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Kid-friendly meatballs in Chicago

You want to enjoy a plate of meatballs without the anxiety of keeping your children perfectly still.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
FARE image 1
FARE image 2
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Health food restaurant

Bright, modern space with sunlit warmth and a family-like vibe creates an inviting atmosphere. Fast, fresh meals focus on all-natural ingredients and offer make-your-own bowls for varied tastes. The place balances healthy options with satisfying flavors in a casual setting.

Little ones find plenty to enjoy with kid-friendly options beyond just chicken nuggets and fries. Plates include chicken, mac & cheese, cucumbers, and a cookie, and even toddlers like sweet potatoes.

Turkey meatballs come out juicy and flavorful, offering a filling option. Chicken meatballs are tender and tasty, often preferred over turkey. Sweet potato and cornbread muffins accompany the meatball dishes.

People are saying

"Adriana's service made the food experience so enjoyable."

"I found the healthy food options here to be delicious and flavorful."

"These turkey meatballs are so flavorful and juicy."

Good to know

1

FARE offers a make-your-own health food option similar to Chipotle.

2

Prices are fair, portions are generous, and everything tastes fresh.

3

FARE is kid-friendly, with options beyond just chicken nuggets and fries.

02
Stunod's Pizzeria & Buddy's Italian Ice image 1

Small, quaint pizza spot with a cozy and friendly atmosphere. Quiet setting mostly for takeout, featuring sentimental decor and modern cleanliness. Known for hand-rolled crusts and a unique blend of Chicago-style and lighter crust pizza.

Kids get free Italian ice on visits. They enjoy the pizza and fries. The spot welcomes families with simple treats.

Meatballs come from grandma's recipe and show up in a meatball sandwich with mozzarella and on pizza. Both options deliver serious flavor.

People are saying

"I thought their pizza was phenomenal, some of the best I've had."

"I found the meatballs seriously delicious on my sandwich."

"The kids loved the pizza and fries here."

Good to know

1

They charge extra for the sweet peppers.

2

The medium pizza offers good value for the price.

3

The variety of toppings is extensive and impressive.

03
Pizza Matta image 1
Pizza delivery

Small storefront with three booths and an open view of pizza-making creates a cozy atmosphere. Quiet and charming space features pizza peels on the wall and a classic feel. Staff engage with guests, offering a friendly and family-oriented vibe.

Staff bring out coloring activities and show kids how pizzas are made. Kids can color on a pizza peel and enjoy pizza by the slice in a patient, kid-friendly setting.

Meatballs have a herby, garlicky flavor that stands out without overpowering. The sandwich features an ideal bread to meatball ratio with incredibly tender meatballs and a perfect sauce on an incredible roll.

People are saying

"The pizza here has a satisfying, crispy crust."

"The salad here is fresh and delicious."

"It's so kid friendly; they showed us how the pizzas were made!"

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only digital or plastic payments, but tips can still be given in cash.

2

A slice of pizza costs $4, which is a great deal.

3

Parking is easy, with lots of street parking and pay parking available in front.

04
Chef Ciccio, Beef-Balls-Beer image 1

Italian-style restaurant offers authentic Italian vibes with busy, lively atmosphere and entertaining chefs. Located in a quieter corner, it provides a family-like dining experience with views of Lake Michigan nearby.

Quieter corners offer space for kids to reset. The Italian Beef sandwich appeals to both adults and children, with some kids even enjoying the gravy directly from the box.

Meatballs come in a meatball sub and a meatball marinara sandwich, both made with care and authenticity. These sandwiches deliver amazing flavor and stand out alongside the Italian beef options.

People are saying

"The Italian Beef sandwich here is absolutely delicious."

"The meatball sandwich here is outstanding and authentic."

"The Italian Beef sandwich here is delicious and a local staple."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is open on Christmas Day for those looking to dine.

3

Expect a quick service with orders completed in 5-7 minutes.

05
Segnatore image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers hip, cozy decor with ethereal lighting and mismatched chairs creating an intimate vibe. Atmosphere stays lively and friendly with a strong presence of hip hop music. Large bar and varied seating accommodate a neighborhood crowd seeking quality pasta and drinks.

Natalie and her team go above and beyond for kids' events like baptisms. Highchairs, booster seats, and bench seating are available, plus a children's menu with crayons keeps little ones busy.

Meatballs stand out with amazing flavor and serve as a great appetizer. They pair well with dishes like freestyle lasagna and rosemary fries.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is cooked to perfection."

"I thought the meatballs were amazingly delicious."

"It's a great kid-friendly spot with coloring menus and crayons."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during lunch and dinner rush hours.

2

Happy hour runs until 7:00 PM with various drink options.

3

Brunch specials are available on weekends, offering great deals.

06
Chicago Chop House image 1

Restored brownstone with early 1900s decor and photos of local celebrities creates a traditional steakhouse atmosphere. Live piano music plays softly, adding to the luxurious and old-fashioned vibe. Comfortable seating and personalized touches enhance a refined dining experience.

