Best Restaurants for Families in Chicago (Mapped)

Kristy Pepping:  Since 1938, Johnson's has been an outdoor restaurant that lets drivers eat under a canopy in the comfort of their own vehicle. The outside servers are called "Carhops," a throw back to the 1920s when cars had running boards, the server would actually "Hop" on to the vehicles to take the drivers order.

Kristy Pepping:  What once started as a train station, Flossmoor Station is now a rustic and charming restaurant and brewery. Since the inception, this place has been a destination for local families and craft beer lovers alike.

Medici restaurant, adjacent to the cafe, offers many different menu items, but their pizza is what draws the biggest crowd. Their garbage pizza is legendary, but their other pizza offerings are unique and delicious. Top it off with one of their shakes or malts. Kids sizes are offered in both pizza and shakes, making this a great restaurant for the whole family.

Yoli B:  Minghin Cuisine has several locations throughout Chicagoland and offers traditional dim sum as well as a full Cantonese menu. The menu is quite large and the options can become overwhelming, but I assure you nothing on the menu will disappoint. The brave at heart can impress (or gross out) your kids by ordering Chicken Feet with Special sauce and marvel in the flavors! The service is fast at Minghin so the place will be a winner with the kids!

Kristy Pepping:  Epic Burger, located in the Streeterville area, opened in 2008 by a Chicago resident. They prepare menu items without artificial colors, nitrates, and other additives found in everyday foods. The offer all things burgers, but also chicken and vegetarian options. You can order ahead and arrive when food is ready to be served and they offer junior sizes of some burgers.

Alexandra F.:  Wildberry offers an extensive menu of brunch favorites, from waffles and French toasts piled high with yummy toppings, to omelettes and skillets for the “savory” crowd, to sandwiches and salads for the lunch lovers among us. The kids menu includes such delights as fruity pebble french toast and berry bliss pancakes, and perhaps best of all, they have a fabulous smoothie and coffee bar serving Intelligentsia coffee...my personal favorite! The menus include plenty of gluten-free options.

Yoli B:  All I can say is Yum! Shake Shack offers hot dogs, fries, and shakes, but I would drive a great distance to grab a Shackburger. This place is loud and no one will look twice if you have a screaming kiddo. You can always bribe them with a shake!

Kristy Pepping:  Flat Top Grill was inspired by the open-air fresh market grills of Asia. You select meat, veggies and other ingredients and a chef cooks it. Whether your kids are paleo, vegan, nut-allergic or gluten-free, they have special sticks that you can use to indicate this to the chef. Plus, food is ready right away!

Molly Weber:  Nana's weekend brunch goes has a kids menu (ten and under) that includes a bear shaped pancake meal to entertain you and your kids alike. Their menu style has an American foundation with Latin America, Spanish, and Mexican influences. There are no reservations for groups under 6 for weekend brunch so get there early!

Vanessa M.:  The Berghoff has been a Chicago classic since its opening in 1898. It boasts Chicago's first liquor license after the prohibition, and is best known for authentic German dishes and in house brews of beer and root beer. Schnitzel dishes, Reubens and the hard to pronounce Spätzleknödel make The Berghoff a must try restaurant when visiting the Windy City. The children's menu offers all the kids' favorites. Don't miss out on dessert! The German Chocolate Cake is the real deal!

Before it was Macy's, it was Marshall Field's. The founder, Marshall Field, was from Chicago and his flagship department store still stands on State Street today. Inside this historic building, a lot has changed, but the Walnut Room remains true to tradition. This iconic restaurant is located on the 7th floor and was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. If you are visiting during Chicago's Christmas season, they have an enormous tree in the center of the room - viewable from upstairs in the store, too. Make a whole day of shopping and dining on Chicago's State Street!

Tim Ponisciak:  This restaurant offers great views of Michigan Ave and amazing food! It is owned by the same company that runs the Cheesecake Factory but has a completely different menu. Make sure to order the fresh baked cookies! There is a very good kids menu available and it is the perfect place to go to after visiting American Girl Place and shopping along the Magnificent Mile.

Gina I.:  The theme? Sugar! Where else can you get away with ice cream for dinner? The Sugar Factory features a delicious assortment of sweet & savory cuisine, including their enormous signature drinks (also available without alcohol), chocolate martinis, and more. The menu offers everything from pancakes and waffles to salads and burgers. But the real star is the actual dessert menu with colorful, sprinkled, gourmet treats...every kid's dream come true!

Vanessa M.:  Eataly Chicago is a destination in itself. The first floor market is full of Italian groceries and housewares, with coffee bars, gelato bars, and food counters. The second floor hosts a number of Italian restaurants for full meals and even more counters for quick bites where you can eat freshly made Italian cuisine.

Kristy Pepping:  Guests are seated at large communal tables at these fun restaurants for kids and families, surrounding a large flat top grill where a chef performs Teppanyaki. They slice, dice and prepare your meal right in front of you. Plus, walk around the restaurant and learn about Japanese culture.