# Kid-friendly brunch in Chicago

Written 2026-10-16 by Play Day. Chicago brunch spots that work with kids, from a South Loop diner near the museums to pancakes shaped like Pac-Man, dim sum in Chinatown and a Hyde Park cafeteria from 1921. See which have high chairs and a kids' menu, and which take bookings.

The best brunch with kids in Chicago is at the old neighborhood diners and pancake houses, where nobody minds a dropped crayon.

Most of these have high chairs and a kids' menu, and a lot of them take reservations, which is rare for brunch and very welcome with a hungry toddler.

## Near the museums

### [Eleven City Diner](https://ourplayday.com/places/eleven-city-diner)

Neighborhood: South Loop

An old-school Jewish-style diner with deli classics, pancakes and hand-dipped milkshakes. It's close to the Museum Campus, so brunch here before the Field or the Shedd.

- High chairs: Yes
- Kids' menu: Yes
- Reservations: Yes
- Order at counter: Yes

### [Wentworth Seafood House](https://ourplayday.com/places/wentworth-seafood-house)

Neighborhood: Chinatown

Dim sum and boba in Chinatown, with Cantonese breakfast dishes. Small plates you can keep ordering until everyone is full.

- High chairs: Yes
- Reservations: Yes

### [Valois](https://ourplayday.com/places/valois-hyde-park)

Neighborhood: Hyde Park

Hyde Park's cafeteria since 1921: you carry your own tray through the line, the breakfast plates are big and cheap, and it's cash only. Brunch here, then the Museum of Science and Industry.

- High chairs: Yes
- Reservations: No
- Order at counter: Yes

## North Side

### [M. Henry](https://ourplayday.com/places/m-henry)

Neighborhood: Andersonville

Creative takes on American comfort food in Andersonville, with a kids' menu for the plainer eaters.

- High chairs: Yes
- Kids' menu: Yes
- Reservations: No
- Order at counter: Yes

### [Lincoln Park Corner Kitchen](https://ourplayday.com/places/lincoln-park-corner-kitchen)

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

Family-owned and open all day, with its own kids' menu and a changing table, which is rarer than it should be.

- High chairs: Yes
- Kids' menu: Yes
- Changing table: Yes
- Reservations: Yes
- Order at counter: Yes
- Easy parking: Yes

### [Luella's Southern Kitchen](https://ourplayday.com/places/luellas-southern-kitchen)

Neighborhood: Albany Park

Southern breakfast and brunch in Albany Park, and you can book a table.

- High chairs: Yes
- Reservations: Yes
- Order at counter: Yes

### [Cafe Robey](https://ourplayday.com/places/cafe-robey)

Neighborhood: Wicker Park

Brunch all day on the ground floor of the Robey hotel, near the Damen Blue Line stop and the 606 trail for a walk after.

- High chairs: Yes

## South Side

### [Sunrise Breakfast & Lunch](https://ourplayday.com/places/sunrise-breakfast-lunch)

Neighborhood: Mount Greenwood

The kids' pancakes come shaped like Mickey Mouse, Pac-Man, a superhero or a ladybug.

- High chairs: Yes
- Kids' menu: Yes
- Reservations: Yes
- Easy parking: Yes

### [Huck Finn Restaurant](https://ourplayday.com/places/huck-finn-restaurant)

Neighborhood: Archer Avenue

An Archer Avenue diner known for its donuts, with big breakfast plates that don't cost much.

- High chairs: Yes
- Kids' menu: Yes
- Reservations: Yes
- Order at counter: Yes
- Easy parking: Yes

### [Masters Pancake House](https://ourplayday.com/places/masters-pancake-house)

Neighborhood: Archer Heights

Family-owned and flipping pancakes since 1981, with parking right there.

- High chairs: Yes
- Kids' menu: Yes
- Reservations: Yes
- Order at counter: Yes
- Easy parking: Yes

### [Tom's Place Pancake House](https://ourplayday.com/places/toms-place-pancake-house)

Neighborhood: Back of the Yards

Back of the Yards' neighborhood breakfast spot, with generous portions and tables outside when it's warm.

- High chairs: Yes
- Reservations: Yes
- Easy parking: Yes

### [Pearl's Place](https://ourplayday.com/places/pearls-place)

Neighborhood: Bronzeville

Soul food with a breakfast buffet, so picky eaters can see everything before they choose.

- High chairs: Yes
- Kids' menu: Yes
- Reservations: Yes
- Order at counter: Yes
- Easy parking: Yes

### [Josephine's Southern Cooking](https://ourplayday.com/places/josephines-southern-cooking)

Neighborhood: Chatham

Fried chicken and Sunday brunch at a Chatham staple that's been around for more than 30 years. Book ahead.

- High chairs: Yes
- Reservations: Yes
- Easy parking: Yes

### [Grand Rising Cafe](https://ourplayday.com/places/grand-rising-cafe)

Neighborhood: South Shore

Breakfast at the counter on 75th Street, with no pork on the menu.

Page: https://ourplayday.com/guides/united-states/illinois/chicago/kid-friendly-brunch