Restaurant for 6-year old's family birthday party

My nephew is coming to town for his birthday next weekend -- he's turning 6.

I'm searching for a fun place for kids where the food isn't horrible.

A few months ago, when his brother turned 4 -- we took them to Ed Debevick's, which the boys loved for the show, but the food was atrocious.

Any better options in the city?

The food doesn't have to be great -- just not inedible.

The most important thing is that my nephews think it is fun.

How about Cheesecake Factory or Grand Lux Cafe?

Rain Forest Cafe comes to mind. But it has been so long since I've eaten there that I can't speak for the food. Also, Uncle Julio's Hacienda has a Tortilla making machine and is loud and cavernous, so kids' loud voices are hardly noticable. ANd the food is mexican-american good.

Just a suggestion, we've had a lot of fun with the kids at the Signature Room on top of the Hancock. They have a brunch option Monday thru Saturday for a somewhat reasonable price, (for this kind of thing). The kids LOVE the view, and being downtown gives lots of fun options.

THE SIGNATURE BUFFET
Served Monday through Saturday
Children (12 & Under)
$11.00
Adults
$18.00
Featuring a Signature carving station; seafood specialties; chef's selection of potato, rice or pasta; seasonal vegetables; poultry and meat selections; gourmet salad selections; seasonal mixed greens with a variety of garnishes and dressings; homemade soups; and a baked potato bar.

Are you looking for places that actually have a "show" aspect, or are just kid/family-friendly? How big will your party be?

The Hancock suggestion certainly might combine some "oooh-ahh" for kids as well as decent food. And the serving station allows kids to really take a look at what they're ordering and even try little bits and pieces instead of rolling the dice on a single menu item sight unseen.

Definitely lower down the food chain, we have found various Leona's to handle kids very well. (Not my favorite spot by a long shot, but certainly edible and the thin crust isn't bad in an old-fashioned way.) The Rogers Park locale actually has a special kids' playroom directly off the dining room: big screen playing cartoons, and a soft bouncy floor like at a carnival. Very convenient for keeping them corralled and within sight, but also away from the table for a spell of adult eating and chat.

Ours also enjoys La Fonda at Berwyn and Broadway. Columbian food. Very friendly. Two levels and spacious eating areas to allow for a bit of leg stretching if they need it.

Finally, others may be able to put a name and location to this: some years ago, at least, there was a small place with a total train theme. Mostly breakfast, I believe. I had been in one location, then moved I think. My wife went there once and was charmed. It was written up here as well, but I can't recall anything more about it.

these are all great recommendations -- keep 'em coming.

One of you asked whether I was interested in the "show" part -- or just a kid-friendly place.

I'm definately interested in the "show" -- so any additional suggestions will be appreciated!

Semiramis. The entertainment is trains that go by every few minutes.

Szalas. The entertainment is the Polish hunting lodge atmosphere.

Superdawg. The entertainment is eating in your car and ordering from a box.

There's lots of things more fun and less cynical than those lousy "family" places.

The D'agastino's on Addison and Southport has a train going around the dining room, if you go on a Tuesday night they have SmartyPants twisting balloons.

If you are willing to go early for lunch I am a big fan of the Choo Choo in Des Plaines. They deliver your dog or burger on a little train. But after 12:30 pm it gets a little too intense for me, you can feel the nervous anticipation in the air.

If your 6 year-old has the sense of humor that mine has, Hot Doug's would be a totally great place for a party, but again, this would mean day time.

Finally, I like Marie's Pizza Lounge on Lawrence (4129 W Lawrence) it it real retro with vinyl booths and cheesy chandeliers and um, mature waitresses, plus you can watch the guys tossing the dough in the window. But you do have to walk through their adjoining liquor store to get there, which seems to freak some people out.

Oh one final thing, it seems like a few of the Ranalli's are pretty good at the whole indulging the kid thing. I am not a fan of their pizza but they do have a "make your own pizza" option on their menu and my son loved doing a version of this in day camp this summer when they walked over to the Lincoln Park location. I think a big part was wearing the goofy paper hat.
But maybe he actually liked being in charge on the ingredients. But of they can handle a group of 30 day campers, well then they can handle a birthday party no problem.

bjt

There's a thread on exactly this same subject here. If your six year old wouldn't be freaked out by loud music and being the center of attention, Mi Tierra might be a lot of fun. In our family, though, we nearly always ended up in Chinatown.

Hey, Greektown can be lots of fun too! With the flaming cheese and all. There is food there for the parents, and the kids (grilled meat, rice, bread).

Thank you to everyone for the great suggestions.

I wanted to report back that we ended up going to Mi Tierra in Pilsen -- and it was a HUGE SUCCESS.

I highly recommend this place to anybody who wants a fun celebration with the kids -- and good food as well.

The music -- the sombrero for the birthday boy -- the candle/sparkler on the cake -- my nephew felt very special -- he proclaimed it his "best birthday ever."

We all had a great time.