Top 23 kid-friendly restaurants in South Loop
When it comes to dining out with young ones, finding the right spot can be a challenge. But fear not, parents! South Loop Chicago offers a variety of kid-friendly restaurants that cater to both adult tastes and little appetites. From play areas and activities to children's menus, these establishments aim to make family meals enjoyable for all. Discover the perfect dining destinations for your next family outing at kid-friendly restaurants in South Loop.
- 1. Eleven City Diner
- 2. Flo & Santos
- 3. Spoke & Bird Cafe (South Loop)
- 4. Little Branch Cafe
- 5. Cafe Bionda
- 6. Yolk - South Loop
- 7. Weather Mark Tavern
- 8. Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop
- 9. Devil Dawgs on State
- 10. Lowcountry South Loop
- 11. Gino’s East - South Loop
- 12. Victory Tap | South Loop in South Loop
- 13. Meli Cafe
- 14. My Place South Loop Restaurant in South Loop
- 15. Half Sour
- 16. Taco Urbano - Chicago
- 17. Sofi Restaurant
- 18. Grant Park Bistro in South Loop
- 19. Giordano's
- 20. Aurelio's Pizza South Loop
- 21. AO Hawaiian Hideout in South Loop
- 22. Minghin Japanese Cuisine
- 23. Shang Noodle & Asian Small Plates
1. Eleven City Diner
Kosher style dining in the heart of Chicago, open late

SafeHouse Chicago is an exciting and enjoyable destination for all ages, boasting a kid-friendly environment and a fun atmosphere. The spacious venue, along with the friendly staff, makes it an ideal location for groups. Even with a reservation for five people on a Friday, they were able to accommodate us an hour early.
Eleven City Diner is a popular dining establishment in Chicago, known for its delicious brunch and superb food, offering a cozy atmosphere and excellent service. The diner is famous for its root beer, Tom Waits breakfast, matzo ball soup, and corned beef. Its family-friendly ambiance makes it an excellent choice for families with kids.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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2. Flo & Santos
Live music on weekends, offers delivery and takeout service

Flo & Santos is an excellent restaurant for families with children. The outdoor seating area is spacious and provides a kid-friendly atmosphere, making it perfect for families to enjoy a meal together. Our kids had a great time during our visit.
We were very pleased with our experience at Flo & Santos. The staff was accommodating and made sure that our kids were comfortable. Our children particularly enjoyed the pierogies and pizza, which were delicious. The restaurant is a great place for families to relax and enjoy a meal together.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
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3. Spoke & Bird Cafe (South Loop)
Friendly staff, rotating art exhibits, and community events

The local bakery café is a great spot for a quick and satisfying bite to eat. The café offers a variety of freshly baked goods, such as muffins and scones, as well as coffee. The prices are reasonable, making it an excellent option for a quick pick-me-up. The café's offerings are delicious and can hold you over until your next meal.
The neighborhood bakery café is not only a convenient spot for a bite to eat, but it also serves as a popular local gathering place. The café features a lovely outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying a leisurely breakfast while soaking up some fresh air. Diners rave about the café's crepes, which are made with fresh ingredients. The bakery café is a favorite among locals, especially during the warmer months when the outdoor patio is in high demand.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
4. Little Branch Cafe
Emphasizes on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients

The brunch spot was a hit for our kids; the menu offered a variety of options to keep them satisfied. The welcoming atmosphere made our family feel right at home, making it an ideal location for a family outing. The kids enjoyed their meals and received excellent service with a friendly touch.
I highly recommend this place for families with young children. The menu's variety ensured that our kids were well-fed and happy, while the welcoming atmosphere and excellent service made our family feel comfortable and taken care of. If you're looking for a great brunch spot that caters to young children, this is the place to be.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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5. Cafe Bionda
Features organic, locally sourced ingredients

Cafe Bionda is an excellent choice for families with children. Not only do they provide highchairs, but their staff is also friendly and accommodating to kids. The cafe has a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place for families to enjoy a meal together.
I highly recommend Cafe Bionda for a kid-friendly dining experience. The kids in our group particularly enjoyed the pasta, and the staff was very attentive to their needs. From providing highchairs to being accommodating to children, Cafe Bionda goes above and beyond to ensure that families with children feel welcome and comfortable during their dining experience.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
6. Yolk - South Loop
Authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere

This establishment is an excellent choice for families with children. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a great dining experience for everyone. One highlight for the kids is the pancake offering, which proved to be a huge hit.
The restaurant maintains a clean and welcoming atmosphere. It caters specifically to families with children, making it an ideal place for a family meal. Additionally, the eatery features a fantastic outdoor seating area that is well-shielded from the sun, providing a comfortable space for guests to enjoy their meals.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Breakfast
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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7. Weather Mark Tavern
Offers gluten-free and vegetarian options

