Where Kids Eat Free in Chicago: A Local Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants
- Admin
- Apr 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Looking for restaurants in Chicago where kids eat free? We’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly spots across the city that make dining out a little easier on your wallet. Whether you’re a parent of toddlers, tweens, or somewhere in between, this guide breaks down exactly where and when kids can eat free in Chicago, along with age limits and neighborhood locations.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, post-school outings, or casual weekend brunches, here’s your go-to list for enjoying Chicago’s food scene with the whole family in tow.
A big thank you to fellow mom Stacey S. for giving us a head start with her spreadsheet of local spots!
*This guide is current as of July 30, 2025. We'll keep it updated and if we missed your restaurant or favorite spot, send us a message and we'll add it!
Kids Eat Free Chicago: Best Family-Friendly Restaurants
Lakeview
Crosby’s Kitchen (Southport Corridor)
🗓️ Every day | ⏰ 4PM–6PM | 👶 Kids 12 and under
A Southport Corridor favorite known for wood-fired comfort food and an incredibly family-friendly vibe.
Tuco and Blondie (Southport Corridor)
🗓️ Every day | ⏰ 4:30PM–6PM | 👶 Kids 6 and under
Bright, lively, and full of flavor. Early dinner means free meals for the littles (and maybe a margarita for you).
Little Goat Diner (Southport Corridor)
🗓️ Tuesdays | ⏰ 4PM–7PM
Classic diner vibes from Stephanie Izard’s team with a generous early evening deal.
Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar (Lakeview)
🗓️ Every day | ⏰ 4:30PM–6PM | 👶 Kids 12 and under
Pasta, pizza, and patio seating - Frasca makes family dinners easy.
Swift & Sons Tavern (Wrigleyville)
🗓️ Every day | ⏰ 4:30PM–6PM
A classy yet casual spot with an early evening special perfect for families.
Uncommon Ground (Lakeview)
🗓️ Mon–Wed | ⏰ 5PM–6:30PM | 👶 Kids 12 and under
Known for its eco-conscious kitchen and warm ambiance.
Cheesie’s (Lakeview)
🗓️ Every day | ⏰ All day | 👶 Kids 12 and under
Grilled cheese heaven with free ice cream for kids 12 and under (all day every day!)
Wilde Bar & Restaurant (Lakeview East)
🗓️ Mon–Thurs | ⏰ 4:30PM–6:30PM
A literary-themed Irish pub with plenty of room for strollers and crayons for the kids.
Pizzeria Serio (Lakeview East)
🗓️ Sundays | ⏰ All Day | 👶 Kids eat free off the kids’ menu
Thin crust pizza in a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a chill Sunday night.
Farm Bar (Lakeview South)
🗓️ Mon–Thurs | ⏰ 4PM–6PM
Farm-to-table and family-friendly, this one’s a neighborhood win.
Friend of a Mom partner
We love The Gardner School. Lucie's son went here for 4 years!
Avondale
Honey Butter Fried Chicken (Avondale)
🗓️ Wednesdays | 👶 Kids eat free
Crispy chicken, corn muffins, and a casual patio—perfect for a midweek family dinner.
Lincoln Square
🗓️ Mon–Fri | ⏰ 4:30PM–6PM | 👶 Kids 9 and under
A cozy, seasonal supper club with a weekday window perfect for family meals.
Wicker Park
🗓️ Every day | ⏰ 4PM–6PM
Spacious, modern, and full of local flavor. Great for families with kids of all ages.
🗓️ Every day | ⏰ 4PM–6PM (Wicker Park) & 11:30AM–4PM (Wrigleyville)
Low-and-slow BBQ and friendly service make this a kid-friendly staple across two locations.
🗓️ Mon–Fri | ⏰ 5PM–7PM
Tucked inside a historic butcher shop, this spot is a hidden gem for early family dinners.
Urbanbelly (Wicker Park)
🗓️ Mondays | 🍜 Up to 2 free kids meals per adult purchase
Globally inspired rice, noodles, and dumplings your kids will actually try.
Lincoln Park
🗓️ Tuesdays | ⏰ Evening
Details are sparse but Tuesdays are the night to go. Call ahead to confirm!
West Loop
🗓️ Tuesdays | ⏰ 5PM–9PM
Southern comfort food and weekday perks? Yes please.
Tacombi (West Loop)
🗓️ Tuesdays | Buy one, get one free
Bright and casual taqueria with kid-approved eats and a great BOGO deal every Tuesday.
South Side
Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles (Bronzeville)
🗓️ Wednesdays | ⏰ Dinner | 👶 Kids 10 and under
One free kids' meal (kids 10 and under) for each paid adult meal valued at $18 or more.
River North / Loop
Benny’s Chop House (River North)
🗓️ Sundays | ⏰ All day
Upscale dining that also welcomes families on Sundays—yes, really.
Ambar (River North)
🗓️ Everyday | ⏰ All day | 👶 Kids 7 and under eat free, 7-12 get 50% off their meal
Land and Lake Kitchen (Loop)
🗓️ Sundays | ⏰ 4PM–7PM | 👶 Kids 12 and under
Solid comfort food right in the heart of downtown, perfect after museums or Millennium Park.
Portage Park
Community Tavern (Irving Park)
🗓️ Tues–Thurs, Sun | 👶 Kids 12 and under
A neighborhood gem with classic American fare and one of the few spots open on Sundays.
Citywide / Multiple Neighborhoods
🗓️ Every day | 👶 Kids 6 and under eat free; ages 7–12 are half price
Endless Brazilian-style meats and a salad bar that kids will actually eat from.
Big Star (Wicker Park, Wrigleyville & West Town)
🗓️ Weekends | ⏰ brunch| 👶 Kids 12 and under
Tacos, patio seating, and free brunch for kids every weekend. Relaxed, loud, and perfect for families.
🗓️ Every day | ⏰ 4PM–10PM | 👶 Kids 12 and under
The pancakes you know and love.
🗓️ Wednesdays | ⏰ All day
Classic burgers, kid combos, and a midweek win for families.
Friend of a Mom partner
Looking for childcare? Lucie's son went to The Gardner School for 4 years.
They have 15 locations around Chicago.
Tips for Dining Out With Kids in Chicago
Call ahead to confirm deals, especially if you’re heading out on a holiday or school break.
Go early to avoid crowds and catch that free meal window.
Bring the wipes
Share this guide with a fellow mom because free kids’ meals are too good not to pass on.
At Friend of a Mom, we’re always sharing ways to make motherhood in Chicago more connected, more joyful, and a little easier. This guide is one of many resources curated by moms, for moms because we’re in this together. 💗
Have a favorite spot we missed?
Please let us know and we’ll update the list!
And if you’re craving a night off — one where you make zero decisions, enjoy great restaurants, and reconnect with your old self (and other incredible moms), pop over to our Dinner Series page and join us for a night out. You deserve it.