Where to Take Your Family When They’re Visiting Chicago
Bookmark this for when your family comes to town
Family in town in Chicago and you’re in charge of the itinerary? No problem, we’re here for you. Whether it’s your parents, your in-laws or your aunts’ first trip to the Windy City, picking the restaurant for a family get-together can be an intimidating feat. We’ve gone ahead and put together our Lettuce recommendations so that you can focus on entertaining your family (over a great meal of course!).
When it’s their first time in Chicago: Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago
If it’s their first time in Chicago, Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago is a no-brainer. This Chicago classic has been serving up fresh seafood and oysters for 40 years. You and the fam can pick between the more traditional white table cloth side of the restaurant or the lively oyster bar. Weather permitting, take the Chicago newbies on a short walk to the Chicago River!
Make a reservation at Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago.
When you want to impress: Crying Tiger
Night-market buzz meets Chicago cool at Crying Tiger, one of our newest spots that blends bold Southeast Asian flavors with striking design. Dig into Chef Thai Dang’s bold menu, from Grilled Wagyu Beef Nam Tok and Crispy Hong Kong Pork Belly to Clay Pot Lobster Pad Thai and the legendary Crying Tiger 45-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye. End the night with a showstopper: the Crying Tiger dessert, Chef Juan Gutiérrez’s twist on bananas foster beneath a chocolate tiger’s head — the perfect finale to an impressive night.
Make a reservation at Crying Tiger.
When you want the best view: Miru
Not only does Miru have a variety of Japanese inspired small-plates great for sharing but the view will sure to either leave your parents speechless or be a great change of topic! These stunning views are available all year round, but are especially fun when you can see the Navy Pier firework shows during summer nights or special holiday shows.
When you need a break from shopping on the Mag Mile: The Cookie Bar by Summer House
Pop into the first-ever standalone location of The Cookie Bar by Summer House for a little pick-me-up during your obligatory shopping trip down the Mag Mile! Enjoy a a menu of signature cookies, specialty iced coffee drinks from La Colombe Coffee Roasters, plus fresh-churned soft-serve and thick shakes. No one can resist a good cookie!
View the menu at The Cookie Bar by Summer House.
When you’re celebrating something special: RPM Restaurants
There’s something about an RPM Restaurant that brings out the main character energy in everyone. If you have relatives in town for a birthday or an engagement, any of the delicious RPM spots like RPM Seafood, RPM Italian and RPM Steak will more than fit the bill. Not to mention, the RPM Restaurants are always a stop-over for celebrities that come through town, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled, you never know who could be dining at the table next to you!
Make a reservation at RPM Seafood. Make a reservation at RPM Steak. Make a reservation at RPM Italian.
When you’re ready to trade Chicago winter for tropical vibes: Three Dots and a Dash
Hidden beneath the streets of River North, Three Dots and a Dash is a tropical-inspired escape from the chill. It’s the perfect spot to grab a nightcap to keep the celebration going. The bar’s colorful cocktails come topped with orchids, umbrellas, and plenty of rum — a guaranteed mood-lifter for you and your parents after a day of sightseeing. Order up one of the large format cocktails that are perfect for sharing and a PuPu Platter to munch on!
Make a reservation at Three Dots and a Dash.
When there’s lots to catch up on: Mon Ami Gabi
Haven’t seen the family in a minute? Mon Ami Gabi’s cozy ambiance is the perfect spot to update your relatives about everything new in your life. Catch your grandma up on your new job or let your Dad interrogate your new boyfriend over the signature Steak Frites and a bottle of wine. During the holiday season, Mon Ami Gabi opens at 4:00 PM so you can grab a bite before or after Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo!
Make a reservation at Mon Ami Gabi.
When you need a kiddo-friendly option that’s still delicious: Summer House Santa Monica
Kicking off a family visit with Avocado Toast in the Vitamin D Room at Summer House is a guaranteed way to set the trip off on a positive note. It will be all sunshine and smiles over a spread of California-inspired dishes, plus Summer House provides a killer kids menu, perfect for the little ones at the table. Kiddos can also make their own pizza with Kids Pizza Making offered every Monday – Thursday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM!
Make a reservation at Summer House Santa Monica.
Check out the best kids menus at Lettuce restaurants near you.
When you want to give them something to post about on social media: Ema
Make your ‘Ema’ feel special by taking them to Ema – the perfect way to have a big night out in River North, while staying tucked away inside and surrounded by ambient lighting and lush greenery. We can guarantee your mom will be taking plenty of photos in the dining room that transports guests (and their Facebook friends) to the Mediterranean. Share a selection of small plates featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients – like Pumpkin Hummus and Charred Eggplant Spread – and cheers with a glass of house Kalokaíri “Ema” rosé. After your meal, take a peek at the river or pop into another Lettuce spot for a nightcap near Clark St. (there are plenty!).
When your fun aunt needs a night out on the town: Bub City
Your fun aunt has consistently made Thanksgiving a hoot year after year and it is your turn to return the favor. You owe her a night out on the town and there is no better place to dance and drink than Bub City – River North. Get her a big ol’ Back Porch Tea and dance to live country music, every weekend starting at 10:00 PM.
Make a reservation for Bub City – River North.
When you’ve got a picky eater on your hand: Beatrix
No one handles gluten-free, dairy-free and meat-free ALL while being boring-free quite like Beatrix. With locations in the Loop, Fulton Market, Oak Brook, River North and Streeterville, the menu of comfort food with a healthy twist will be sure to satisfy any and all diets and palates. Make sure you try their signature coffee roast, Beatrix Coffee Roasters, and one of the signature coffee drinks like the Honey Cinnamon Latte.
Make a reservation at your nearest Beatrix location.
For the best brunch options at Lettuce restaurants in Chicago, click here.
Bookmark this guide for next time you’ve got family or friends visiting Chicago. Beware, these spots are so good, they may want to come back (too) soon!
Planning a big get-together? Check out our private event spaces.
