Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
neighborhood families. Bookshelves are packed with literature, and the atmos-
phere is cluttered and comfy. The menu makes it clear that the Bourgeois Pig
caters to an intellectual crowd: “The Sun Also Rises,” “Pilgrim's Progress,” and
“The Old Man and the Sea” are among the menu's 25 gourmet sandwiches. Kids
will enjoy the “build your own sandwich” menu, and staff will accommodate
kids' tastes with less-than-gourmet fare such as American cheese. Baked 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 varieties
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 cream for dessert.
738 W. Fullerton Pkwy. (at Burling).
&
773/883-5282.
High chairs, boosters. Main courses under $10. AE,
DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 6:30am-11pm; Fri 6:30am-midnight; Sat 8am-midnight; Sun 8am-11pm. Sub-
way/El: Red or Brown Line to Fullerton. Bus: 8, 11, or 74.
Café Brauer
AMERICAN A postcard-perfect view of the skyscrapers on
North Michigan Avenue, plus Lake Michigan and the greenery of Lincoln Park
make this a step above the average microbrewery. Stop here for lunch during a tour
of the park, and grab a sandwich, kabob, or flatbread. (Brats and shrimp kabobs
are among my favorites.) This pond-side cafe is conveniently near the Lincoln Park
Zoo and reopened its doors to the public in 1990 after a major restoration. The
beer garden, full of flowers and greenery, is perfectly family-friendly.
2021 Stockton Dr.
&
312/742-2480.
High chairs, boosters. Main courses under $8. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun noon-8pm; winter hours for restaurant, 11-5 daily; beer garden Thurs-Sun 11-7.
Bus: 151 or 156.
El Jardin
MEXICAN The staff at this sometimes raucous and always fun
restaurant loves to cater to kids. Because it's just 3 blocks south of Wrigley Field
(that's where the “raucous” comes in), don't show up after a game unless you're
prepared for a long wait. At other times you'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 grown-ups happy.
Kids might try tacos, enchiladas, burritos, grilled chicken, or carne asada. Little
ones can try
sopa de fideo,
a simple noodle soup. Should you have a special occa-
sion to celebrate, the staff will happily trot out a flan decorated with candles.
Don't confuse this location with El 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.
High chairs, boosters. Main courses $8-$15. AE, DC, DISC, V. Sun-Thurs
11:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-midnight. Subway/El: Red, Brown or Purple Line to Belmont.
Flat Top Grill
ASIAN This create-your-own-stir-fry restaurant often has
lines, but never fear, they move quickly. Kids love creating their own dishes, and
if you've never been here before, you might want to follow the suggested recipes
on the giant blackboards. Choose from over 80 fresh ingredients including rice,
noodles, seafood, chicken, beef, veggies, and sauces—all for one low price. Best
yet, the price includes multiple visits to the food line (a lifesaver if your brilliant
culinary combination has gone awry). Other locations are at 1000 W. Washing-
ton Blvd. (
&
312/829-4800
) in the Randolph Street Market District, and at
3200 N. Southport Ave. (
&
773/665-8100
) in Wrigleyville.
