Chicago Food & Drink Recs

Just returned from our trip to Chicago, Stayed at InterContinental Chicago.
Breakfast we went to Egg Harbor Cafe on E. Illinois St.
For historical purpose we ate at Original The Billy Goat Tavern, IYKYK
Also had Lou Malnati's Pizza on N. Wells St.
The River walk is great for people watching, we did have a cold beer and snacks at Brews and Bites.
Took Redline to Wrigleyville for a game, plenty of options out here.
Enjoy your trip.

For breakfast, go to Eleven City Diner. Our family loved it. The portions were huge.

Someone linked my guide, which should be a good start. However, here are more direct recommendations for anyone visiting w/ kids:

- Parlor Pizza has three locations. Wicker Park is most family-friendly and my preferred recommendation. West Loop and River North may be closer, but West Loop can get a little wild and River North is stale. Couple other kid-friendly pizza ideas will be Paradise Park (Wicker Park), Homeslice (Lincoln Park), Happy Camper (Old Town and Wrigleyville), Stopalong (Bucktown and Logan Square), and Pizza Lobo (West Loop, Logan Square, and Andersonville). Nice thing about these place is they're definitely "bar-forward." While great for kids, equally as good for adults that want to have a drink in hand and watch sports, etc. If I had to choose one or two for you, go with Homeslice or Paradise Park.

- Breweries are an obvious node for families, as well. Malt Row is an exceptionally popular cluster of breweries in family-oriented neighborhoods of North Center, Ravenswood, and Lincoln Square. Well worth a go if you're light on plans. So many families at each. Here is a link to see the different options: LINK.

- Chicago's street fest calendar is the most popular aspect of summer for people that live here. Unsure when you're visiting, but here is the list: LINK. All are family-friendly and completely free, despite the ask for a suggested donation. Bunch of food and drink vendors in each. If you give me a weekend, I can let you know if the fest is worth it.

I have plenty more recommendations if you need, but this is the best balance of keeping you and kids engaged.

All Chicago restaurants are good. The bad ones go broke. Be sure to eat an Italian beef sandwich. It is like the very best French dip that you have ever had.

Lettuce Entertain You

Go on the corporate website and just look at any restaurant they operate in Chicago, you will not be disappointed.

We have been to several in each time the food, service, experience, etc was phenomenal.