A day at Lincoln Park Zoo is filled with excitement and energy for parents and kiddos in tow! After your exploration at the zoo, many families choose to share a meal to cap off the day. Some nearby places that are also kid friendly are listed below. A variety of choices are listed from a pizzeria to a diner to even a mouthwatering French patisserie! Let us know what you think in the comments section below. Or, if you have other ideas, we would love to hear your suggestions!
R.J. Grunts
What: The first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, R.J. Grunts still exudes the funky lifestyle of the 70s in its style, décor, music, and menu. While there's a huge menu that's as much fun to eat your way through as it is to read, many of Grunts' old American favorites spark return visits. The salad bar boasts more than 50 ingredients daily. Giant malts and milkshakes are hand scooped and come in a rainbow of colors and flavors. And, the Craft beer selection makes it easy to choose the perfect tasty beverage.
Distance from LP Zoo: .1 Miles
Location:
R.J. Grunts
2056 N Lincoln Park W.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-929-5363
Ranalli’s Pizzeria
What: Ranalli’s, the longstanding neighborhood pizza joint in Lincoln Park, offers guests classic and fresh pizzas, Italian-focused fare, and a varied beverage program in a comfortable and communal setting. The expansive, outdoor and dog-friendly sidewalk cafe offers seating for 175, catering to diners looking for a place to socialize during the summer months.
Distance from LP Zoo: .3 Miles
Location:
Ranalli’s Lincoln Park
1925 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
312-642-4700
Eleven City Diner
What: Delicious deli and classic American fare in a casual diner setting with a soda fountain. A casual family restaurant is the cornerstone of a great Chicago neighborhood. ELEVEN is a hybrid of what family “dining rooms” used to be. Breakfast served all day!
Distance from LP Zoo: .4 Miles
Location:
Eleven City Diner
2301 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
773-244-1112
Mon Ami Gabi
What: Mon Ami Gabi is a French Bistro & Steakhouse located inside the historic Belden-Stratford overlooking the Lincoln Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Zoo. The restaurant is a lovely and polished French bistro which may seem “adultish”. But, despite the upscale vibe, they do welcome little guests and make it kid friendly by offering a kids menu for all their meals including Sunday brunch! Crayons and coloring page included!
Distance from LP Zoo: .4 Miles
Location:
Mon Ami Gabi
2300 N. Lincoln Park West
Chicago, IL 60614
773-348-8886
The Original Pancake House
What: The Original Pancake House was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953! It has been a Chicago institutions for decades with 4 locations in the city and many more in the suburbs. Serving delicious breakfast specialities, the restaurant is a great spot for some comfort food before or after the zoo! Closes at 3 PM daily.
Distance from LP Zoo: .2 Miles
Location:
The Original Pancake House
2020 N. Lincoln Park West
Chicago, Illinois 60614
773-929-8130
Vanille Patisserie
What: For some sweets and treats after a fun day at the Zoo, Vanille Patisserie won’t disappoint! founded in 2002, Vanille Patisserie specializes in authentic French pastries, desserts, and cakes. Owned and operated by chef Sophie Evanoff, Vanille is noted for its premier quality, taste, and dedication to its craft. Vanille Patisserie offers its entire line of artisanal desserts and pastries, including delicious entremets (mousse cakes), luscious tarts, handmade chocolates and candies, the ever-popular French Macarons and freshly baked croissants
Distance from LP Zoo: .1 Miles
Location:
Lincoln Park Zoo
2108 N. Clark st.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-868-4574
Stella Barra
What: A tiny bit farther than the places listed above, Stella Barra offers Artisan style pizzas highlighting a range of sustainable, locally-grown ingredients found at the farmer's market and sourced by nearby purveyors. In addition to the pizzas, the menu boasts a selection of market-driven small plates, fresh salads and seasonal vegetables. Handmade breakfast items, fresh pastries and a selection of breads to go are also available from a breakfast counter located in the front of the restaurant. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm, Stella Barra presents an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. Kids 10 and under eat free, wow!
Distance from LP Zoo: .7 Miles
Location:
Stella Barra
1954 N Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-634-4101