For most kids, an outing to the theater is a special experience they’ll remember–good or bad–for years to come. And matching the right pre- or post-theater dining can go far toward pushing it into the “good” camp. We came up with five places to take the kids you are escorting to “Dr. Dolittle” at Cadillac Palace, or “Suessical the Musical” and “MacHomer,” both at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier.
Walnut Room, Marshall Field’s, 111 N. State St.; 312-781-4191. Getting into this venerable dining room during Christmastime can be a major hassle. So why not visit during the summer instead when entry is a breeze? It’s an early-dining spot — last seating is at 7 p.m. — and with 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. curtains most nights for “Dr. Dolittle” down the street at the Cadillac Palace, this classic American restaurant makes an ideal pre-theater option. My kids loved the magnificent walnut-beamed room with its huge picture windows looking out onto the bustling Loop and construction on Block 37. They also devoured the cheeseburger and macaroni and cheese kids plates ($4.95). Adult foodies won’t swoon, but can revel in old school treats such as the “Field’s Special” of buttered rye topped with turkey, Swiss cheese and a dome of Thousand Island-smothered iceberg lettuce. No parking specials.
McDonalds, 600 N. Clark St.; 312-867-0455. For those who feel the need to promise their kids a visit to the golden arches (and what kind of parent would do that?) in exchange for impeccable behavior at the theater, this can be a decent dinner compromise. That’s because this refurbished McD’s –now with little pop culture exhibits from the last five decades–offers more than the usual fare. Yes, kids can still get their Happy Meals downstairs. But then the family can ascend to the second floor to dine on cool designer period furniture (even Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chairs) and finish the meal with excellent gelato, decent pastries and sublime coffee drinks served in real ceramic cups and saucers from the upstairs “Bistro.” Free parking with $6 purchase.
VTK, 6 W. Hubbard St.; 312-644-8664. OK, this sleek modern Thai-influenced dining salon is not for just any tot. This is for your well-behaved young foodie who can appreciate complex flavors and a more grown-up dining experience. That said, the folks here do their best to make all kids feel at home. These efforts include a tiny bowl of nutty jasmine rice that arrives almost as soon as kids sit down, the kid’s cocktail of grenadine and pineapple called the Pink Elephant, and a special children’s menu with potstickers, chicken over noodles and chicken fingers. Valet parking for $10.
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Quartino, 626 N. State St.; 312-698-5000. If your kids sometimes have trouble using their inside voice when you take them out in public, this Italian small plate and wine enoteca is the restaurant for you. Despite its emphasis on wine, this place comes with friendly servers, plenty of highchairs and a noise level that would challenge the biggest screamer. Plus, the fine small plates of meats, cheeses, bruschettas, salads and pastas have something to please just about anyone. They will even make a pedestrian plate of spaghetti with marinara sauce if a certain stubborn child (namely mine) insists. The big bonus for frazzled parents: you can get your own quartino of wine for as little as $4, almost right away. Valet for $5.
Ed Debevics, 640 N. Wells St.; 312-664-1707. The sassy, gum-smacking servers at this kitschy ’50s-style megadiner aren’t likely to teach your kids much about manners, but they will serve up a thrilling time along with big helpings of burgers, dogs, fries, meatloaf, chicken fingers, onion rings and shakes. Yes, there are also salads for Mom. The highlight for most young diners: The moment (about once an hour) when servers leap onto the counter to dance to songs like “YMCA”–talk about dinner theater. Valet parking for $8 and it’s located next to the entrance to Kennedy and Dan Ryan expressways.