Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Chicago
Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Chicago!
Do you love to dine out but taking the kids can be challenging? We are lucky to have a kiddo that loves dining out too so put on your eye cream, grab your purse & lets go out tonight because these Chicago restaurants have everything you need to keep your little one entertained. I’m not just taking crayons and coloring sheets here. These restaurants have healthy options when you want to go beyond chicken fingers and buttered noodles. These dining spots have the best service and will cater to you and your littles dining needs. Hurry! Click the websites to make a reservation today!
Crosby’s Kitchen- Kids eat FREE from 4-6pm at Crosby's Kitchen on Southport. Crosby’s is a lively neighborhood restaurant with great lighting and excellent rotisserie chicken. You will spot many families and will not need to worry about being too noisy. Perfect for a dinner out with another family.
Addresss: 3455 N Southport Ave Chicago, IL 60657
http://www.crosbyschicago.com/
Joe’s Seafood, - Find a healthy kids meal including options like crab cakes, grilled chicken with vegetables. People always ask how my child likes vegetables and you feed kids the right foods when they’re hungry. When you’re entertaining and need a nice restaurant that is doable with kids this is the one. Perfect for clients, family celebrations and birthdays.
Address: 60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
SummerHouse Santa Monica- SummerHouse Lincoln Park offers a build your own pizza station from 4-6pm for little one and has an additional kids menu including spaghetti and meatballs with fruit, sliders with fries and fruit and much more And of course do not forget to stop by the dessert shop on your way to grab a cookie for all the littles to take home!
Address: 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
https://www.summerhouserestaurants.com/lincoln-park/
Ed Debevic’s- On the pricier side, but the entertainment is priceless!! The waitstaff dancing between tables and one stage!! There’s also a resident cowboy hat wearing DJ spinning all the oldies but goodies. Perfect for a celebration they’ll never forget!!
Address: 159 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Sushi San Lincoln Park- Kids Bento boxes and Japanese history to boot! Perfect for kids of any age, the bento box is a Japanese doll you take apart to reveal their kids meal. Edamame, sushi and fruit in their main meal and mochi ice cream comes after to celebrate a healthy meal well done!
Address: 1950 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
https://www.sushisanrestaurant.com/lincoln-park/
Dining Out with Kids: Tips for a Stress-Free Experience
Eating out with children can be a delightful experience, but it also requires a bit of planning to ensure it goes smoothly. Whether you're heading to a casual diner or a more upscale restaurant, here are some tips to make dining out with kids enjoyable for the whole family.
1. Choose the Right Restaurant
Selecting a kid-friendly restaurant can make all the difference. Look for places with a relaxed atmosphere, a varied kids' menu, and amenities such as high chairs or booster seats. Restaurants that offer crayons and coloring sheets can also keep little ones entertained while you wait for your meal. You can always bring a smaller sized activity book that is new to them with their favorite marker/pen. I prefer a blank notebook and a pen for my little guy to get creative in from drawing to writing or even a game of tic tac toe.
2. Plan Ahead
Check the restaurant's menu online before you go to ensure there are options your children will enjoy. Also, consider making a reservation if you're going during prime dinner times or on the weekend to avoid long waits. If your child or other family members has any dietary restrictions or allergies, notify restaurant in the “special notes” section when you book your online reservation.
3. Prepare Your Kids
Before you leave, talk to your children about what to expect. Explain the dining etiquette and how they should behave at the table. We like to practice dining etiquette at home to reinforce these as basic habits anywhere they may dine. Let them know that dining out is a special treat and they should be on their best behavior. This can set the tone for a smoother dining experience. Reward that good etiquette with a dessert of choice for themselves or to share with the table. One dessert, 4 spoons please!
4. Pack Smart
Bring along a small bag of essentials to keep your kids comfortable and entertained. This might include a discreet snack (just in case), a favorite tiny toy, notebook for them draw, fold, color in. Stay away from a tablet with headphones for shows, games or videos. As I stated dining out is a special treat and the reward if you the display of good manners not for quietly watching an ipad. Devices are distracting to other tables as well as your own. This type of parenting can be more challenging at first and require patience but very rewarding once the expectations for dining out are set. Don’t forget to pack any necessary items like baby wipes and small changing pad it. It has surprised me all the places I’ve had to change a diaper and that simple changing pad can be a lifesaver.
5. Order Strategically
When the waiter comes to take your order, order for your kiddo right away while you are placing cocktail orders for mom and dad. Ask about the portion sizes. Sometimes, a kid’s meal is enough for older children, and sharing larger portions can be a great option for families with toddlers. Exposing toddlers to mom and dad’s meal instead of order off a kids meal can be a great way to encourage a happy and curious eater at an early age.
6. Be Patient and Flexible
Dining out with kids often requires a bit of flexibility. Be prepared for the meal to take longer than usual and try to remain patient. If your child gets restless, gently redirect their attention with a story or a quiet game.
7. Encourage Good Table Manners
Encourage your children to use their indoor voices and practice good table manners. Setting a positive example by demonstrating polite behavior can help reinforce these habits. Praise your kids for their good behavior to encourage them to keep it up.
8. Handle Mishaps Gracefully
Accidents and spills can happen. Set your kid up for success. Remind them to keep their drink placed away from the edge of a table. Contrary to what most do, glass plates and glasses are heavier and not as easy to knock over so try them out. If your child is used to using glass at home they’ll really succeed in a restaurant. If your child spills a drink or drops food, handle it calmly and apologize to the staff. Most restaurant staff are used to dealing with children and will appreciate your patience and understanding.
9. Be Considerate of Others
Remember that not all diners are there to enjoy a family meal. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of your surroundings. If your child needs to take a break or has a moment of restlessness, a quick walk outside or a visit to the restroom or kitchen can help.
10. Enjoy the Experience
Finally, remember that dining out is about creating family memories. Embrace the experience, enjoy the meal, and savor the time spent together. With a little preparation and a positive attitude, dining out with kids can be a wonderful experience for the whole family. Bon appetit! -M