Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
319 W. North Ave.
&
312/787-7676.
www.flattopgrill.com. Kids' menu, high chairs, boosters. Main courses
lunch around $9, dinner around $12; kids' stir-fry (under age 11) $5. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Thurs
11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. Bus: 76.
John Barleycorn
AMERICAN/BURGERS Want to get a feel of what it's like
to live in a Chicago neighborhood? Stop in to John Barleycorn, which has been
a popular neighborhood pub and restaurant since the 1960s. There's a heavy
emphasis on food here, so you won't feel like you're taking your kids to a bar.
Located in a 19th-century building, the restaurant has that well-worn feel that
makes you feel immediately at home. You won't find any pretensions here: Relax
with a cold drink and a thick, juicy burger in the outdoor patio. The pub has a
storied history, and reputedly served John Dillinger frequently when operating as
a speakeasy in the 1920s. A collection of handmade ship models or a quick game
of darts should entertain your kids while you're waiting for your food.
658 W. Belden Ave.
&
773/348-8899.
High chairs, boosters. Reservations not accepted. All main courses
under $8. AE, DISC, V. Mon-Fri 3pm-2am; Sat 9am-3am; Sun 9am-2am. Subway/El: Red Line to Fullerton.
John's Place
AMERICAN This neighborhood favorite combines
uncomplicated food with an inviting setting of exposed brick walls and hardwood
floors. Families make up a fair share of the crowd at lunch, through the afternoon
to early dinner. Although the place wasn't designed to attract kids, it's a natural for
the sophisticated 30-something parents who populate the neighborhood and first
came to John's while dating. The menu emphasizes vegetarian meals, organic foods,
and salads. Some of the highlights of the menu are seafood enchiladas, barbecue-
glazed pork tenderloin, and of course, the burgers. The wild line-caught Alaskan
salmon, which comes seared as a sandwich at lunchtime, is a knockout. On the
weekend, health-conscious eaters will enjoy the free-range Amish chicken eggs
served during brunch, and kids are sure to go for pumpkin pancakes and French
toast. On a busy afternoon, all 25 of the restaurant's high chairs are put to use.
1200 W. Webster Ave.
&
773/525-6670.
High chairs, boosters. Kids' menu. Reservations not accepted. All
main courses under $8. AE, DISC, V. Tues-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 8am-11pm; Sun 8am-9pm.
Subway/El: Red Line to Fullerton.
La Creperie
FRENCH Germain and Sara Roignant have run this
intimate gem of a cafe since 1972, never straying from the reasonably priced
crepes that draw repeat customers aplenty. (Hey, a crepe is just a pancake rolled
up, right kids?) The decor is heavy on '70s era brown, but if you find the main
dining room more dark than cozy, head to the back patio (enclosed in winter),
which sparkles with strings of white lights. Onion soup, pâté, and escargots are
all good starters, but the highlights here are the whole-wheat crepes—each pre-
pared on a special grill that Germain imported from his native Brittany. Single-
choice fillings include cheese, tomato, egg, or ham; tasty duets feature chicken
and mushroom or broccoli and cheese. Beef bourguignon, coq au vin, or curried
chicken are the more adventurous crepe combinations. Noncrepe offerings are
few: orange roughy and steak frites. Don't leave without at least sharing one of
the dessert crepes, which tuck anything from apples to ice cream within their
warm folds. La Creperie is an especially great option if you're taking in a show
at one of the nearby off-Loop theaters, such as Briar Street, where the popular
Blue Man Group is in residence.
2845 N. Clark St. (
1
⁄
2
block north of Diversey Pkwy.).
&
773/528-9050.
High chairs, boosters. Reservations
accepted for groups of 6 or more only. Main courses $5.50-$15. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Tues-Fri 11:30am-3:30pm
and 5-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-9:30pm. Subway/El: Brown Line to Diversey.
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