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New Yorkers 1st Choice
River North's best

Kid-friendly dinner spots

A family meal where the noise of children fits right in.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
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Updated May 2026
01
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American restaurant

Restaurant offers stunning river and city views with a relaxed, lively atmosphere that suits after-work drinks. Staff create a quietly professional vibe while music tends to be subdued. Drinks like espresso martinis and margaritas stand out for quality.

Staff stay attentive and serve kids promptly. Juan is kind, funny, and engaging with children. Breakfast buffet offers options suitable for kids.

Dinner features a great selection with attentive service. Servers like Tom bring friendly energy and even sing during the meal. Errors in orders get fixed quickly, improving the experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and tasty."

"The dinner service here is outstanding and so friendly."

"Our server Juan was so kind and funny with the kids."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a calm atmosphere during happy hour.

3

Parking is easy to find and navigate.

02
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.

Steak and lobster dinners stand out with excellent service and culinary excellence. The spot suits special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings.

People are saying

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

"The service at these dinner spots is phenomenal and attentive."

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

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.

03
Daveโ€™s Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Outdoor and indoor spaces feature colorful artwork and a vibrant, lively atmosphere with loud 1980s rock music. Staff engage actively, often dancing, creating a welcoming and energetic vibe. Seating includes a spacious patio and walk-up counter service.

Staff show attentiveness by quickly handling kids' needs and offering treats like free desserts and early birthday surprises. The atmosphere feels welcoming and suits families well.

Even during the peak dinner rush, the team handles the queue with impressive speed and genuine smiles.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, delicious, and full of flavor."

"It's a great kid-friendly spot; my children really enjoyed it."

"The chicken here is so delicious and juicy."

Good to know

1

Daveโ€™s Hot Chicken is halal, making it a great option for those who need it.

2

Parking next to the restaurant is limited, fitting maybe 7 or 8 cars.

3

The restaurant is very clean, including the bathrooms.

04
No Vacancy image 1
Restaurant

Dark academia decor creates a classy yet casual vibe with comfortable bar seating and large screen TVs for watching games. The atmosphere stays fun and welcoming, featuring DJs on weekends and a solid beer tap system. Food and drinks include amazing birria egg rolls and craft cocktails, making it a popular spot for game days.

Staff show kindness to kids and engage with their activities like drawings. Some tables have vaping and foul language, which could affect families with small children.

Late-night dinners offer a laid back vibe with quick service. The spot works well for groups wanting to stay from dinner to close and also suits casual drinks alongside meals.

People are saying

"I found the birria egg rolls to be absolutely delicious."

"The food here is extraordinary and the Brussels sprouts are a must."

"The burgers here are so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 to 6:30 pm with half-price appetizers and drinks.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere, especially during NFL games on weekends.

3

The menu features unique dishes but is small enough to not be overwhelming.

05
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago image 1

Elegant restaurant with stunning windows and Instagram-worthy dรฉcor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with perfectly curated music. The vibe is lively and friendly, enhanced by attentive service and a beautiful city view. The space balances upscale soul food dining with a fun, electric energy.

Staff show great patience and friendliness with kids, making celebrations feel extra special. Managers and servers invite families back and ensure everyone is well taken care of during events like birthdays.

Personalized service stands out with servers like Kayleen, Kyra, and Ashley making dinners feel special. Celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries get extra attention to create memorable evenings.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The dinner spots here are delicious, especially the greens and mac and cheese."

"It's really Kid Friendly for birthday celebrations."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs until 7 pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking is available for guests at the restaurant.

06
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant with small, crowded space and loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant seating option. Known for authentic Italian pizza and pasta with a lively, energetic vibe.

Pizza comes out piping hot and is a hit with kids. Owners check in to make sure orders meet kids' preferences. The Italian beef sandwich gets high praise from young eaters.

Dinner offers a satisfying experience with cheesy garlic bread standing out as a notable item. Positive reviews and a desire to return for an early dinner highlight its appeal for evening meals.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing; the staff makes you feel so welcome."

"The pizza was a hit with the kids and totally delicious."

"The cheesy garlic bread at these dinner spots is out of this world."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located behind the Trump Tower in downtown Chicago.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours.

07
Hawksmoor Chicago image 1

Steakhouse offers a stylish and warm dining room with quiet sophistication and a relaxed but upmarket atmosphere. Cocktails are expertly crafted, complementing the coal-cooked steaks that define the menu. Private rooms and a dynamic space support both intimate and business gatherings.

