They might not be paying the bill but that certainly won’t stop kids from having a say in their family’s weekend dinner plans. Chicago restaurants have learned who their real critics are and have started beefing up their menus and amenities to cater to their younger patrons. From French toast sticks to coloring competitions, here are our favorite kid-friendly spots the whole family can enjoy.
Dutch and Doc’s {3600 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.360.0207}
Boka Group took the whole family into consideration when designing the concept for their latest restaurant in Wrigleyville. Kids under the age of 12 are invited to join the Clean Plate Club where they will receive special treats on birthdays, invites to kid-friendly events, and free meals on every visit. Plus, kids who enter the monthly coloring competition have the chance to be featured on the Kids Coloring Hall of Fame on Dutch and Doc’s website!
Yolk {Various locations, Chicago; 773. 281.9655}
The kid’s menu at Yolk is so good it might make the adults feel a little jealous. On top of an already impressive menu of traditional and upscale breakfast items for adults, kids can choose from a variety of dishes from S’mores Pancakes to French Toast Sticks.
Stax Café {1401 West Taylor Street, Chicago; 312.733.9871}
The kid’s menu at this family-friendly breakfast joint not only has exciting choices like Cakes for Cuties and Baked Mac n’ Cheeze, but plenty of games and coloring activities to keep the kiddos occupied all morning long.
Mable’s Table {1655 West Cortland Street, Chicago; 773.904.7433}
It’s rare that a restaurant has both kid-friendly options AND more sophisticated choices for the parents. Mable’s Table in Bucktown does just that with an extensive menu meeting the whole spectrum of choices from salmon tartare to grilled cheese.
Big Star
Big Star Wrigleyville {3650 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.857.7120}
For a family weekend activity, try brunch at Big Star in Wrigleyville where kids munch on their very own Little Star Basket full of cheesy eggs, black beans, and chips, plus a drink for only $3.
Casati’s {444 West Fullerton Parkway, Chicago; 773.857.1237}
What kid doesn’t love spaghetti? Actually, what adult doesn’t love spaghetti? At Casati’s, every member of the family can get their wish for comforting Italian food. Even the drinks menu has kid-friendly choices!
Frasca {3358 North Paulina, Chicago; 773.248.5222}
Frasca certainly knows the way to a kid’s heart. Case in point: a free scoop of ice cream with every item off the kid’s menu. If only the adult menu had the same offer.
By Audrey Rompon | Contributor
The post Chicago’s Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants for the Family appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.