Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
230 E. Ontario St.
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312/644-6500.
Kids' menu, high chairs, boosters. Reservations accepted for parties of
8 or more only. Main courses $15-$25; kids' menu $13-$15. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 5-9:30pm; Fri
5-10:30pm; Sat 5-10pm; Sun 4:30-9pm. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Bus: 151 or 157.
MODERATE
Bistro 110
BISTRO/CONTINENTAL Bistro 110 enjoys a prime loca-
tion just half a block west of North Michigan Avenue. A neighborhood crowd
gathers here for the bistro's changing weekly specials, posted on a chalkboard,
where you can also check out the weather forecast and other local news. This
popular spot opened in 1987, putting it on the cutting edge of the bistro-style
dining trend. The restaurant is much larger than an authentic bistro would be,
with plenty of hustle and bustle that helps families fit right in.
The menu covers a broad price range and several bistro classics, such as escar-
gots in puff pastry, mussels in white-wine sauce, French onion soup, cassoulet,
and steak au poivre. More ambitious items include a spice-rubbed lamb (roasted
and braised for 18 hr.), and wood-roasted Maine sea scallops over spinach and
basmati rice. Chicago holds Bistro 110 dear for the roasted heads of garlic served
with crusty bread and its wood-roasted meats and vegetables. (The wood-
roasted items, including a delicious, savory half chicken and a bountiful roast
vegetable plate, are among your best bets here—some of the other items can be
inconsistent.) The kids' menu ranges from beef tenderloin to grilled cheese. Sun-
day brunch, complete with a jazz trio from New Orleans, is a good time to bring
your kids. (Yes, the trio will visit your table and “serenade” you—rather loudly.)
Brunch is extremely popular, so get there early to avoid a long wait.
110 E. Pearson St. (just west of Michigan Ave.).
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312/266-3110.
www.levyrestaurants.com. Kids' menu,
high chairs, boosters. Main courses $13-$28; kids' menu $6-$14. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Wed
11:30am-10pm; Thurs-Sat 11:30am-11pm; Sun 10am-10pm. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State.
Cheesecake Factory
AMERICAN It really must take a factory to produce
the 34 flavors of cheesecake offered here. While this restaurant is one of the
usual “kid-friendly” suspects, a handy location on Michigan Avenue and the
prospect of outdoor dining on the John Hancock Center Plaza makes this bet-
ter than your average chain dining experience. The restaurant is big and noisy,
and be prepared for your name to be added to a long list when you arrive. (You'll
be given a pager for the wait.) The odd decor, with copper-colored metal
sculpted into aerodynamic shapes that overhang the entryways, gives kids plenty
to gawk at while you wait.
Even picky eaters will find something to order on the enormous menu.
There's no kids' menu, but the regular menu features chicken strips and
minicheeseburgers, among other tot treats. Baja chicken tacos, barbecued ranch
chicken salad, and avocado egg rolls are a few of the items on the wide-ranging
menu. And the cheesecake! Save room for white chocolate raspberry truffle,
chocolate peanut butter cookie dough, or seasonally, pumpkin cheesecake. Why
they also serve fudge cake, carrot cake, and ice cream sundaes, I'll never know—
apparently some misguided diners don't opt for cheesecake!
875 N. Michigan Ave. (in the plaza of the John Hancock Center).
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312/337-1101.
High chairs, boosters.
Main courses $8.95-$16. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 11:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-12:30am; Sun
10am-11:30pm. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State.
Coco Pazzo Café
NORTHERN ITALIAN Here's the perfect combina-
tion for families: food sophisticated enough for grown-ups, simple enough for
kids. An added plus is a scenic sidewalk cafe for that rare perfect-weather day in
