Opened by chef Arun Sampanthavivat in 1985, this stately legend would become the first Thai restaurant in America to nab four Mobil stars, an AAA award and a James Beard for Best Chef in the Midwest. Read more.
Foodies citywide rejoiced when this Bucktown taqueria opened its patio. More chances for us to partake in Paul Kahan’s tacos also means little foodies to sip dulce de leche milkshakes and lick paletas Read more.
The waits at this Bucktown spot are an indication of chef Chris Pandel’s loyal legion of fans—a group that it only takes a few bites of food for you to want to join Read more.
Kids 8 and under get to “pay their age” from 5-6:30 pm Tues-Sun. This way, you won’t feel guilty taking them to a pricier spot, and if they don’t love the braised pork shoulder, no sweat off your back Read more.
They say practice makes perfect, and the pitch-perfect bistro dishes here show years of rehearsal. Read more.
Chef B.K. Park (Mirai, Ari, Meiji) maintains that sushi is simple: a matter of proper sourcing and proper slicing. His specials, such as delicate aji and shima-aji, are pristine exemplars of the form. Read more.
Since opening its doors in ’87, Frontera Grill has been the spot for an intensely flavorful, impeccably fresh slice of Mexico, courtesy of celebrity chef and winner of Top Chef Masters Rick Bayless. Read more.
It may be the only restaurant in Chicago where you can order throwback dishes like lobster Thermidor or Dover sole prepared tableside. It'll impress the kids, even if they stick to the kids' menu. Read more.
It’s not your mama’s steakhouse, which means it’s also super kid-friendly: A children’s menu includes Kobe-beef corn dogs and a three-ounce filet mignon, plus a dessert menu with milk and cookies. Read more.
As posh as this place is, it’s also especially accommodating to kids. They get their own breakfast, lunch and dinner menus (Seasons takes on usual standbys), and diners under four eat for free. Read more.
The staff is very accommodating to foodies with kids in tow. Our suggestion: Go early and order the "deluxe" focaccia with taleggio cheese. That'll keep just about anyone's mouth full (and quiet). Read more.
There are lots of child-friendly options on the menu: ham frites and chickpea fritters with romesco and hazelnut hummus are hits. And all the bustle means no one has to be super quiet. Read more.
There are sophisticated options for the adults, and simple ones for the kids, including creamy burrata with salt and olive oil, pizzas and rigatoni with sausage, oven-roasted tomatoes and Parmesan. Read more.
Parents be warned: After sampling dishes such as Maine lobster with ginger butter sauce and osso buco with saffron risotto, this may be the place where your child develops expensive taste. Read more.
At this Northbrook eatery, seasonal fare will make mom and pop smile, but kids’ Tall Grass burgers and mac and cheese will bring on small grins, especially with make-your-own-pizza Fridays. Read more.
Every Sunday, chef Paul Virant (a 2007 best new chef) prepares a highly popular three-course family dinner where children 11 and under cost as much as their age (i.e., $3 for a 3-year-old). Read more.
