I don't know how it happened, but my kids are very picky with a very narrow list of foods and almost no meat they will eat. They are 4 year old twin boys with a penchant for horseplay. There are likley some genetic, some age appropriate, and some parenting issues at play here, but that is for another thread.

That said, I have taken the boys to many of the dog/sandwich/burger joints and they'll happily enjoy the fries. But those are probably obvious.

Patti's Diner for breakfast is a hit, with appropriate attention from Patti's sister (sorry forgot her name) and wonderful pancakes for the kids and ham hash for me.

Manny's is also great. The kids get to push the tray down the counter and point. . . mostly for the potato pancake.

Little Three Happiness is a favorite in Chinatown. The subtle flavors on the noodles aren't objected to, the staff is very friendly to kids, and the place has the right vibe.

My favorite GNR I take the kids to is Maxwell Street Market. It is a combination meal and adventure, with plenty of room to walk off energy, quesadilas with hand made tortillas for little vegetarian bellies, and mandatory churros to top it off. . . . all that and cheap toys!

The Indo-Pak spots

Can be very welcoming. We've had particularly good luck with South Indian spots - even if kids don't care for curries, they will usually enjoy dishes like plain dosas, particularly of the large paper variety - they look interesting & the crispy texture is generally a winner.

Not a GNR but the last time we went to India House on Grand with my friend's 4 year old daughter, she was fascinated watching one of the chefs through the glass window while he was working at the tandoor. The waiter thrilled her as well by bringing to the table a basket of special miniature naans the chef made for her. It strikes me that the key factor is welcoming staff & an environment kids can feel comfortable in - cuisine is almost secondary, though I've never had a problem finding something on a menu that the kids I know will enjoy.

Granted, my son is now 13 but we've been taking him to many (most) of these places since he was a wee lad. I think it's hard to draw a general rule since kids -- and their food preferences -- can be so different from each other.

To name a few, my son loves Khan BBQ, Vie (he actually gets mad when we there go w/out him), Patty's, Great Lake, Katsu, Wiener & Still Champion, Prairie Grass Cafe, Nuevo Leon and he definitely enjoyed moto much more than I did.

=R=

If you sit in the window at Semiramis, the kids can watch the brown line train go by at street level. Very entertaining. Our DD mostly just eats the fries (sans sumac) and rice but hopefully she and little brother will come around one day.

Lots of our favorites have already been mentioned -- except no one has yet named Xni-Pec! Very relaxed atmosphere, kid-friendly menu options like simple tacos, black beans and rice, etc. Plus on weekends Antonio and Maria-Luisa's kids are often there too.