Kid-friendly eats: Chicago

[circa1978]

We're heading up to Chicago for several days this weekend. H is from there and I lived in Wicker Park for many years, but that was all pre-kids. BFF (no kids) lives in University Village and works on Navy Pier, so we'll be hanging around that general area. Any recommendations? DS is two. 

[lissaholly]

I can't speak for those areas, I lived more on the north side ( Roscoe village/ Lakeview). I can say though that most restaurants are friendly for the toddler set between 5-6 p.m seatings. Some even let kids eat free so they can get families in and out. If you make it to the north side Frasca's, Paulina brown line stop, is great food and great for kids.

[lola]

Anything Navy Pier is kid friendly.

There's very little in University Village that isn't kid friendly. I'd check out any where on Tailor St. There's also a great tapas place at Halsted and Roosevelt that I like and think you could take a kid to. In Pilsen there is an Italian place - Ciao Amore. So good.

[ijack]

We did a lot of grab and go stuff to eat at parks and on the beach.

[MWOS]

Our foods are hot dogs and pizza. You'll be fine ;-)

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[leeann]

Navy Pier has several kid friendly places (food court with McD's and other usuals), Bubba Gump Shrimp, etc. There is a Rainforest Cafe in River North and an ESPN Zone, which are both good for kids.

[runforrest]

We eat out a lot in Wicker Park/Bucktown. Prasino, Jerry's, Smoke Daddy (all on Division), and Hot Chocolate, Feast (both on Damen) are kid-friendly.

Bad Apple on Lincoln in Lincoln Square is awesome too (great burgers) and kid friendly.

Anywhere on Navy Pier is kid-friendly, but touristy, so the food is meh, in my opinion.

There is a good brunch place called Yolk (I think) just west of Navy Pier and east of Michigan Ave.

[circa1978]

Excellent point MWOS.

I'd prefer to stay away from chains, because that's the kind of pretentious asshole I am, kids or no. We did Greek Town last year, because I figured any noises he would make would just blend, more or less. And BFF is babysitting one night so we'll have one blissful dinner by ourselves. I cannot wait.

[leeann]

Portillo's is good for kids and is in River North.

[circa1978]

runforrest Yeah, we'll be hitting the Bad Apple after taking a look at that menu. El Chupacabra looks like it might kill me, but I'd die happy.

[ijack]

Do NOT eat at "Brunch." We had the most horrible experience there.

[leeann]

Jul 22, 2013 13:07:43 GMT -5 circa1978 said:

runforrest Yeah, we'll be hitting the Bad Apple after taking a look at that menu. El Chupacabra looks like it might kill me, but I'd die happy.

Bad Apple is amazing, the burgers are awesome and the drinks/beer list is really good.

[runforrest]

Jul 22, 2013 13:07:43 GMT -5 circa1978 said:

runforrest Yeah, we'll be hitting the Bad Apple after taking a look at that menu. El Chupacabra looks like it might kill me, but I'd die happy.

I had the Britlandia or something and almost died from the deliciousness. And their truffle fries are amazing.