Best of 16 kid-friendly restaurants in River North
When it comes to dining out with kids, finding the right restaurant can make all the difference. River North in Chicago boasts several kid-friendly restaurants that cater to families, offering menus that please both parents and children, as well as accommodations such as coloring pages, high chairs, and changing tables. These establishments create a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable dining experience for everyone involved.
- 1. Beatrix
- 2. Quartino Ristorante
- 3. Doc B's Restaurant (River North)
- 4. The Smith
- 5. Maggiano's Little Italy
- 6. Bub City
- 7. The Kitchen American Bistro in River North
- 8. Frontera Grill
- 9. River Roast
- 10. Siena Tavern in River North
- 11. The Hampton Social - River North in River North
- 12. Sunny Bowls
- 13. Parlor Pizza Bar River North
- 14. River North Bistro
- 15. Yardbird Table & Bar
- 16. Protein Bar & Kitchen
1. Beatrix
Dedicated kid's corner with toys and books, gluten-free and vegan options

This destination is an ideal location for families with children. The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate young guests, making it a comfortable and pleasant experience for all. The menu offers a variety of options that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters among children.
In terms of food and service, this spot hits all the right notes for a family meal. The kids were delighted with their meals, and the staff's attentiveness and excellence in service contributed to an overall positive dining experience. From the kids' perspective, the food and service were top-notch and enjoyable.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
2. Quartino Ristorante
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and homemade pasta.

This establishment is an excellent choice for families with children. The staff go out of their way to accommodate young guests, making them feel welcome. The menu features a variety of options that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters among children.
The atmosphere at this place is lively and energetic, which is great for families with kids. Staff members pay special attention to ensure that young guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves. Our children had a fantastic time here, and we appreciated the staff's efforts to make our family feel at home.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Celebrations
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3. Doc B's Restaurant (River North)
Spacious and modern restaurant with a riverside view

The staff at the restaurant go out of their way to accommodate families with children, ensuring all needs are met. The menu offers a wide variety of options that are sure to please even the pickiest of young eaters.
This restaurant is highly popular and reservations are strongly recommended to ensure a table. It is an excellent choice for families, offering a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. Large televisions show sports, making it a great place to eat and watch games. Servers are quick, efficient, and attentive, providing excellent service without being overbearing. The experience is fun, satisfying, and relaxing for all ages.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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4. The Smith
Family-style dining, farm-to-table ingredients

The Smith is a great dining destination for families. They offer helpful amenities such as high chairs and a kid-friendly menu. Our children were excited about their meal options and appreciated the energetic yet comfortable atmosphere.
During our visit to The Smith, we took our children and were very pleased with our experience. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate our family, and our kids particularly loved the food choices. The Smith is an ideal location for families with children.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
5. Maggiano's Little Italy
Family-style dining, homemade pasta

The restaurant was an excellent choice for a family dinner. The kids were delighted with their meals and had crayons and coloring sheets to keep them engaged. The kid-friendly atmosphere and menu made it a perfect spot for families.
The staff at the restaurant was exceptionally friendly and patient with the children. They went out of their way to ensure our little ones were comfortable and entertained. The diverse kids' menu offered many options, making it easy to find something that even the pickiest eaters would enjoy.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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6. Bub City
Live country music, lively atmosphere, delicious Southern-style BBQ

Bub City is a family-friendly establishment that offers a fun and enjoyable experience for both children and adults. The restaurant features live music and a friendly atmosphere, which creates an upbeat and entertaining environment for all ages. The staff at Bub City go above and beyond to accommodate families with young children, making it an ideal spot for parents looking for a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience.
The kids' menu at Bub City is a hit with young diners, offering delicious and kid-friendly options that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The staff is especially friendly and attentive to the younger patrons, making them feel welcome and engaged. The lively atmosphere, coupled with the tasty BBQ offerings, makes Bub City a great destination for families looking for a fun and enjoyable meal out.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
7. The Kitchen American Bistro in River North
Cozy atmosphere with a lively bar scene

The Kitchen American Bistro is a great dining destination for families. The staff is accommodating and went out of their way to ensure our kids had a pleasant experience. They even provided a special menu for the children, which is a nice touch. I highly recommend this restaurant for families looking for a kid-friendly dining option.
This restaurant is a great surprise for those looking for a family-friendly dining option. The Kitchen American Bistro offers high chairs for young children and a decent kids' menu. The server was attentive and made sure our little ones were well taken care of during our visit. This is a great place to enjoy a meal with your family.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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8. Frontera Grill
Rick Bayless's flagship restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine since 1987

A toddler accompanied the family for lunch at Frontera Grill a few weeks ago. The restaurant offered a high chair, making it a great experience for the family with a young child. To keep the little one engaged and fed, the family provided their own food.
Frontera Grill, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, is a restaurant that caters to families with young children. The eatery offers high chairs and maintains a fun, casual, and relaxed atmosphere. This makes it an ideal choice for families seeking a comfortable dining experience while keeping their toddlers entertained and well-fed.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
9. River Roast
Riverfront dining with beautiful skyline views

