Yes, I am basic and I love brunch, and I am going to continue to love and enjoy brunch with BB, so help me god. Sometimes, I just can’t make it to the weekend to break for brunch. This week was one of those weeks and I was so thankful for a friend to brunch with mid-week. What’s even better than mid-week brunch, brunching with someone who understands the challenges of dining with a mini human. Aside from our mutual love of brunch and babies, she has the cutest son, James, who is Blake’s first (and only) BFF. So, we each put together guides for dining with our bambinos. For other parenting tips, fashion inspo, and just a good laugh, checkout her blog, megmcmillin.com, it is honest and amazing!

BB is a city baby, so she has been carted from one restaurant to another since she was born. We took her out to eat for the first time when she was 5 days old (we sat outside at 4pm and we didn’t let any strangers come within 10 feet of her.) As she approaches toddlerhood, meals out have gotten a bit more challenging. I am determined to battle through, which means figuring out what works and what doesn’t.

Here’s what works for us:

(1) Restaurants that are walking distance. We find that if BB gets that outside stimulation on the way, she is much easier to handle.

(2) Restaurants that allow strollers. Some restaurants (ehemm Parlor) make you check your stroller, which is the WORST. I rarely use a diaper bag so everything I need is under the stroller. Bonus, when Blake sits in the stroller, as opposed to the high chair, she will sit content through the entire meal. Our little monkey tries to climb out of most restaurant high chairs.

(3) Restaurants with other babies. If BB has another baby to make googly eyes with, she does not need any other source of entertainment.

(4) Restaurants with servers who don’t avert eye contact with babies. If you’re a mama, you know what I mean. Like if they just avoid eye contact, your baby won’t make a peep the entire meal. 

BONUS: if they serve brunch all week long.

Although my brunch requirements now include all of the above, my standards in food and decor have not dropped just because I have a baby in tow. So, here are my favorite spots for babies who brunch. Whether you want sweet, savory, seafood or simply a tall flight of bubbly, I’ve got you covered. Since we like to walk, I stuck to the River North, West Loop, and Gold Coast areas. If you are looking to go North or West, our brunch buddies Meg and James have put together their favorites here! 

The Allis | 125 N Green

Not only is it baby friendly, but it might also be one of the most gramable brunch places in the city. Every seating arrangement is different. Couches, poufs, cozy chairs, you name it. We literally tossed the babes on the couch, and they entertained eachother for a good 30 seconds. Just kidding, it was probably 3 minutes.

Stroller access: yes, but full flight of stairs

Highchair: yes

Beatrix | 519 N Clark

This is a staple for us. So much so that we have two favorite tables which we request when available. The food is amazing, the service is great, and they have sliding walls that open when it is nice out. When the walls are open, we request a table where BB can sit and watch the passersby on the sidewalk. She waves to each and every person. There is a special place in hell for people who don’t wave back to babies.

Stroller access: yes

Highchair: yes

Ema | 74 W Illinois

On the rare occasion when we cannot get a table right away at Beatrix, Ema is RIGHT next door. We went here by necessity the first time. But it is SO delicious and so cute!

Stroller access: yes

Highchair: yes

The Hampton Social | 353 W Hubbard

While Hampton Social has no problem with you wheeling your stroller right up to the table, they have a half flight of stairs at the front of the restaurant and no elevator. You have been warned. Order the rosé, side of eggs.

Stroller access: yes, but stairs

Highchair: yes

3 Greens Market | 354 W Hubbard

This place is a gem and a little different. It is buffet style with quite possibly the cutest decor in the city. It has the cutest outdoor seating, a mini putting green and board games you can grab and bring to your table. When I first heard that a buffet style restaurant was opening down the block from us, I was very skeptical. But I am not exaggerating when I say we go here weekly. While they have a regular buffet all week long, on the weekends it switches to a brunch buffet and the pancakes are TO DIE FOR.

Stroller access: yes

Highchair: yes

The Kitchen | 316 N Clark

The Riverwalk finally extended to Franklin street, which is right by us, so we spend a lot of time walking up and down the river. I had been to The Kitchen for dinner years ago when it opened but rediscovered it on one of our walks recently. I have to say, I was underwhelmed by the dinner, but the brunch is delish! And, you can almost always walk in and get a table last minute. For a mama who never thinks ahead to make a brunch reservation, this is key.

Stroller access: yes

Highchair: yes

Bernie’s Lunch & Supper | 660 N Orleans

Bernie’s has an awesome upstairs roof deck, when the weather is nice! When BB is outside, she will sit still for hours. My most recent parenting book obsession, The Happiest Toddler on the Block, tells me this is because we (humans) spent the better part of our evolutionary years roaming in the wild. So, I guess that’s why BB prefers to dine alfresco.

Stroller access: yes

Highchair: yes

Little Goat Diner | 820 W Randolph

If you are looking for greasy, true diner eats, this is your place. The menu is totally schizophrenic and has something for everyone unless you prefer your food without a whopping amount of butter. If you request one of the booths in the back, they will let you roll your stroller up to the table.

Stroller access: depends if stroller accessible tables are available

Highchair: yes

Bad Hunter | 802 W Randolph

This West Loop newbie opened a couple months ago and is a veggie focused restaurant. Don’t disregard it! They DO serve some meat, and I didn’t tell Blake before we went that it was veggie focused and he honestly didn’t even notice. This restaurant is light, airy and delicious. The staff is also awesome and so baby friendly.

Stroller access: yes

Highchair: yes

Lou Mitchell’s | 565 W Jackson

If you grew up near Chicago, you know Lou Mitchell’s. It is the most iconic Chicago diner and has been serving amazing breakfast since 1923. The staff is so friendly and makes you feel at home the second you walk in the door. We don’t have to entertain BB, the staff does it for us. But, stroller at the table is entirely crowd-dependent as it can be PACKED some days. And the waffles might be the best in the city.

Stroller access: depends how crowded it is

Highchair: yes

3 Arts Club Cafe | 1300 N Dearborn

If you read any brunch list that skips 3 Arts Club Cafe, I would seriously question the source. Located in a massive Restoration Hardware store, this might be the coolest and prettiest brunch spot in Chicago. The restaurant is literally in a giant atrium in the middle of a gorgeously rehabbed building in the middle of the Goldcoast. They do not take reservations and unless you plan to wait in line before it opens, there is always a significant wait. But, they have a walk-up counter where you can grab pastries, coffee, or wine and enjoy it anywhere in the five-story furniture store. We usually put our name in, grab a coffee, and let BB climb all over the furniture and get her energy out while we wait.

Stroller access: yes

Highchair: yes

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden | 52 W Elm

I love anything farm to table, and this is farm to table at its finest. Don’t be scared off by the white table clothes and more formal setting. On the weekends, it actually has a very casual vibe. With a baby, I love brunch spots that serve early, and Blue Door opens at 9am on Saturday and Sunday. Don’t skip the beignets. They are served warm, with the perfect ratio of soft to crunch.

Stroller access: yes

Highchair: TBH, I have never asked for one, so call ahead

The Little Beet Table | 845 N State

This place is casual, easy, and so delicious. It is also vegetable “forward.” I love food that tastes amazing, but you don’t leave feeling like you need to hit the gym. Little Beet is that restaurant. The restaurant is big, so there is always room to roll the stroller right up to the table. While BB still eats strictly what I prepare for her at home, I know someday she will have to start eating food at restaurants. This will probably be one of the first restaurants where we let her sample off our plate!

Stroller access: yes

Highchair: yes

READY.SET.BRUNCH.

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