (Multiple Locations)

Classic breakfast diner vibes. Fast, friendly, and full of regulars. Known for its pancakes and early bird charm.

Roost Chicken & Biscuits (Multiple Locations)

Crispy chicken, buttery biscuits, and quick counter service. Great for takeout or dining in with kids.

Chipotle (Multiple Locations)

Fast, customizable burrito bowls and tacos that even picky eaters love. High chairs, quick service, and wide aisles make it easy for families on the go.

Tips for Dining Out with Kids in Chicago

• Go early: Beat the dinner rush and tantrum hour.

• Pack distractions: Crayons, snacks, or sticker books go a long way.

• Be kind to the team: It goes a long way!

• Make it a routine: Let kids help pick the restaurant, it makes outings more exciting.

At Friend of a Mom, we believe dining out with kids should be doable and even fun. These restaurants aren’t just “okay with kids” -they welcome them. Whether you’re brunching with a newborn or wrangling a group of toddlers, these spots are here for you.

Know a spot we missed? 

Send us a DM or email and we’ll keep the list growing.