Family dinners are where some of the best memories are made. It’s always a pleasure to gather everyone and share favorite foods, try new flavors, and experience new restaurants together. That’s why we asked our TGS families to share their favorite kid-friendly restaurants in Bucktown, Chicago.
1. Etheria Cafe
The ultimate spot to grab a bite and let your little one burn off some energy, Etheria Cafe offers an engaging indoor playscape that your child will love. While they climb, jump, and slide, you can enjoy a hot beverage, pastry, or ice cream. Etheria is a destination that both parents and children look forward to visiting.
2. Andros Taverna
For contemporary Greek, try Andros Taverna! This restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and delicious Mediterranean food cooked from the soul. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, Andros’ offers a wide variety of specialties that allow you to try Greek favorites. They have a children’s selection as well, including pita pizza, noodles, or Athenian meats, so your little ones can have a familiar food or try something a little out of their comfort zone.
3. Big Star
Offering handmade corn tortillas, Big Star specializes in tacos served family-style. The menu is full of other mouth-watering options, including nachos, salad, and churro pops. If you’re craving Mexican food, this might just be your new favorite spot.
4. The Perch
The Perch Kitchen + Tap offers an expansive selection of wood-fired entrees, along with a selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. For those who love the atmosphere of a restaurant as much as the food, The Perch’s dining area has beautiful high ceilings, warm lighting, exposed brick, and stunning natural light. The children’s menu includes several favorites—chicken fingers, PB&J, grilled cheese, and more. This family-favorite spot is a must-try!
5. Flying Saucer
For breakfast, lunch, and brunch, head over to Flying Saucer for its array of classic dishes like biscuits and gravy, burgers, and nachos. Many of the menu items can be made vegan, ensuring that everyone in the family can find something that fits their dietary needs. One of the best restaurants in Bucktown, this small, quirky cafe will fulfill all your comfort food dreams! Please note that Flying Saucer only takes cash.
6. Antique Taco
Recognized for making one of the 50 best tacos in America, Antique Taco puts its own spin on classics like al pastor, pork carnitas, and crispy fish. The little ones in your life will love the Scout Taco with pork and avocado, or they might try fresh guacamole or queso. For a fun family experience, Antique Taco will be the highlight of your day.
7. Yolk Test Kitchen
This isn’t your average breakfast joint. With creative takes on breakfast classics, specialty juices, and its own premium coffee, Yolk Test Kitchen takes your morning meal to the next level with special dishes like the Banana Bread French Toast. For your little one, the children’s menu features favorites like s’mores pancakes, french toast sticks, chicken fingers, and much more.
8. Roots Pizza
Have a craving for pizza? Roots Pizza offers build-your-own salads and pizzas as well as lots of pre-designed menu items that will change your perspective on traditional toppings. With items like Korean Fried Chicken pizza and Tikka Masala Butter Chicken pizza, your family can try a few adventurous pies. If you’re looking for an at-home activity, Roots Pizza also offers pizza kits that make pizza night into a family event.
9. Club Lucky
This classic restaurant offers old-school Italian cooking in a mid-century-themed setting with a lounge. For all of your Italian favorites, Club Lucky is worth a try. We hear that the cavatelli is to die for! The patio is perfect for those warm weather days, and you can also rent the space for private events.
The Gardner School Loves Bucktown Families
Family meals are such special experiences. The Gardner School fosters that experience for our students in the Kids’ Cafe, teaching children the joy of trying new foods and sharing the foods we enjoy with those around us. That community-building experience is important for social-emotional learning, and we are proud that our TGS teachers can provide that hands-on learning opportunity.
We hope you enjoyed this list of favorite kid-friendly restaurants near Bucktown. To learn more about The Gardner School, please visit our website to schedule a tour! We’d love to chat about our engaging classrooms, Kids’ Cafe, indoor and outdoor playscapes, enrichment classes, and more.