Previously, we gave some Tips for Dining Out with Your Toddler, but if it’s been so long since you’ve been able to leave the house for a meal, let alone with your toddler, you may need a bit of a brain jog to think of where to go with them.
Here are a few ideas for your kid-friendly dining out pleasure:
1. Buffalo Wild Wings
If you want to get your chicken wing on or grab a beer and watch the game but have to feed your kid, this is a laid-back, kid-friendly place to go for all of the above. It’s sit-down, but still naturally noisy enough that you won’t stick out if your toddler is banging his chicken wing on his tray. Just say he’s real excited about the home team.
2. Chevy’s
Chevy’s is a Fresh-Mex cantina-style restaurant reputed to have a good kid’s menu that includes fajitas and soft tacos. For the adults, there are fajitas, flautas, tacos, burritos, combos and more to choose from. Their popular fresh Tableside Guac is made with fresh avocados, diced jalapeños, pico de gallo, fresh lime juice and cheese.
3. Chipotle
If you’re in the mood for some Mexican cuisine but not a full sit-down restaurant, Chipotle is a good kid-friendly bet. Kids love the plain cheese quesadillas and adults go wild over their huge stuffed burritos.
4. Chili’s
Chili’s is always a neighborhood favorite. They serve pretty standard grill fare for the kiddos (pizza, chicken, grilled cheese sandwich, burgers, mac and cheese), but you could also introduce your little ones to their famous sizzling fajitas while you’re there.
5. IHOP
So kid- and family-friendly, they’ll make friendly faces out of their pancakes for the kids. Who can resist whipped cream eyebrows or cherry eyes? And the selection of syrup flavors!
6. McDonald’s
McDonald’s may not be a favorite recommendation nutrition-wise, but they do certainly have a good play area for the kids and is definitely kid-friendly. Try to stick to the healthier options on the menu and it doesn’t have to be so bad.
7. Olive Garden
If you’re in the mood to go out for some Italian but don’t want to go to the get-a-babysitter level to get it, Olive Garden is a reasonable choice even with toddler in tow.
8. Portillo’s
Craving a hot dog with everything, or a Jumbo Chili Cheese dog? Head on over to Portillo’s because kids are always welcome at this old Chicagoland favorite! With their extensive menu, it’s a great time to introduce your kids to new foods and an old cultural and culinary institution at the same time!
9. Red Robin
The burgers can’t be beat at Red Robin, and they’ll pull up a high chair with a smile (and maybe a balloon!) for your little one. Kids are welcome here, and the milkshakes are great – kids young and old will love them!
Bon appetit, and enjoy your evening out together!
