Going to Chicago with a picky eater and a baby, Millineum Park area

[gigglbx]

I love to chow and I am very excited to come to this wonderful town of food however, I am traveling with a health nut who does not like a lot of flavor and a small child. Looking at menus online, there seems to be so many places that just don't have anything that fits the bill for an adventurous eater AND a "plain steak and potatoes" or "grilled chicken and rice" person. We are staying in the Millenium park area. Any suggestions?

I have Ginos East, Bongo Room, and Garrett Popcorn on my list. I would love to go to Glazed Chicago but I'm not sure they are open anymore?

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Garrett Popcorn
625 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

Bongo Room
50 E Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60605

[Shaggy]

Depending on where you're staying, The Gage is a nice restaurant that has great burgers, some more interesting food, and space for children in the back room (the front tends to get crowded). There's also Heaven on Seven, which depending on when you go (not lunch during the week, too crowded) could be a good choice for bringing a little one but still providing less adventurous food with more fun food.

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Heaven on Seven
600 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

[masha]

I always recommend Greektown for family groups traveling with a range of eaters from picky to adventurous. There are simple grilled and roasted chicken dishes for those who are picky but a lot of other more adventurous choices too. Toddlers and small children fit in fine. The atmosphere tends to be boisterous and there are many large parties of families. My personal favorite among the many restaurants there is Greek Islands. Greektown is no more than 1-1/2 miles from Millenium Park.

[Sailing77]

I must be getting old because I would not take a baby to David Burke's.

[nsxtasy]

I don't know why not, assuming the baby is well-behaved. It's not overly loud, so it wouldn't be disturbing to a child. I've seen families with kids of all ages dining there - although those with younger children, I've generally seen only when dining early, not for later seating times.

[Sailing77]

And we all know babies would never scream or cry at a moments notice at David Burke's. Perfect place to take a baby.

[nsxtasy]

That's why I clearly said "well-behaved". A baby that could scream or cry at a moment's notice is not well-behaved and should not go to a nicer restaurant ANYWHERE. If your infant is well-behaved, it would be welcome ANYWHERE.

[nsxtasy]

Several places come to mind.

One is David Burke's Primehouse. It's one of our best steakhouses (many of us consider it THE best). But it also offers other, creative food options in addition to the steaks, far more than other steakhouses. Check out the menu at www.davidburkesprimehouse.com

Another is Park Grill. It is right at the entrance to Millennium Park. They have burgers and other American food items, and the quality is very good. www.parkgrillchicago.com

There are several categories of places where even picky eaters can find something. For example, French bistros almost always have a steak on the menu. (Our best include La Sardine just west of the Loop, and Kiki's Bistro in River North.) And Italian restaurants always have some pasta and other plain dishes. (Our best include Viviere, Cibo Matto, and the Florentine in the Loop; Piccolo Sogno west of the Loop; and Cafe Spiaggia and Coco Pazzo north of the Loop.)

Beyond those, though, most nicer contemporary restaurants (other than those specializing in a specific ethnic cuisine, anyway) have at least one steak on the menu, and usually at least one chicken dish. And if what they have sounds too exotic or flavorful, they can usually tone the flavors down on request.

I've never heard of Glazed Chicago.