Celebrations with kids get special attention from the entire team. Staff show great patience managing young children during events like birthdays.

Dinner here features great meals that suit celebrations and work events alike. The Sunday Dinner stands out as a solid choice for a satisfying evening.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and cooked to perfection."

"The dinner service here is efficient and genuinely hilarious."

"The food here is great and made with quality ingredients."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm-6pm with great deals on steak, burgers, and oysters.

2

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday roast, which is only available on Sundays.

3

The restaurant offers gluten-free options and is knowledgeable about dietary restrictions.

08
Ema image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers warm, modern interior with two bar areas and outdoor seating including a patio and rooftop. Atmosphere stays lively but not noisy, creating an inviting and relaxed vibe. Extensive gluten-free menu and accommodating options stand out for dietary needs.

Staff handle food allergies carefully, preparing meals to suit specific needs. A great kids menu and thoughtful touches like a fun lampshade keep toddlers engaged.

Small plates and fresh breads pair well with regional wines for dinner. A pre-fix menu suits group dinners, creating an exceptional experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"The dinner here is delicious and tastes like home."

"I found the food to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Ema offers an extensive gluten-free menu with many options.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.

3

Happy hour features generous portions but a limited list of spreads.

09
STK Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Modern steakhouse blends trendy club vibe with live DJ sets and bold neon decor. Atmosphere feels lively and energetic, with music often loud enough to dominate conversations. Cocktails stand out as fresh and flavorful highlights amid the setting.

Staff show warm attention to kids and serve Shirley Temples quickly. They offer a sparkling drink with dessert for children during celebrations.

Dinner features top-tier service with servers like Jordan and Gino providing knowledgeable and attentive care. Celebrations such as birthdays and Thanksgiving dinners happen here with a lovely atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"Our server made our dinner experience great and unforgettable."

"The server Sonia's warm attention made it feel so Kid Friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a one-hour wait for a table during peak dining hours.

3

Cocktails are priced at $9 during happy hour.

10
Nic + Junior's image 1
Restaurant

Bright, stylish space offers front-row kitchen views and classy indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere shifts from relaxed up front to more refined in the back dining room, creating a welcoming vibe for drinks or meals. Cocktails stand out with creative, well-crafted options like Negroni and martinis.

Beautiful patio space offers a pleasant setting for dinner. Options include ร  la carte dinner and cocktails, both leaving a satisfying impression.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tuna crudo."

"The food here is amazing, with unique tastes and flavors."

"They made us feel so special and welcomed us."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant features a unique fusion of Brazilian and Italian cuisines.

11
Lure Fishbar - Chicago image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with quiet, elegant atmosphere and beautiful interior design featuring boat decor and funky wall art. Seating is comfortable and the space offers a small patio alongside plenty of indoor tables. The vibe suits a fancy dining experience rather than a casual, lively spot.

No children's menu exists, but kids with big appetites find options available. Chefs let kids watch sushi being made, and sparkling juice is served alongside adult bubbles to make kids feel special.

A chic seafood restaurant offers a warm welcome with a glass of Prosecco to start. It suits private or business dinners and handles special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays with care.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh, high quality, and delicious."

"The service here is top-tier, attentive, and genuinely welcoming."

"It's so kid friendly; they made our son feel special."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 PM to 6 PM, including weekends.

2

Enjoy half-off wine bottles during happy hour.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

12
Omni Chicago Hotel image 1

Spacious rooms offer city views and a home-away-from-home feel with well-done renovations. The atmosphere varies from quiet and tranquil to occasionally noisy due to street and elevator sounds. A top-tier gym with clean equipment and roof access adds to the experience.

Staff show attentive, friendly care and remember kids by name. They create memorable experiences for children's celebrations.

Dinner features wonderful views, attentive service, and well-prepared food at the hotel restaurant.

People are saying

"This hotel's location on the Magnificent Mile is phenomenal."

"The staff made us feel at home and were so helpful, especially with the kids."

"The dinner spots here have wonderful service and food."

Good to know

1

The hotel charges $90 per day for parking, which is quite high.

2

Hot chocolate is served in the lobby on Fridays and Saturdays from 3-5 pm.

3

The hotel is located just off North Michigan Avenue, close to shopping and dining.

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