This establishment is an excellent choice for families with children. The nautical theme of the place captured the attention and imagination of the kids. The children in our group particularly enjoyed the atmosphere. The food served at this location was well-received by everyone in our family.
The staff members at this establishment were very accommodating and went out of their way to ensure that our children were comfortable and entertained. The menu offered a wide variety of options that catered to the tastes and preferences of the little ones. Our kids were delighted with the food and had a wonderful time.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
8. Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop
Family-friendly atmosphere with a dedicated play area

Jazz Showcase is a venue known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent music. On Sundays at 4 pm, they offer a kid-friendly show as part of their matinee series, making it an ideal family outing.
Meanwhile, Roots Handmade Pizza in the South Loop is a low-key pizzeria and bar that serves hand-tossed, Quad Cities-style pizza and comfort food made from scratch. They also provide highchairs and offer family-style dining, making it a family-friendly establishment.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
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9. Devil Dawgs on State
Voted as one of the best hot dog places in Chicago

This restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, although the seating is limited, and it can get quite loud and cramped. The menu features delicious Chicago dogs, chili cheese fries, and vanilla milkshakes, which are popular among customers. The staff is known for being fast and friendly, and they offer deals on tater tots. It's a great place to grab a quick bite with kids, as the menu offers something for everyone.
The food at this establishment is excellent, especially the Chicago dog, chili cheese fries, and vanilla milkshakes. The staff are friendly and efficient, despite the restaurant's small size and tendency to get crowded and noisy. In addition to their regular menu, they also offer deals on tater tots. Overall, it's a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal with the family.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
10. Lowcountry South Loop
Offers Lowcountry cuisine with a focus on seafood and comfort food

Lowcountry is a casual seafood restaurant that offers a laid-back atmosphere, reminiscent of a Gulf Coast boil. The South Loop location is designed to feel like a backyard party, complete with picnic tables, fake trees, astroturf, and a great playlist of ‘00s hits. The restaurant's serve-yourself system allows patrons to choose their combination of lobster, shrimp, crab, crawfish, and mussels, sauce, and spice level at the register.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
11. Gino’s East - South Loop
Family-owned restaurant with a fun and casual atmosphere

This establishment offers a family-friendly atmosphere that is perfect for a casual outing with kids. The process of pizza-making kept the children engaged and entertained. The staff went out of their way to accommodate the needs of families.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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12. Victory Tap | South Loop in South Loop
Live music performances and unique decor

The restaurant stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere, providing highchairs for young children and garnering positive reactions from families. The restaurant's decor echoes classic Italian establishments, creating a pleasant ambiance for diners.
Among the dishes offered, the fried calamari and eggplant parmesan received favorable feedback for their taste. The complimentary bread served was also a highlight. However, the Shrimp Fra Diavlo failed to meet expectations. It was noted that improvements in service, particularly in terms of friendliness, would be beneficial.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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13. Meli Cafe
Uses organic and locally sourced ingredients, providing healthy and delicious options.

Meli Cafe is an excellent destination for families with children. The staff is accommodating and welcoming, making it a comfortable environment for families with young children. High chairs are available for the little ones, and the menu offers several options that are sure to please children, including pancakes that were a big hit with the kids during our visit.
The cafe is a great place for kids to enjoy a meal, with friendly staff who go out of their way to make children feel welcome. The fresh juice was another hit with our kids, and the variety of options on the menu ensures that even the pickiest eaters will find something they like. Overall, we had a wonderful experience at Meli Cafe, and highly recommend it to families looking for a great place to bring their kids.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
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14. My Place South Loop Restaurant in South Loop
Serves brunch on weekends, extensive craft beer selection, and dog-friendly patio

This destination is a charming and welcoming place, particularly for children. The food serves as another major draw, with a knowledgeable and considerate staff that adds to the overall positive experience. I would highly recommend visiting this establishment.
In addition to its kid-friendly atmosphere, this location boasts a convenient and ideal position. Overall, it has a lot to offer and is sure to meet your expectations with its range of amenities and accessibility.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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15. Half Sour
Open late, cash only, counter service

The restaurant offers a kid-friendly menu, making it a great option for families. On the visit date of April 13, 2024, the restaurant had outdoor seating available. The south loop of Chicago is home to this establishment, which boasts a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Their outdoor seating is particularly charming, and the bar and indoor seating are also available.
For those seeking a fun and welcoming environment in the south loop of Chicago, this restaurant is an excellent choice. According to Yelp reviews, the outdoor seating is very cute, and the bar and indoor seating are also available. Further information about this restaurant can be found on Yelp.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
16. Taco Urbano - Chicago
Authentic Mexican street food in a modern setting

