Top 7 Best Family Restaurants in Chicago

Exploring Chicago with your loved ones? Finding the perfect spot to dine with the whole family can be a delightful adventure. Whether you’re seeking a cozy brunch spot or a lively dinner experience, our guide to the “Top 7 Best Family Restaurants in Chicago” is here to help you discover the best options that cater to both kids and adults.

When choosing a family restaurant, consider the following services and aspects that can enhance your dining experience:

Kids’ Menus: Specially curated dishes that appeal to younger palates, often at a reasonable price.

High Chairs and Booster Seats: Ensures comfort and safety for your little ones.

Play Areas: Spaces for children to play while waiting for meals, keeping them entertained.

Family-friendly Atmosphere: A welcoming environment that accommodates families of all sizes.

Reasonable Prices: Dining options that fit within a family budget without compromising quality.

Allergen-friendly Options: Menus that offer alternatives for dietary restrictions or allergies.

Embark on a culinary journey with your family, enjoying the diverse flavors and friendly hospitality that Chicago has to offer. Dive into our full post to discover the perfect spots for unforgettable family meals.

1. The Cheesecake Factory
2. Home Run Inn Pizza
3. Golden Nugget Pancake House

4. Ihop
5. Wings and Rings
6. Chick-fil-A
7. Dappers East

Number of companies

18855

Verified reviews

4,21

Average rating

(312)3371101

1. The Cheesecake Factory

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,2/5

875 N Michigan Ave, 60611.0, Chicago

Restaurant
American restaurant
Bakery
Dessert restaurant
Dessert shop
Family restaurant
Takeout Restaurant

Why we chose them

The Cheesecake Factory is a renowned American dining chain known for its generous portions and extensive menu, offering a wide array of culinary delights. With over 250 freshly made dishes and more than 40 legendary cheesecakes and desserts, the restaurant caters to diverse tastes, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Located at the iconic John Hancock Center, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for family dining, whether guests choose to dine in, order takeout, or enjoy delivery services. The restaurant also features a lively Happy Hour and a delightful weekend brunch, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.

Besides being a celebrated restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory doubles as a bakery and dessert shop, highlighting its commitment to quality and variety. The introduction of the Cheesecake Rewards™ program adds an exciting dimension to the dining experience, offering complimentary cheesecake slices and surprise rewards to its members. This innovative approach, along with the restaurant’s strategic location and commitment to fresh, scratch-made dishes, underscores why it has earned a spot in our directory as a standout in the American dining scene.

(773)2479696

2. Home Run Inn Pizza

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,3/5

4254 W 31st St, 60623.0, Chicago

Pizza restaurant
Family restaurant
Pizza delivery
Pizza Takeout

Why we chose them

Home Run Inn Pizza has been a beloved destination for Chicago-style pizza lovers since 1947. This original pizzeria, located near the vibrant neighborhoods of South Lawndale, North Lawndale, and Little Village, has evolved from a corner tavern into a spacious two-floor family restaurant and event space. Known for its iconic Chicago Tavern-Style Thin Crust Pizza, the restaurant offers a wide array of options, including gluten-free pizzas and wings, ensuring something for everyone. Patrons can enjoy a variety of pizza sauces, crust flavors, and a plethora of toppings ranging from garden-fresh to gourmet and premium selections. With a rich history and commitment to quality, the restaurant continues to be a favorite choice for casual dining and family gatherings.

In addition to its dine-in experience, Home Run Inn Pizza provides convenient services such as pizza delivery and takeout, catering to those who wish to enjoy their delicious offerings at home. Their menu extends beyond pizza, featuring a range of shareable appetizers, wings, salads, melts, and entrees, including pasta dishes and kid-friendly options. The restaurant also offers specials like Thirsty Thursdays with discounted drinks and a Friday lunch buffet, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. With its dedication to quality and community, this family-friendly establishment remains a cornerstone of Chicago’s culinary scene.

(773)2528903

3. Golden Nugget Pancake House

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,3/5

2406 W Diversey Ave, 60647.0, Chicago

Diner
American restaurant
Family restaurant

Why we chose them

Golden Nugget Pancake House is a beloved 24/7 retro diner that has been serving the Chicago area for over 50 years. Known for its delicious homemade breakfast offerings, this diner specializes in pancakes made from scratch using real buttermilk and fresh USDA grade AA eggs. Their commitment to quality and tradition is evident in their menu, which features classic American favorites and family-friendly options. Patrons rave about the fluffy, buttery pancakes, often claiming them to be the best they’ve ever had. This American restaurant captures the essence of a classic diner experience, making it a cherished choice for locals and visitors alike.

Beyond its famous pancakes, the family restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes delightful homemade crepes filled with a unique four-cheese blend and dusted with powdered sugar. For those seeking a savory option, the Mexican Pepper Steak is a standout dish, featuring Certified Angus Beef sirloin with a Tex Mex twist. The restaurant embraces an old-school diner feel, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to return time and again. With the convenience of online ordering and delivery, enjoying their mouthwatering dishes has never been easier.

(773)3428901

4. Ihop

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,1/5

2818 W Diversey Ave, 60647.0, Chicago

Breakfast restaurant
American restaurant
Family restaurant

Why we chose them

IHOP is a renowned diner chain celebrated for its breakfast offerings, making it a staple for breakfast enthusiasts in Chicago. Located on W Diversey Ave, this family-friendly American restaurant welcomes patrons with its extensive menu that caters to all tastes and dietary needs. From their world-famous pancakes and freshly made omelettes to their new gluten-friendly options, IHOP ensures every guest leaves satisfied. The restaurant also offers curbside pickup, Wi-Fi, dine-in, online ordering, and delivery services, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their meals in various ways.