This establishment is an excellent choice for families with children. The kids were particularly thrilled with the river view, which provided an entertaining and soothing backdrop to their meal. The food on offer is delicious, with highchairs available for young children. The staff is highly accommodating, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.
If you're looking for a spot to enjoy a family brunch, this place is an excellent option. The kids' menu features a range of delicious and child-friendly options, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find something they enjoy. The staff members are friendly and attentive, adding to the overall positive dining experience. The river view provides an added bonus, keeping children entertained while adults enjoy their meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Dinner
10. Siena Tavern in River North
Features a lively atmosphere with a sleek and modern design

Siena Tavern is a great dining destination for families with children. The staff go out of their way to accommodate young diners, making it a welcoming environment for families. The kids' menu features popular dishes like pizza, which were a hit with our children.
The restaurant's kid-friendly atmosphere extends beyond the menu. The staff pay special attention to young customers, ensuring that they are comfortable and well taken care of throughout the meal. Overall, our experience at Siena Tavern was overwhelming positive, and we would highly recommend it to other families looking for a great place to eat with their kids. We look forward to returning in the future.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
11. The Hampton Social - River North in River North
Instagrammable walls, lively atmosphere, nautical theme

The Hampton Social is a fantastic restaurant for families with children. The staff go out of their way to accommodate young guests, making it a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for all. The menu features a variety of options that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters among the younger set.
During our visit to The Hampton Social, our children were delighted by the lively atmosphere and the food. The restaurant managed to strike the perfect balance between energy and family-friendliness, providing a warm and welcoming environment for all ages. From the menu to the service, The Hampton Social exceeded our expectations and left us with a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
12. Sunny Bowls
Organic, non-GMO, and locally sourced ingredients, eco-friendly to-go containers

Sunny Bowls is an excellent destination for families with children. They offer amenities such as high chairs and a kid-friendly menu, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for everyone. The smoothie bowls are a particular favorite among children.
The staff at Sunny Bowls are super friendly and create a welcoming atmosphere for families. The menu features options that are sure to please even the pickiest of young eaters, with soups being a standout choice. Overall, Sunny Bowls is a great place to bring kids for a delicious and enjoyable meal.
TOPICS
- Vegan Options
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
13. Parlor Pizza Bar River North
Open late, full bar, offers delivery and takeout

My family and I had initially planned to have Giordano's pizza while visiting Chicago, but we were unable to secure a reservation for our desired time, and we did not want to do carry-out. I searched for alternative options and came across Parlor Pizza Bar. After reading the reviews, I made a dinner reservation, hoping for the best.
Our experience at Parlor Pizza Bar was fantastic. The atmosphere, food, and service exceeded our expectations. We enjoyed delicious pizza, drinks, and dessert, which made us forget all about Giordano's pizza. Our server, Karina, was outstanding. She suggested a great salad and pizza that we all loved. The pizza had a spicy taste, but it was delicious, and we highly recommend trying it. Karina's customer service skills were exceptional, and the manager was attentive to our needs throughout the evening. We highly recommend visiting Parlor Pizza Bar and requesting Karina as your server for an unforgettable experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. River North Bistro
Features a cozy patio and a variety of gluten-free options

The author visited the location with their family, and the kids enjoyed the experience. The atmosphere was described as relaxed and welcoming, and the food was delicious. It is clear that the place is suitable for families with children.
The staff members were accommodating to the kids, and the menu offered several options for them. The family had a wonderful time, indicating that the location is an excellent choice for families with children. The author highlights the kid-friendly environment and the variety of food options for children as positive aspects of the place.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
15. Yardbird Table & Bar
Features an open kitchen and a spacious dining area

Our family enjoyed a wonderful dinner at this location. The kids' menu offered a wide variety of options, ensuring that everyone found something they liked. The atmosphere was lively enough to keep our toddlers engaged, but not so loud as to be overwhelming.
This spot is also ideal for a family brunch. The kids in particular were thrilled with the giant cinnamon roll, and the service was extremely attentive to our needs. The staff went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our meal, making for a truly enjoyable family outing.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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16. Protein Bar & Kitchen
Sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, health-focused menu

A memorable experience was had by all of us during our visit to the establishment, which was made even better by the staff's exceptional assistance in recommending child-friendly options. This location proved to be an excellent choice for a quick and healthful meal, with a friendly and considerate staff that made it a particularly good option for families with young children.
The aide's helpfulness in pointing out suitable alternatives for our kids contributed significantly to our enjoyable visit. Moreover, the establishment distinguished itself as an ideal venue for both a speedy and nutritious meal, as well as a family-friendly one. The staff's friendliness and accommodating nature made it possible for families to have a comfortable dining experience even with their little ones in tow.
TOPICS
- Vegan Options
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats