FOR EVERY TASTE BUD IN THE FAMILY
Looking for family friendly dining? Chicago has good kid food and good kid fun in Chicago.
Situated so close together it seems like the city actually planned a "kid island" are Ed Debevic's, The Rain Forest Café and Portillo's, just eight or nine blocks north and west of the Michigan Avenue bridge.
Debevic's captures that 1950's diner feeling to the max with an exuberant staff that takes no sass. Imagine "Lavergne and Shirley" with good food and poodle skirts. And the world's smallest sundae.
Nearby is The Rain Forest Café, a tropical play land for young adventurers. Then there's Portillo's. If there's any food your kids like to eat, it's on their menu.
In the Water Tower Place (after visiting Oak Street Beach or American Girl Place) is Foodlife, with 13 different food kiosks, where all members of the family can go their own way and find their own taste.
Sophisticated kids will appreciate the playful architecture of The Cheesecake Factory in the lower level of the Hancock Building. Or if playing games before, during and after a meal will make everyone happy, there's Dave and Buster's just a few blocks north and west.
But if you have access to wheels, and you want to give the family a little taste of Chicago's unique side, venture out to Margie's Candies, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that hasn't changed much in 80 years. Or Superdawg Drive-In, where they still have carhops and a Mr. and Mrs. Hot Dawg sign that your kids will remember for years. "Hi, ya!"
