Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
143
anything from tuna and av ocado to flying-fish eggs and scallions, and then wraps it all
up in rice and a thin sheet of dried seaw eed. Combo plates featur e different meat, fish,
and vegetables that can be dr essed in tempura or teriyaki, or ser ved sashimi-style. S ai
Café also offers a large selection of noodle and rice dishes.
2010 N. Sheffield Ave. (at Armitage Ave.).
&
773/472-8080.
Highchairs, boosters. Main courses $16-$24
(a la carte sushi $3.75-$6.95 per piece). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 4:30-11pm; Fri-Sat 4:30pm-midnight;
Sun 3:30-10pm. Subway: Brown Line to Armitage.
INEXPENSIVE
Bourgeois P ig
Finds
BREAKFAST/SANDWICHES Eclectic antiques fill this
brownstone that 's become a mecca for D ePaul U niversity students and neighborhood
families. Bookshelves are packed with literature, and the atmosphere is cluttered and comfy.
The menu makes it clear that the Bourgeois P ig caters to an intellectual cr owd: “The Sun
Also Rises,” “Hamlet,” and “The Old Man and the Sea” are among the menu's 25 gourmet
sandwiches. Kids will enjo y the “build y our own sandwich” menu, and staff will accom-
modate kids' tastes with less-than-gourmet far e such as American cheese. B aked goods,
including ginger molasses cookies, are homemade. The Pig always ranks high in surveys for
best cup of coffee in Chicago, so don 't miss one of the four v arieties brewed daily, or one
of a mind-bending array of espresso drinks. Juices, shakes, and root beer made here are also
great bets. You'll feel comfortable bringing kids in, as there are often a couple sets of parents
with strollers parked inside. Treat the kids to an ice cr eam for dessert.
738 W. Fullerton Pkwy. (at Burling).
&
773/883-5282.
Highchairs, boosters. Main courses under $10. AE,
DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 6:30am-11pm; Sat-Sun 8am-11pm. Subway/El: Red or Brown Line to Fullerton. Bus:
8, 11, or 74.
Café Brauer
AMERICAN A postcard-perfect view of the skyscrapers on N orth
Michigan Avenue, plus Lake M ichigan and the gr eenery of Lincoln P ark, makes this a
step above the average microbrewery. Stop here for lunch during a tour of the par k, and
grab a sandwich, kebabs, or flatbread. (Brats and shrimp kebabs are among my favorites.)
This pondside cafe is conveniently near the Lincoln Park Zoo and reopened its doors to
the public in 1990 after a major r estoration. The beer garden, full of flowers and green-
ery, is perfectly family-friendly.
2021 Stockton Dr.
&
312/742-2480.
Highchairs, boosters. Main courses under $8. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun noon-8pm; winter hours for restaurant 11am-5pm daily; beer garden Thurs-
Sun 11am-7pm. Bus: 151 or 156.
El Jardin
MEXICAN The staff at this sometimes raucous and always fun r estaurant
loves to cater to kids. B ecause it's just 3 blocks south of Wrigley Field (that's where the
“raucous” comes in), don't show up after a game unless y ou're prepared for a long wait.
At other times y ou'll be able to walk right in and grab a table in one of the two main
dining rooms, the sidewalk cafe, or the backyard garden. The solid Mexican fare should
keep both kids and gr own-ups happy. Kids might tr y tacos, enchiladas, burritos, grilled
chicken, or carne asada. Little ones can tr y
sopa de fideo ,
a simple noodle soup . Should
you have a special occasion to celebrate, the staff will happily tr ot out a flan decorated
with candles. Don't confuse this location with E l Jardin Fiesta Cantina Bar, a bar/dance
club located a few doors north on Clark Street. On Sunday, try the Fiesta Buffet, served
from 11am to 3pm. The buffet includes about 20 items, including soups and egg, beef ,
chicken, and pork dishes for $9.95.
3335 N. Clark St.
&
773/528-6775.
Highchairs, boosters. Main courses $9-$15. AE, DC, DISC, V. Sun-
Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-midnight. Subway/El: Red, Brown, or Purple Line to Belmont.
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