A little help for Saturday

On Saturday we are going downtown with the kids for some first time typical Christmas stuff. Any suggestions on where to go with a 9 and 7 year old. The only place i know we don't want to go is the walnut room at Macy's.

Is this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

And where will you be downtown? Magnificent Mile, or Loop (or South Loop or West Loop or River North) etc?

Anyone know if The Gage is kid-friendly around lunchtime? If so, that'd be a great option for you.

Plan on being down there all day around the Mag mile.

id recommend Grand Lux Cafe. menu is real kid friendly and there are far worse options in the area imo

I'll add - http://www.foodlifechicago.com/ - to the list.

Khaopaat wrote:Anyone know if The Gage is kid-friendly around lunchtime? If so, that'd be a great option for you.

Its not a good option for kids at any time IMO, the menu is incredibly kid unfriendly. Grand Lux would be a fun choice for them, the menu & environment is very kid friendly. Pizanno's is a nice option for pizza if you're at that end of Michigan. Foodlife is an option, as is the cafe at Nordstrom's - there's also a food court in that building & the Portillo's on Dearborn is useful if you need something quick.

Are there any particular types of food they do, or do not, like? That'll make it a lot easier to suggest options.

We took ours (then 10 and 11) to Harry Carey's for lunch this time last year and enjoyed it very much--not too crowded, great service (terrific with the kids--brought them free dessert!) and I happen to like the food there. We'll probably go back again this year.

Athena wrote:Pizanno's is a nice option for pizza if you're at that end of Michigan.

Pizano's is on State near Chestnut. If you're at the far north end of the Mag Mile (around Oak), you'll be close to the new Lou Malnati's location at State and Rush. If you're towards the south end, you'll be close to the original Uno and Due.

If you don't want to have to wait for your deep-dish pizza to bake (since it can take 30-45 minutes), you can phone ahead with your pizza order and they'll have it ready for you. My understanding is that Uno and Due may have discontinued this practice, but I believe you can still do so at Malnati's and Pizano's.

I'll always have a soft spot for Beef 'n Brandy on 127 S. State. My parents used to go there all the time when they were courtin' and newly married. It's what Mr. Pie calls a "Little of Everything" restaurant, and they always decorate nicely for the holidays. You may want to make reservations though, because although it's been awhile, I remember it being rather busy.

http://www.beefbrandy.net/

Khaopaat wrote:Anyone know if The Gage is kid-friendly around lunchtime? If so, that'd be a great option for you.

The Gage does offer a few off the menu kids choices - cannot remember off hand what they were but things like chicken fingers and mac and cheese. I find The Gage very accommodating and often see families there both for lunch and dinner. Of course, this might be a little south of what you are looking for. It is a perfect choice if you want to take the kids ice skating at millenium park.

Butch mcquires on division has the most outlandish Christmas decorations and kids are certainly welcome during the day. In fact, the place will be crawling with them. Bar food but not bad. The kids will certainly be entertained.

nsxtasy wrote:

Athena wrote:Pizanno's is a nice option for pizza if you're at that end of Michigan.

Pizano's is on State near Chestnut

There is also a Pizano's at 61 E Madison.

tapler wrote:There is also a Pizano's at 61 E Madison.

But the one on State is closer to the Mag Mile where the OP will be spending the day.