Family Friendly in Oak Park?

My wife and I just moved to Oak Park. We have a 2.5 year old and a 6 month old. Our friend is coming in for the weekend to help unpack us and we are taking the opportunity to go to a new restaurant in the area.

Our friend is not too adventurous, which I suppose will limit us, not to mention the two kids we will have in tow.

Thanks.

(We can go outside of OP, just not too far)

Well, JB, with no criteria for price points, or anything else other than you have a coupla kids, and a friend who is not too adventurous, I'd suggest , oh, I dunno, maybe This Joint, but depending on what "not too adventurous" actually means, your choices will vary greatly.

Hope you like OP!

Hey Joe. Tough call. Most places in OP are family friendly, but they aren't that good. Maybe Papaspiros (Greek) or La Bella (Italian). Jimmy's in Forest Park is red-sauce Italian but can have long waits. Depot American Diner is good but has limited seating and is in a grungy area. You got little kids and are bringing a guest so you want close, convenient, parking, pleasant atmosphere. I'd suggest somewhere in downtown OP, even if the food isn't the greatest.

Do a search for "oak park." There are some other ideas.

This may be of use:

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=25283

I third Depot.

I think Santander actually just seconded the Depot, but I'll third it. Neighborhood could definitely be better, but parking is convenient and the atmosphere inside the diner is great.

Papaspiros and LaBella are both fine options, though you probably need a reservation at LaBella at any sort of peak dinner hours. Winberie's could be an option for you as well, just down the street from Papaspiros.

Poor Phil's (dining room area). Try not to go during peak hours. Get the sweet potato fries. Or Avenue Ale House. Both have a pretty diverse menu and I think the food is generally pretty good (except the entrees are overpriced at both).

Fuego Loco on Lake is good for Mexican and kids, same for La Majada on Harrison. The food is OK for non-adventurous eaters, but the salsa is spicy at both. Trattoria 225 on Harrison might work, too.

Sorry, I don't have time to look up addresses but they are pretty easy to find via google.

Welcome to Oak Park!

I used to be a long time fan of La Majada. It pains me to write this. Grew up on the stuff. Owners so gracious. My last three meals there (last one was July) have been abysmal. Borderline comically atrocious. The food had no character, definitely no heart or pride in any of it. Honestly, it really saddens me to write this. The wife and I decided on that last visit to never go back because it would only further destroy any fond memories we have of the place. If I did not have such fond memories of La Majada, this post would have been written in a way to make you run away screaming. It is a mere shell of it's former self. So, so, sad. If you are so inclined, however, I do believe they have certificates on restaurant.com.

Jimmy's Place
7411 Madison St, Forest Park
(708) 771-7476

The place starts off somewhat noisy so adding kids to the din is not an issue. Many times when we have visited there are tables with small children. Good pizza for the kids and nice Italian for the adults.

I'll also recommend The Depot All American Diner.

Erik's Deli
107 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park
(708) 848-8805

I have often had meals with the kids here.

Buzz Cafe
905 S Lombard Ave, Oak Park
(708) 524-2899

While mostly a coffee shop they have some good menu items there and on weekends there will be families.

Try Trattoria Pepino on North Ave east of Lathrop. Good food and casual....

We love taking our 2 year old to Bodhi Thai on Roosevelt-great food and very child friendly.

We also like Tratorria 321-but you have to go early.

I'll recommend Depot American Diner as well, but with a caveat...they only have about 5 booths, so if you go during what would be considered ANY kind of "rush" time, you'll have to wait (I've had to wait for a table for up to 20 minutes). Just mentioning, as with VERY small children, this might become an issue. (Being childless myself, I'm only presuming ones that little can't really sit on a stool at the counter.)