Family-Friendly Restaurants Perfect for Chicago’s Kiddos
PB&J
Now that school is back in session, family time is changing to a more normal schedule. Calendars will quickly fill up with homework and activities, conferences and classes. So families need to work harder to carve out time to spend together! And if that time happens to be spent over an amazing meal, then all the better right? For your next family dinner, these are the spots with dishes for every eater and activities for every age. Let’s eat family-style this fall!
PB&J: Pizza Beer and Jukebox {205 North Peoria Street, Chicago; 312.498.7080}: Get something for the parents and the kids at this West Loop spot! Though PB&J is actually an acronym for ‘Pizza, Beer & Jukebox,’ it does still serve the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich too, making it a great lunch or dinner destination for Chicago families. Kids can pick a classic Wonder Bread PB&J or get more creative with their other sweet sandwiches. A kid-specific menu includes kids classics like a cheeseburger and chicken tenders too.
urbanbelly {1542 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.904.8606}: If you’re raising a mini foodie-in-the-making, Chef Bill Kim has a kid’s menu to inspire! Going beyond basic chicken nuggets, urbanbelly has delicious Asian American-influenced options in smaller portions, like the Kid’s Chicken Rice and Kid’s Noodle Soup with wheat ramen noodles. Don’t worry though, for the pickier eaters in your household, Chef Bill still has fries!
Roots Handmade Pizza {multiple locations}: Because EVERYONE loves pizza! And Roots Pizza welcomes everyone - even pups at some of their locations! Start with the amazing (and gigantic) Mozzarella Sticks, pick your favorite pizza and then save room for dessert. Because you’re not going to be able to keep the kids’ hands off of options like Caramel S’mores Pie or Brownie Sundae 😍
Time Out Market Chicago {916 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.637.3888}: Aside from being an exciting destination for families full of picky eaters (we DEFY you to not be able to find SOMETHING you like at this food hall), the market also has kid-friendly activities planned for fall. There’s an identity workshop, complete with self portraits, entitled “Kid Presents: Who am I?” this Sunday, September 19 at 11AM. On Saturday, September 25 at 11AM there will also be storytime with local shop owner Keewa Nurullah. Check their “Shows & Events” section for all the details and latest updates!
Yolk {multiple locations}: Weekends are for family fun… and family feasts! Kick off a Saturday or Sunday with breakfast at one of the Yolk restaurants across the city. Their menu is broad enough that everyone will find something they like, no matter the size of your family. From Korean-Style Chicken & Waffles to Churro French Toast, your wildest breakfast dreams are about to come true.
Sweet Mandy B’s
Sweet Mandy B’s Bakery {1208 West Webster Avenue, Chicago; 773.244.1174}: Because everyone deserves something sweet now and then - especially after a long week at home! Sweet Mandy B’s has a treat for every taste, from cookies and pies to their famous cupcakes. And while we would NEVER suggest bribing your family with dessert, we ARE saying such a bribe would work on us 😉
Mable’s Table {1655 West Cortland Street, Chicago; 773.904.7433}: Considering this restaurant is named for the chef owner’s mother, you can bet this Bucktown spot is all about a family atmosphere. Come for a cozy dinner of Mae’s Famous Meatballs or their “Shred Off the Ol’ Block” Mac n’ Cheese, and everyone will leave with smiles on their faces 😊
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor