Chicago is a city that never stops impressing its residents and visitors with its vast culinary options.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, you'll find that there's no shortage of family-friendly restaurants to choose from. From casual diners to upscale eateries, there's something for everyone in this city.
When it comes to dining out with the family, it's important to find a restaurant that caters to all ages. Whether you're looking for a place that serves up classic American fare, or something with a more international flair, Chicago has it all.
With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to narrow down the best family restaurants in the city.
In this blog post, we'll be exploring some of the top family restaurants in Chicago. We'll be highlighting the best spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We'll also be discussing the ambiance, menu options, and overall dining experience.
Whether you're in the mood for comfort food or something a little more adventurous, we've got you covered. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some of the best family restaurants in Chicago.
1. Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe is a popular breakfast and lunch spot that serves up large portions of American eats.
The menu features a variety of pancakes, waffles, crepes, and omelets, with many unique flavors to choose from.
The service is friendly and efficient, with attentive waitstaff who keep the coffee flowing. Although the prices are a bit high, the quality of the food and the generous portions make it worth it.
If you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast or lunch, Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe is definitely worth a visit.
2. Eleven City Diner
Eleven City Diner is a retro-style family restaurant that offers classic American diner meals and deli standards.
The staff is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is lively with jazz music playing in the background.
The menu offers a variety of options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with generous portions that are sure to satisfy.
While it can get busy during peak hours, the wait is worth it for the delicious food and great service. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Eleven City Diner is a must-visit spot for a classic American dining experience.
3. The Chicago Diner
The Chicago Diner is a family restaurant that offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is cozy. The menu has a good selection of comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, and shakes.
The restaurant can get busy, so reservations are recommended. Prices are a bit high, but the quality of the food justifies it.
If you're looking for a tasty and healthy meal, The Chicago Diner is a great choice.
4. Greek Islands
Greek Islands is a family-friendly Mediterranean eatery that offers delicious Greek and Mediterranean comfort food.
The restaurant serves its dishes in a taverna-style setting, making it a perfect spot for a family dinner.
The menu offers a great variety of options, including pork, beef, or chicken kabobs, Greek lasagna, spaghetti, spaghetti and meatballs, and many more.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the service is excellent. Greek Islands is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Greek dining experience.
5. Lou Mitchell's
Lou Mitchell's is a family-friendly diner that has been serving up classic breakfast and lunch dishes since 1923.
The restaurant's unpretentious atmosphere and friendly staff make for a warm and inviting experience.
The portions are generous and the food is delicious, with fluffy omelets, freshly squeezed orange juice, and great coffee.
Lou Mitchell's is a Chicago institution that should not be missed.
6. Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse
Looking for a family-friendly restaurant with great service and delicious food in an upscale atmosphere that won't break the bank in Chicago land area, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse is the perfect place to go.
With an excellent selection of meats, pastas, and desserts, this steakhouse offers a proper restaurant experience with portions that are large and prepared in a timely manner.
The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, making the dining experience very pleasant. Don't miss the chance to see the unique memorabilia as soon as you walk in the doors, including pictures of Harry with other baseball greats and celebrities.
Highly recommended for Cubs fans and anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.
7. Beatrix
Beatrix is a modern restaurant that serves delicious food with a wide variety of options for different tastes and diets.
The menu is creative and flavorful, and the desserts are homemade and absolutely delicious.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the ambiance is lovely with a mix of restaurant and lounge seating.
Prices are reasonable for the quality of food you're getting, and it's a great place for groups with all sorts of diet preferences. Reservations are recommended, especially for brunch.
8. Viaggio Restaurant Chicago
Viaggio Restaurant Chicago is a great Italian spot in the West Loop. The food is excellent and the portions are generous.
The service is attentive and the ownership is friendly and welcoming.
The atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable, making it a perfect place for families to enjoy a meal together.
The wine selection is also impressive, and the bar is a great spot to relax and socialize. Highly recommended for anyone looking for delicious Italian food in a stylish setting.
9. Palace Grill Restaurant
Palace Grill Restaurant is a classic family restaurant that has been serving up breakfast, brunch, and lunch since 1938.
The menu is full of delicious options that will please any palate, and the portions are large and satisfying. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a community feel and plenty of Blackhawks memorabilia on display.
The owner, George, regularly makes the rounds and talks to his customers, adding to the friendly vibe. The service is excellent, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for families looking for a tasty meal.
Whether you're in the mood for a classic omelet, a hearty sandwich, or a refreshing cocktail, Palace Grill Restaurant has something for everyone.
10. Doc B's Restaurant
Doc B's Restaurant is a great spot for families looking for a unique and contemporary dining experience.
The menu offers a variety of interesting and flavorful options, with great tasting food that is fresh and crisp.
The atmosphere is clean and modern, with plenty of TVs to keep everyone entertained. The service can be a bit slow at times, but the attentive and courteous staff make up for it.
Make sure to try the guac with sweet potato chips and the quinoa kitchen salad. Reserve in advance to avoid wait times.
11. Eppel's Restaurant
Eppel's Restaurant is a fantastic family restaurant that serves up delicious and plentiful food. The staff is attentive and kind, providing some of the best customer service in the area.
With a wide variety of menu options, including pescatarian choices, there's something for everyone.
The restaurant has an old-school charm, but could use some updating and a deep cleaning. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but the location is great.
If you're looking for a homely diner with top-notch food and service, Eppel's is the place to go.
12. The Berghoff Restaurant
The Berghoff Restaurant is a historic family restaurant that serves traditional German cuisine in an old-world setting. The food is amazing and reasonably priced, and the service is attentive and friendly.
The restaurant also has a bar counter where you can order food and drinks. The cheese curds and apricot dipping sauce are a must-try.
The interiors are beautiful and charming, making it a great place for families to dine. The restaurant is also known for its excellent selection of international beers and its on-site microbrewery.
Don't forget to save room for the wonderful desserts. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the city.
13. The Smith
The Smith is a stylish and chic American restaurant that serves elevated cuisine and daily happy hour specials.
The menu features creative and interesting dishes, including spicy salmon tartare and knife and fork fried chicken with grits. The restaurant has a great selection of whiskeys, scotches, and bourbons, and the cocktails are delicious.
The service is impeccable, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The outdoor seating area is spacious and comfortable, and the indoor space is beautifully designed with retro-chic elements.
The restaurant is perfect for families looking for a memorable dining experience.
14. Nando's PERi-PERi
Nando's PERi-PERi is a family restaurant that serves delicious Afro-Portuguese flame-grilled chicken in spicy chilli sauce.
The restaurant has a beautiful ambiance and the staff is friendly and helpful. The menu offers a variety of options including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
The sauces are a highlight and customers can request extra sauce and peri peri salt. The restaurant also offers a kid's meal variety.
Although there can be a delay in order being served, the food is worth the wait. Nando's PERi-PERi is highly recommended for those who love flavorful chicken dishes.
15. Bettie Lou's
Bettie Lou's is a family restaurant that serves excellent food with a global influence.
The dining area is cozy and clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The menu has a nice selection of dinners, including vegan options.
The food is made to order, ensuring that everything is fresh and delicious. The BYOB option is a perfect addition to the restaurant.
Bettie Lou's is a hidden gem that is worth checking out for those who love soulful, loving food that reminds them of their childhood summers.
