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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to River North

Kid-friendly salad spots

A quick, healthy meal that keeps the kids occupied while everyone eats.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
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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.

Salads feature large portions with the Caesar salad being well dressed and flavorful. The Cobb salad includes steak, adding a rich, hearty element.

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

People are saying

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

"The salads here are fresh and served with friendly service."

"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
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.

Salads feature sesame ginger with chicken and a chop salad with grilled chicken. Options include a house salad and a Caesar salad, often paired with sandwiches or sides.

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.

People are saying

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

"I loved the sesame ginger salad with chicken."

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

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.

03
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.

Salads here stand out with the Burrata salad that rivals versions from Rome and the Cesare salad that pairs well with pizza. They offer affordable prices compared to downtown spots.

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.

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."

"I found the salads here to be scrumptious and affordable."

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.

04
Pizzeria Ora Chicago image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers authentic deep dish and thin crust pizzas with a relaxed, low key atmosphere that feels more suburban than urban. Decor is dated but clean, featuring a beautiful bar and multiple TVs showing games. Space includes a private party area and large tables suited for group events.

Salads come fresh and simple, with options like the Caesar Salad with grilled chicken standing out. Dinner salads serve well for two, and upgrading from the house salad to Caesar adds a solid boost.

Kids enjoy the selfie props at the restaurant, making visits fun and interactive. The place draws families back repeatedly, showing its appeal to children.

People are saying

"I found the deep dish pizza to be delicious and fire."

"The deep dish pizza here is amazing and kid friendly."

"I loved the fresh and delicious Caesar Salad."

Good to know

1

Breakfast service ends at 11:30am.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for pizza preparation.

3

The restaurant is located inside a Best Western hotel.

05
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.

Wedge salad comes with a house-made blue cheese that stands out. Caesar salad is available and sometimes comped. Salads pair well with steaks and cocktails here.

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.

People are saying

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

"I thought the porterhouse steak was exceptionally good."

"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.

06
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.

People are saying

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

"The bib lettuce salad was lightly dressed and a nice counter balance."

"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.

07
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.

Salads feature Italian chicories and a Caesar salad that stands out as a hidden gem. Burrata tops a brilliant salad, and tuna crudo comes over citrusy Japanese leaves for unique flavors.

People are saying

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

"The Caesar salad was the best I ever had."

"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.

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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.

Fresh salads stand out with options like Greek salad, watermelon and cucumber salad, and beet salad. Almond and garlic spread, hummus, and faro salad add variety to the vibrant menu.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"The cucumber watermelon feta salad is so refreshing."

"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.

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River North, Chicago

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