Last minute...kids in downtown Chicago

I have my two nieces in town (3 & 6) and we're looking for someplace to go off of the el...probably in the Loop...either tonight (Sunday, Oct. 28) or tomorrow for lunch. Since I don't normally hang with the younger set I'm at a loss. I'm searching too, but thought I should post to see if I can get a quick response.

Thanks, Molly

Hey Molly!

I myself am not terribly familiar with dining-with-youngsters options, but I've gone to Grand Lux Cafe once with an older relative, and found lots of happy kids eating there, with some reasonable options for the grownups.

Yes, its a chain, part of the Cheesecake Factory Empire, but is slightly more upscale than CF and not quite as much of a mob scene.

I trust you are taking them to American Girl? If so, I believe they have a restaurant there as well where one can dine with ones dolls.

If you haven't gone already, our go-to place downtown is Navy Pier, we almost always eat at the Billy Goat for lack of better options - the Children's Museum and all the other stuff is fun for kids, especially that age, but it isn't cheap. Not close by El, but not impossible, take the #66 bus or the trolley from the Chicago redline stop. Things do tend to shut up like a trap on Sundays, though, so I don't know that they'll be open.

Also the Space Bean - excuse me, Cloudgate and the other sculptures, where there are various food options nearby. Kids love the Pedway where it's fun to run and make noise without too many constraints. Alternatively, there are a couple suggestions for Chinatown with Kids easy to do by El.

Portillo's is a great lunch stop...everything from hot dogs to great burgers to italian beef to salads.

Also, of course, any of the traditional pizza places...Uno/Due, Giordano's, Gino's East, Pizano's, Lou Malnati....all have locations at or near downtown.

bananasandwiches wrote:I myself am not terribly familiar with dining-with-youngsters options, but I've gone to Grand Lux Cafe once with an older relative, and found lots of happy kids eating there, with some reasonable options for the grownups.

Yes, its a chain, part of the Cheesecake Factory Empire, but is slightly more upscale than CF and not quite as much of a mob scene.

I trust you are taking them to American Girl? If so, I believe they have a restaurant there as well where one can dine with ones dolls.

Grand Lux Cafe has been my go-to place for dining with young children, too. Good choice. And American Girl Cafe at American Girl Place is a great idea as well.