Where Kids Eat Free in Chicago: A Local Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants
- Admin
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 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.
A big thank you to fellow mom Stacey S. for giving us a head start with her spreadsheet of local spots! Because of her, we’ve got the most up-to-date guide ready for your next night out.
*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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.