Taco Urbano is a great place for families with children. The staff is accommodating and went out of their way to ensure our kids were comfortable and enjoying their meal. The food offered by the restaurant was a hit with our little ones, making it an ideal spot for families looking for a kid-friendly dining option.
The atmosphere at Taco Urbano is relaxed and perfect for families. Our children felt at ease and loved the meal options available to them. The staff's friendliness contributed to a positive dining experience, making Taco Urbano a great place for families to enjoy a meal together. Overall, Taco Urbano is a restaurant that both kids and adults can enjoy.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Affordable Nightlife
17. Sofi Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere

Sofi Restaurant is known for its kid-friendly atmosphere. It provides high chairs and a variety of dishes that appeal to children. Our family, including young kids, enjoyed our dining experience there.
During our visit to Sofi Restaurant, we were pleased with the accommodating staff and the kids' enthusiasm for the pasta dishes. The restaurant's family-friendly environment makes it a top recommendation.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
18. Grant Park Bistro in South Loop
Located in the heart of Chicago, offering a cozy and elegant atmosphere.

The family dinner experience was delightful, with the kids' menu offering a wide variety of options to choose from. The young ones were kept engaged and entertained with crayons and coloring sheets provided by the restaurant. The staff went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience for families, making it an ideal place for them to dine.
The kids were particularly fond of the mac and cheese, which was a hit among them. The staff's attentiveness and accommodating nature contributed to the overall positive experience. In summary, this restaurant is an excellent choice for families looking for a dining place with a kids-friendly menu, entertainment, and accommodating staff.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
19. Giordano's
Voted best pizza in Chicago, casual atmosphere

This establishment is an excellent choice for families. The kids were big fans of the deep dish pizza, which was a definite highlight of the meal. The staff went above and beyond to make our dining experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
If you're looking for a great place to take your family for dinner, this spot is a perfect choice. The kids will love the cheesy garlic bread, and the pizza is always a hit. From the friendly service to the delicious food, this restaurant ticks all the boxes for a successful family meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
20. Aurelio's Pizza South Loop
Voted as one of the best pizza places in Chicago

Aurelio's is a fantastic restaurant for families with children. The restaurant offers a kid-friendly atmosphere and a menu that is sure to please even the pickiest of young eaters. Our kids particularly enjoyed the pizza, which was delicious and generously sized.
In addition to being a great spot for kids, Aurelio's also provides a welcoming and enjoyable environment for adults. The staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring that we had everything we needed throughout our meal. Overall, we had a wonderful family dinner at Aurelio's and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a restaurant that can cater to both kids and adults alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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21. AO Hawaiian Hideout in South Loop
Tiki-themed rooftop bar, live music on weekends, happy hour specials

The restaurant offers a diverse menu and affordable drinks in a range of colors, making it a great spot for a meal. However, those who prefer a quiet dinner with friends might want to avoid visiting on evenings with live music. During a visit on Mother's Day, the restaurant was busy, but a party of eight was still able to be seated within ten minutes without a reservation.
The restaurant's first-time customers praised the food, including the loco moco and Kalbi dishes, as well as the Panang poutine and pork belly tacos. Both children in the party enjoyed their meals, with one finishing all of the ribs and the other loving the pad Thai. The service was also noted as being friendly and efficient. The positive experience has left the visitors planning to return in the future.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
22. Minghin Japanese Cuisine
Authentic Japanese cuisine with vegetarian options

The restaurant is a great option for families with children. The spacious interior and family-friendly atmosphere create an enjoyable dining experience for all ages. Highchairs are available for young children, and the staff goes out of their way to accommodate the needs of kids.
My kids particularly enjoyed the dumplings during our visit. In addition to dumplings, the restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy everyone in the family. The accommodating staff and family-friendly atmosphere make this restaurant an excellent choice for families looking for a place to enjoy a meal together.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
23. Shang Noodle & Asian Small Plates
Authentic Asian flavors, scratch-made noodles, locally sourced ingredients

The destination is well-suited for families, as its welcoming atmosphere makes for a comfortable experience for both parents and children. The food served at this place was a success among the kids, making it a great option for those with children who can be picky eaters.
The staff at this establishment went above and beyond to accommodate the needs of the families who visited. The menu offered a variety of options that pleased the kids, leading to an enjoyable dining experience for all. Given the positive experience, the reviewer mentioned that they plan on returning in the future.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats