I don’t know about you but cooking during the summer months is not high on my priority list, yet you still have to get dinner on the table, or go out, which is my preferred choice! Now that there are only a few days/weeks before school starts here’s your chance to hit all the kid friendly spots around town.
Here is my guide to yummy family friendly restaurants that not only will be loved by you but the whole family! Plus, kids eat free at all of these hot spots, so that means you can get that extra glass of wine. Rosè all day, am I right?
P.S. most of these deals require a adult entree purchase, always check for any time or selection restrictions with your server.
photo: chopshopchi.com
Chop Shop (Wicker Park)
With items like Bone Marrow Crusted Filet Mignon and Fennel Roasted Pork Belly, you wouldn’t think a kids menu would be free at this Wicker Park spot. It’s a hybrid restaurant, butcher shop, and concert venue. When you want to enjoy a more sophisticated meal with your kids Chop Shop is the place to be.
Time: 5-7pm Monday-Friday
photo: zumper.com
Southport & Irving SIP (Lakeview)
At the tip of Southport Corridor and slightly off the beaten path of the main Wrigley drag is Southport & Irving SIP, serving classic American food with global fare. The kids menu features favorites like grilled cheese, pizza, and grilled cheese.
Time: 530-630 Wednesday-Sunday
photo: kitchenideas.work
Crosby’s (Lakeview)
This place is always busy. It’s a perfect spot for summer with their adorable patio, amazing for Southport people watching. Their menu reminds me of Sunday dinners… ribs, pork chops, chicken &biscuits. Truly delicious.
Time: 4-6 Monday-Friday
Wishbone (West Loop)
Wishbone’s kids night is on Tuesday’s and it’s complete with nostalgic cartoons on the big screen. Kids will love the cartoons, and adults will love the southern comfort food focused restaurant.
Time: 5-9pm Tuesday (this deals requirements are that every adult purchase gets 1 children’s meal free)
photo: tripadvisor.com
Frasca (Roscoe Village)
Pizza is always a good choice. At Frasca you can enjoy a light Italian dinner with delicious cheese boards, salads, and pasta. Super cute patio with lights is perfect for a summer night.
Time: 430-6pm
photo: grubhub.com
Pizzeria Serio (Bricktown)
A whole day devoted to family dining at local pizza joint makes this meal a no-rush, no-fuss spot to truly enjoy some family time and nosh on crunchy, thin crust ‘za. All the usual suspects are here: meatballs, garlic sticks, and bruschetta and they are crave worthy! Customizable pizzas make ordering for kids a breeze, and you can eat the tasty crust the little ones always leave behind.
Time: 12-9pm Sunday
photo: yelp.com
Dunlay’s on Clark (Lincoln Park)
Sometimes you just need a good ole laid back spot. Dunlay’s delivers with delish salads, burgers, and grilled meats. Keep the kids entertained with coloring materials while enjoying some sun seated outside. Cocktails are delectable too!
Time: 430-630pm Daily
photo: urban daddy.com
Hutch (Lakeview)
On the weekends, brunch can get a little wild here with the local young crowd, but evenings are low key and laid back. Delicious food and a cozy environment round out the local favorite. Hello, Tachos! A delicious crossover of nachos but the chips are tater tots. Kids can feast on PB&J, pastas, and grilled cheese.
Time: 5-630 Daily
photo: planet99.com
Wilde (Lakeview)
“The best way to make children good is to make them happy,” said Oscar Wilde, whom the restaurant was named after. It is definitely not hard to make kids happy at this family pub in Lakeview. Relax in the comfy booths while the kids chow down on noodles, flatbreads, or sandwiches and you can enjoy British faves like fish & chips.
Time: 430-630pm Monday-Thursday
photo: uncommon ground.com
Uncommon Ground (Wrigleyville)
A sustainable restaurant that sources their own ingredients whenever possible is always a go for the modern, healthy family. You can feel comfortable feeding your kids when you know the produce was grown upstairs! Organic beer is brewed by the Greenstar Brewery and served on tap for the grown ups at the table. Kids menu is a little different here with raw seasonal veggies, ranch burger, and local chicken tenders. All delicious, organic options are can’t miss.
Time: 5-630pm Monday-Friday
photo: ziaslakeview.com
Zia’s Lago Vista
A staple in the Southport Corridor neighborhood, Zia’s was a welcomed addition when they opened a few years ago on Ashland Ave. This family run restaurant has great space for both indoor and alfresco dining. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner we can’t get enough of this Italian restaurant. Our kids are huge fans of the ultra thin crust cheese pizza and scoop of gelato for dessert. I love the daily wine specials, burrata and delicious pasta. They have annual events like a ‘kids midnight’ for New Years Eve and event space for your next party. They also have a great bar for girls night out.
Kids eat free on Thursdays 4:30 – 6:30 (must order by 6:30)
Enjoy Chicago,
Juliana
The Yeager Team: A Chicago Real Estate Family
We Live Here, We Work Here, We Are Raising Our Kids Here Residential Real Estate Sales | http://www.atproperties.com/agents/julianayeager | http://www.theyeagerteam.com