Beyond breakfast, IHOP’s menu includes a wide range of delicious options suitable for lunch and dinner. Guests can indulge in juicy steakburgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, or explore their Burritos & Bowls and Platters Menus. The restaurant also features a special kids menu and a 55+ menu, emphasizing its commitment to catering to all ages. With amenities like the IHOP ‘N Go App offering discounts, it’s an accessible spot for both locals and visitors. Additionally, IHOP provides catering services, making it an ideal choice for events and gatherings. Their vibrant presence in the Chicago community, coupled with their inviting atmosphere, makes them a noteworthy addition to our directory.

(773)5799464

5. Wings and Rings

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,0/5

3434 S Halsted St, 60608.0, Chicago

Chicken wings restaurant
American restaurant
Bar
Chicken restaurant
Family restaurant
Takeout Restaurant
Restaurant
Sports bar

Why we chose them

Wings and Rings offers a dynamic dining experience in the Bridgeport area, serving up a delicious array of chicken, burgers, and beer. Known for its signature wings and seasonal specials, this spot is a haven for sports enthusiasts, boasting numerous flat screens to catch MLB, NBA, NFL, and NCAA games. Guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere with a full menu of crowd-pleasers, making it a perfect destination for family outings or a casual hangout with friends. Catering to a variety of tastes, the restaurant also provides options for takeout and online ordering, ensuring convenience for every visit.

As a multifaceted establishment, Wings and Rings functions as an American restaurant, bar, and sports bar, creating a versatile setting for diverse occasions. Guests can indulge in weekly specials like $10.99 lunch combos and 99¢ wing nights, while also benefiting from family-friendly promotions such as kids eating free on Mondays. The location features patio seating, enhancing the dining experience with fresh air and a vibrant ambiance. With its commitment to quality service and a welcoming environment, this restaurant has solidified its reputation as a staple in the community, attracting visitors before and after events at nearby attractions.

(773)2842727

6. Chick-fil-A

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,2/5

4733 W 76th St, 60652.0, Chicago

Fast food restaurant
Breakfast restaurant
Caterer
Chicken restaurant
Delivery service
Family restaurant

Why we chose them

Chick-fil-A stands out in the fast-food industry with its specialization in mouth-watering chicken sandwiches. Known for its exceptional service and quality, this fast-food chain has carved a niche as a favorite destination for those craving delicious chicken meals. The company’s commitment to providing a diverse menu extends beyond just lunch and dinner options, as it also operates as a breakfast restaurant, offering a variety of morning delights to start the day right. Its reputation is bolstered by being a preferred family restaurant, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

In addition to dine-in services, the company enhances customer convenience with its delivery service, bringing their popular meals directly to homes and offices. Catering services further extend their reach, making them a go-to caterer for events and gatherings. With a focus on customer satisfaction and high-quality ingredients, this chain remains a leader in the chicken restaurant segment, continuously attracting a loyal customer base with its delectable offerings and efficient service.

(773)5099100

7. Dappers East

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,4/5

2901 W Addison St, 60618.0, Chicago

American restaurant
Breakfast restaurant
Diner
Family restaurant
Restaurant

Why we chose them

Dappers East stands out as a beloved culinary destination in Chicago, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Known for its diverse menu, this American restaurant provides a delightful array of options suitable for any time of the day. As a breakfast restaurant, diner, and family-friendly establishment, it caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, making it a perfect spot for locals and visitors alike. With its dedication to quality and service, the restaurant has become a staple in the community, inviting guests to enjoy memorable meals and moments.

Located in the heart of Chicago, Dappers East prides itself on its inviting dine-in experience, now open for all patrons. The restaurant’s commitment to excellence is evident in its carefully crafted menu, which features daily specials designed to delight every palate. With operating hours that cater to both early risers and evening diners, it ensures that delicious food is always within reach. This focus on customer satisfaction and culinary excellence is why the company is a noteworthy addition to our directory.

FAQs

What services do family restaurants in Chicago typically offer?

Family restaurants in Chicago often provide kids' menus, high chairs, booster seats, play areas, and allergen-friendly options to ensure a comfortable dining experience for families.

How much does it cost to dine at a family restaurant in Chicago?

The average cost for a meal at a family restaurant in Chicago ranges from €10 to €25 per person, depending on the menu and location.

Do family restaurants in Chicago accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, many family restaurants offer allergen-friendly menus with options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and other dietary needs.

What should I look for in a family-friendly restaurant?

Look for restaurants with a welcoming atmosphere, kids' menus, play areas, and reasonable prices. It's also helpful if they have high chairs and booster seats available.

Are reservations required at family restaurants in Chicago?

While not always required, reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours or weekends, to ensure your family can be accommodated.

What are some signs of a family-friendly atmosphere in a restaurant?

A family-friendly atmosphere includes a welcoming staff, spacious seating, noise-tolerant settings, and activities or play areas for children.

How can I find a good family restaurant in Chicago?

Research online reviews, ask locals for recommendations, and consider the services offered, such as kids' menus and play areas, to find a suitable family restaurant.

Do family restaurants in Chicago offer any special deals or discounts?

Many family restaurants offer special deals like kids-eat-free nights or discounted family meals, especially during weekdays or off-peak hours.