Staff create a welcoming atmosphere for kids and make celebrations feel special with personalized attention. Meals include kid-friendly options like fettuccine Alfredo alongside adult entrees.

Wagyu meatballs stand out for their rich flavor and tender texture. They pair well with other dishes like the Porterhouse steak and steak tartare.

People are saying

"I found the steak to be tender and flavorful."

"They made my son feel special and welcome for his birthday."

"The Wagyu meatballs were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

During the 40th anniversary, all food ordered was 40% off.

2

Valentineโ€™s Day celebrations offer special menu items.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during holidays.

07
Butcher and the Bear image 1

Steakhouse offers a dark intimate atmosphere with sophisticated, elegant vibe and beautiful decor. Live singer performances add to the swanky bar area ambiance. High-quality steaks and expertly crafted cocktails define the experience.

A 16 oz Black Onyx Ribeye offers a bold, juicy, and flavorful option that appeals to kids. Casual visits with young children create a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.

Nonna's Meatball stands out as a comforting home-cooked dish served with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. It pairs well with other starters like seafood and Susie chop salads.

People are saying

"The steak here is cooked perfectly and full of flavor."

"It's so Kid Friendly, my daughter loved her 16 oz ribeye."

"Nonna's Meatballs are a comforting dish, capturing home-cooked Italian goodness."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for a table on Saturday nights.

2

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers; don't miss it.

3

The 'Girl Dinner' special on Sundays includes two martinis and caviar fries for $29.

08
Vitoโ€™s Vault image 1
Dinner theater

Dinner theater recreates 1929 speakeasy with interactive comedy and live music. Atmosphere blends Old School Chicago charm and prohibition-era decor with engaging performances. Crowd participation and multi-talented cast create a lively, immersive experience.

Kids have a great time here with plenty of welcoming spaces and activities. Families often bring toddlers and older children who enjoy the environment and have a blast.

Penne pasta comes with a single meatball in homemade sauce. The meatball sandwich stands out as amazing. Options for meatballs are limited and vary in quality.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and tasty."

"The food here is amazing, with huge portions and homemade sauce."

"I loved the pasta and meatballs with homemade sauce."

Good to know

1

The $80 ticket includes a 4-course meal and a 90-minute interactive show.

2

Parking is plentiful and easy near the venue.

3

The performers serve meals, creating a unique dining experience.

09
Raffi's Locale image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy, quaint atmosphere with a European village vibe. The space feels warm and unpretentious, often quiet and intimate. Guests bring their own wine to enjoy alongside fresh, flavorful Italian dishes like homemade pasta and sea bass.

Kids enjoy cheese ravioli and spaghetti meatballs here. The veal with mushrooms is tender and flavorful. Staff like Mya help make celebrations special.

Juicy and flavorful meatballs come with spaghetti and lasagna dishes. Kids enjoy the cheese ravioli alongside the spaghetti meatballs, making it a solid choice for family meals.

People are saying

"It's a humble, authentic hidden gem."

"You'll love the spaghetti with meatballs."

"The Kid Friendly options like cheese ravioli were a hit with my kids."

Good to know

1

Raffi's Locale is a BYOB restaurant that uncorks your wine bottle.

2

The price is $35 per person for unlimited samplings of most of their food.

3

Street parking can be a hassle; arrive early to secure a spot.

10
Ricobene's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious pizza restaurant with old Chicago feel and walls adorned with historic photos. Atmosphere is warm and family-like, offering a cozy mom-and-pop shop vibe. Plenty of seating and simple, stylish decor create a welcoming environment.

Plenty of seating and a kid menu make it easy to bring children. Frequent visits include celebrating birthdays and trying local favorites with kids.

Meatball sandwich stands out with its hot peppers adding a spicy kick. It consistently earns high praise for being hot and flavorful and ranks above other sandwiches like the breaded steak.

People are saying

"I thought the breaded steak sandwich was the best."

"This place is so Kid Friendly, the breaded steak sandwich is a must-try."

"The meatball sandwich with hot peppers is hot and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Handicap parking is available in the lot.

2

Ricobene's does not offer delivery to all nearby locations.

3

Prices for sandwiches are around $17.99, which may vary.

11
D'Amato's Bakery image 1

Small bakery with old-school charm and narrow aisles creates a cozy but sometimes crowded atmosphere. Friendly staff and great tunes add to the inviting vibe, while a covered outdoor patio offers extra seating for a quick bite.

Kids get cookies while waiting and enjoy the pizza. The line moves quickly even when busy, and families often pick up large sandwiches and fresh bread to go.

Massive, juicy meatballs come covered in marinara sauce. The meatball sub features mozzarella and hot peppers, offering a simple but very tasty sandwich option.

People are saying

"This bread is the best sandwich bread I've ever had."

"The meatballs are massive, juicy, and covered in marinara."

"The pizza here is amazing and my kids loved it."

Good to know

1

D'Amato's Bakery only accepts cash payments.

2

The bakery has limited seating inside but offers outdoor seating with tables.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours due to a small kitchen.

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