16 Chicago Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Kids can dine for free at select times at Wilde Bar & Restaurant in Lakeview. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Kids can dine for free at select times at Wilde Bar & Restaurant in Lakeview. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
1/5/24 - By Siobhan Adcock

With famous hometown dishes, world-class restaurants, and a vibrant international food scene, Chicago is one of the best eating towns in the country. But buying your kids a nice meal at a restaurant only to watch them eat three bites and yell "Done!" leaves a bad taste in even the most die-hard foodie's mouth.

So we've rounded up 16 Chicago restaurants where grown-ups can have a great meal while the kids eat FREE, for those nights when you need a break from cooking but don't want to shell out extra for grilled cheese or buttered noodles off the kids' menu.

True to the area's family-friendly vibe, Lakeview takes the prize for the Chicago neighborhood with the most restaurants where kids can eat free, but we've found a few spots downtown offering free meals for kids, as well as restaurants with deals for families in Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, and elsewhere. Read on and eat up.

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As you might guess, kids can only eat free at restaurants with the purchase of an adult meal or entree, so ask your server for details. Call to confirm prices, dates, and times before you head out. Be aware, too, that during the holidays restaurants might change their schedules or prices for some offers.

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Crosby's Kitchen is an ideal destination for hungry kids.

Chicago Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free Every Day

1. Crosby’s Kitchen — Lakeview

Daily
Kids eat free every day from 4pm to 6pm at this super family-friendly rotisserie destination, designed with parents in mind from the stroller valet to the bathroom sink step stools.

2. Fogo de Chao — River North

Daily
Kids younger than 6 always eat free at the bustling Brazilian steakhouse chain, and kids 7-12 are half-price every day.

3. Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar — Roscoe Village

Daily
Weather permitting, sit outside on the patio and enjoy pizza, pasta, and salads. Your kid’s meal (which includes a scoop of ice cream!) is free every day from 4:30pm to 6 pm.

4. Hutch — Andersonville, Lakeview, River North

Daily
This justly beloved local chainlet serving stylish comfort food has three locations where kids eat for free. At the Lakeview and Andersonville locations, kids eat free every day from 5pm to 6:30pm and all night Sunday. At Hutch Café in River North, which offers brunch every day, kids eat free daily from 8am to 3pm.

5. Smoke Daddy — Wicker Park and Wrigleyville

Daily
Owned by the same restaurant group as Frasca and Crosby’s, Smoke Daddy is a delicious spot to get your barbecue fix. The giant Wrigleyville location serves kids free every day from 11:30am to 6:30pm, while at the Wicker Park location kids eat free from 3pm to 6pm daily.

6. Tuco and Blondie — Southport

Daily
Another fun, family-friendly spot from the same owners as Frasca, Crosby’s, and Smoke Daddy, Tuco and Blondie's upscale Mexican menu for adults includes short rib tacos and portobello enchiladas. Small fries eat free from the kids' menu every day from 4:30pm to 6pm.

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Kids will delight in the mega meatballs at Chop Shop. Photo courtesy of Chop Shop

Chicago Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Weeknights

7. Chop Shop — Wicker Park

Monday through Friday
Housed in a converted warehouse with a live music space, an in-house prime butcher, and a stylishly casual vibe, Chop Shop somehow combines everything awesome about Chicago under one roof. Plus, kids eat free here every weeknight from 5pm to 7pm.

8. Hamburger Mary’s — Andersonville

Tuesdays
Burgers, sliders, salads, and creative, mouthwatering desserts in a laid-back, welcoming space have made Mary's a neighborhood go-to for years. Every Tuesday, kids younger than 12 eat free all day long.

9. Parlay — Lincoln Park

Tuesdays
Kids eat free on Tuesday nights at this new Lincoln Park sports bar, which offers a tasty pub-grub menu of sandwiches, pizzas, and wings.

10. Uncommon Ground — Lakeview and Edgewater

Monday through Wednesday
Local and sustainably sourced ingredients star in the delicious menus at both locations, and kids eat free from 5pm to 6:30pm on weeknights.

11. Wilde Bar and Restaurant — Lakeview

Monday through Thursday
This homey tavern serves kids free on weeknights from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, with gluten-free options and a satisfying menu for grown-ups, too.

12. Wishbone — West Loop

Tuesdays
On Tuesdays from 5pm to 9pm, kids eat free at Wishbone, a Southern food standby that recently moved to a new location. A favorite option on the kids’ menu here is the “Rabbit Patch” — three sides plus cornbread. Keep an eye on its event calendar for family nights with movie screenings, too.

RELATED: Restaurants in Chicago Where Kids Can Play

 
Kids can enjoy free Sunday brunch at Pinstripes. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes

Chicago Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Weekends

13. Benny’s Chop House — Streeterville

Sundays
Need a fancy place to take out-of-town visitors with kids for weekend dinner or lunch? Benny’s Chop House serves its kids’ menu free all day Sundays, while you and your guests dig into dry-aged steaks.

14. Pinstripes — Streeterville

Sundays
Kids 5 and younger eat free at Sunday brunch at this fun, downtown space, where bowling and bocce games are also on the menu.

15. Pizzeria Serio — Lakeview

Sundays
Brick-oven pies, pasta, and sammies make this a cozy spot to round off your weekend, and on Sunday nights kids eat free.

16. Shaw’s Crab House — Streeterville

Saturdays and Sundays
Weekend brunch is free for kids 6 and younger (and just $15 for kids 12 and younger) at this upscale seafood spot from 10am to 1:30pm, where the loaded buffet includes a sweets table with tarts, cake pops, and even cotton candy.

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