Chicago Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Dining out with kids can be, well, stressful to say the least. To help make things a little easier on parents (and their wallets), many restaurants in Chicago feature "kids eat free" deals, or days of the week when kids can get discounted meals. These are the top spots to grab a bite with kids in tow. Be sure to check with the restaurant first to verify the promotion, and also be mindful of age, time, and menu restrictions. If you're looking for options beyond the Chicago area, check out our nationwide list of 50 places where kids eat free.

Skip ahead to check out the restaurants nearest you:

• Bolingbrook
  (60440) | Ikea

• Chicago 
  60607 | Wishbone Restaurant
  60611 | Shaw's Crab House, Benny's Chop House, Pinstripes
  60613 | Southport & Irving
  60614 | Dunlays on Clark
  60618 | Rocks Northcenter
  60622 | Hollywood Grill
  60657 | Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Hutch American Bistro, Crosby's Kitchen, Pizzeria Serio

• Evanston
  (60201) | Celtic Knot Public House

• Schaumburg
  (60173) | Ikea

3358 N. Paulina St.
Chicago, 60657
(773) 248-5222

When: Every day 4:30-6 p.m.
Ages: Not specified
Details: In the mood for pizza and wine but don't want to pay for a baby-sitter? Frasca offers one free kids' meal per customer per visit. The meal includes a drink and a scoop of ice cream.

3301 N. Clark St.
Chicago, 60657
(773) 248-1155

When: Every day 6-6:30 p.m. and all night Sunday
Ages: 12 and under
Details: Head over to Hutch and the kids can eat upscale comfort food for free. There's also a great outdoor patio.

3455 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, 60657
(773) 883-2525

When: Every day 4-6 p.m.
Ages: 12 and under
Details: Specializing in rotisserie meats and American comfort food, Crosby's Kitchen is a popular family-friendly spot. Kids eat free with an adult purchase.

2600 N. Clark St.
Chicago, 60614
(773) 883-6000

When: Every day 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Ages: Not specified
Details: Dunlays on Clark offers one free kids' meal per visit. This deal cannot be combined with any other daily specials.

Many locations in the Chicago area.

When: Monday after 4 p.m.
Ages: 10 and under
Details: This all-American restaurant offers a huge selection of comforting classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a legendary ice cream menu. Kids eat free with an adult purchase, and there's even a balloon twister on the first Monday of each month.

Many locations in the Chicago area.

When: Monday after 4 p.m.
Ages: 12 and under
Details: Not only do kids eat free after 4 p.m. on Mondays at Moretti's, there are drink specials for the adults. To make it more fun, kids can choose to make their own pizza from the kids' menu.

4138 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, 60618
(773) 857-1793

When: Monday-Friday 5-7 p.m.
Ages: 6 and under
Details: The kids' menu at Rocks is half off every weekday evening. That means you can enjoy a few libations while your kids enjoy some cheap and tasty bites.

1601 W. North Ave.
Chicago, 60622
(773) 395-1818

When: Monday-Wednesday 2-10 p.m.
Ages: 12 and under
Details: Hollywood Grill is an old-fashioned diner open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's the place to go for cheap and hearty breakfasts and dinner classics. Kids' meals are discounted at $1.99 each (for up to three kids) with an adult meal and kids' drink purchase.

1800 E. McConnor Parkway
Schaumburg, 60173

750 E. Boughton Road
Bolingbrook, 60440
(888) 888-4532

When: Tuesday
Ages: 12 and under
Details: Get two free kids' meals at Ikea with the purchase of one adult entree. Go with the classic Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberries for a true Scandinavian experience.

1001 W. Washington Blvd.
Chicago, 60607
(312) 850-2663

When: Tuesday
Ages: Not specified
Details: On Family Night at Wishbone in the West Loop, you get one free kids' meal with every adult entree purchase. Dive into delicious Southern comfort food classics while the kids watch vintage cartoons on the big screen.

Many locations in the Chicago area.

When: Tuesday
Ages: Not specified
Details: Get one free child's meal per paid adult at Bulldog Ale House. Specials vary by location.

626 Church St.
Evanston, 60201
(847) 864-1679

When: Wednesday
Ages: 12 and under
Details: Each child can choose any item from the kids' menu with each adult meal purchased. Options include standards like grilled cheese and chicken tenders, but also classic kid-friendly Celtic fare like lamb stew, bangers and mash, and Irish farmhouse chicken soup.

4000 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, 60613
(773) 857-2890

When: Wednesday-Sunday 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Ages: Not specified
Details: Not only do kids eat free with purchase of an adult entree every day that Southport & Irving is open, they also get to take home a complimentary toy from the restaurant's treasure chest. And every kids' meal comes with an ice cream sundae. Sweet!

21 E. Hubbard St.
Chicago, 60611
(312) 527-2722

When: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Ages: 6 and under
Details: Make your weekend morning a special one with brunch at Shaw's Crab House. Kids can indulge in a buffet with crab quiche, lobster mac and cheese, eggs Benedict, and more for free. 

444 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, 60611
(312) 626-2444

When: Sunday
Ages: 12 and under
Details: An upscale steakhouse where you may not think to take children, Benny's Chop House actually welcomes families. Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree (although there's a $6 surcharge for the Kid's Filet).

1708 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, 60657
(773) 525-0600

When: Sunday
Ages: Not specified
Details: Treat the family to a fun pizza night at Pizzeria Serio at no charge for the kids. Don't miss the "Nutellazones" for dessert.

435 E. Illinois St.
Chicago, 60611
(312) 527-3010

When: Sunday after 5 p.m.
Ages: Not specified
Details: For just $5 (half the regular price), kids can enjoy a starter, entree, dessert, and beverage from the kids' menu with purchase of an adult entree. Plus, Pinstripes has bowling and bocce on site for some family fun and outdoor seating.