Family Restaurants in Chicago, Illinois

Family Restaurants in Chicago, Illinois
Families enjoy traveling to Chicago because the city boasts several family-friendly attractions. From exploring Navy Pier to attending a sporting event at Wrigley Field, there are family-friendly restaurants along both, allowing you to enjoy the weather and the attractions. There is also themed dining, where you can enjoy the restaurant decorations and the antics of your servers.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Located by the Family Pavilion in Navy Pier, this restaurant appeals to families and spotlights movie memorabilia from the movie "Forrest Gump." While the restaurant's specialty remains shrimp, it also serves barbecued ribs and fresh fish. Families can play trivia games about the movie while waiting to be served. Finish your visit to Bubba Gump with one of the homemade desserts, like Mama's Cinnamon Bread Pudding, then browse the restaurant's gift store for the perfect souvenir.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Navy Pier
700 East Grand Avenue, Suite 131
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 252-4867
bubbagump.com

Harry Caray's Tavern

Located across from Wrigley's Field to have easy access to sporting events, this tavern offers favorites like the Holy Cow Burger bar, allowing guests to choose their choice of meat, cooking preparation and toppings. Besides offering other family favorites of pasta and pizzas, the tavern boasts a 10-foot HD television to watch sporting events on game days.

Guests may wish to shop for Chicago White Sox or Chicago Cubs merchandise in the gift shop museum. Harry Caray's plans to open a second tavern at Navy Pier in December 2009 with the same menu and outdoor patio for guests to enjoy the sights while they eat.

Harry Caray's Tavern
3551 North Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-7800
harrycaraystavern.com

Ed Debevic's

At this '50s-style diner, while families dine on malts, burgers and fries, be prepared for a different kind of service. The servers come and join you at your table and crack smart jokes about your order, but it's all in good fun and part of its charm. Children will enjoy watching the waitresses dance on the counter and act crazy. Once you finish your meal, try one of the desserts, including the smallest sundae in the world, served in an egg cup.

Ed Debevic's
640 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 664-1707

Rainforest Café

While a national chain, this restaurant combines a jungle atmosphere with a variety of menu choices to create the ultimate experience. Families are situated in a jungle, and the wild birds, monkeys and elephants start talking every 15 minutes, then thunderstorms occur every half hour throughout the restaurant.

Families should consider sharing their signature appetizer platter, which includes cheese sticks, calamari, and spinach and artichoke dip, before trying a signature sandwiche, soup or burger. Since this restaurant is always busy, consider making reservations or browse the gift shop until your table is ready.

Rainforest Café
605 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 787-1501
rainforestcafe.com

Article Written By Laura Nowak

Laura Nowak is a freelance writer who combines her love of travel and research to write travel articles. She has been published in various print and online publications, including the "Western Herald," where she wrote arts and entertainment articles. Nowak earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in practical writing from Western Michigan University.

Write for Trails.com
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