Dinner in Loop w. 11yo daughter tonight -- help!

Can someone help me with the following? My 11-year-old daughter and I (and possibly mom) will be seeing the Joffrey Nutcracker tonight at the Auditorium Theater at 7pm. She'll be at an event at Macy's until 5pm. Thus, I'm looking for a spot for a light dinner between 5 and 7pm, somewhere between Macy's and the Auditorium. She has typical kid tastes, maybe slightly more adventurous than most (American, Italian, maybe Chinese or Mexican). Places I'm considering include Pizano's and Exchequer. She'll be a little dressed up, so I could go "nicer." Any thoughts?

Pizano's is actually a pretty good option for pizza. I would actually suggest Atwood Cafe as a slightly nicer place to try out, the food is quite good and the atmosphere is quite comfortable and may be a better fit for a special night out.

Have fun!

If she is a little more adventurous, maybe Russian Tea Time would be a good choice. The ambience might appeal to a tween-age girl. It is pretty and semi-fancy without being stuffy.

Russian Tea Time
77 East Adams St
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: (312)360-0000
http://www.russianteatime.com/

There are actually several threads on this subject here and here and, most specific to your question, here. I love Russian Tea Time, another suggestion is Chinatown: easy ride or drive from the Loop and fun for kids and adults.

I'd second Russian Tea Time, although be sure to make a reservation. Pizano's is good for pizza, so you know she'll like the food, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. Russian Tea Time is nicely decorated, and people will be a bit better dressed. The food will seem adventurous, but taste wise, it's not really challeging. They have deep menu with lot's of choices, and you're just a couple of blocks from the Auditorium Theater.

Jonah

I'd second Atwood Cafe. If Italian is preferred, Trattoria No. 10 is solid.

Jonah wrote:Russian Tea Time is nicely decorated, and people will be a bit better dressed. The food will seem adventurous, but taste wise, it's not really challeging. They have deep menu with lot's of choices, and you're just a couple of blocks from the Auditorium Theater.

Not to mention that Tchaikovsky was Russian.

South Water Kitchen. They are great with kids and have the same type menu, same company with the same chef as the Atwood with lower prices. I have worked at both in the past and must say it is the better of the two for kids. 312-236-9300 for reservations. www.southwaterkitchen.com to check out the menu.

A belated thanks to my fellow LTHers for your recommendations. My wife and I ended up taking our daughter to Russian Tea Time for a pre-Joffrey Nutcracker dinner. The "Tchaikovsky was Russian" line helped sell it. We had a lovely meal. Stuck to the basics: lattkes, beef and potato dumplings, beef stroganoff. A warm, inviting atmosphere.

It was part of four nights of blissful eating: Wednesday at Sol de Mexico, Thursday take-out from Pita Inn, Friday at Russian Tea Time, Saturday at Burt's Place. We are truly fortunate to live in one of the great dining towns. Happy New Year to all!