It’s all about sharing at this family-run restaurant, where the team serves large-format dishes steeped in East African spices. Start with the Shiro, a house specialty of chickpea stew with garlic and ginger that’s served with injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread perfect for dipping. Follow it up with the Zil-Zil Tibs, a colorful platter of beef, jalapeno, and tomatoes that packs a punch. A Coca-Cola could come in handy to balance things out.

You can’t go wrong with a chopped brisket or pulled-pork sandwich here, and the half-slab of baby back ribs goes for just under $20 (complete with slaw and two sides). If you’re planning family meals ahead of schedule, you can take home brisket or pulled pork by the pound, too.

There’s something for everyone at this seafood spot, with its mix of freshly caught fish, but let’s take a moment to focus on the kids’ menu. The little ones can pick between options like grilled salmon, fish bites, or a grilled chicken sandwich, each one going for $7 or less.

Cater to the entire crew at this Chicago staple, where East Coast, Neapolitan-style pizza is the signature. Taste Italian-inspired appetizers, like cheesy flatbread, mini calzones, or bruschetta, then move on to the main event — the pizza. House specialties include the Big Cheese (with provolone, asiago, and mozzarella) or the Spinach (with goat cheese, ricotta, and fresh garlic). Post-pie, a round of cinnamon sticks, baked to perfection, make the perfect way to cap off a meal.

For a surefire dinner solution the whole family can agree on, make it noodles — especially from this ramen shop that locals swear by. More than a dozen ramen varieties are on the menu, ranging from a comforting miso ramen with turkey to a series of Jigoku bowls, featuring the spiciest of chilies and even ghost peppers. Kids can choose tamer dishes, like a more modestly sized ramen portion, pork over fried rice, or vegetable dumplings.

You can go for a variety of Middle Eastern dishes at this Turkish restaurant, a favorite in the neighborhood for its expansive menu and quality service. Begin with a round of reliable starters, like hummus and dolma, then settle in for more substantial fare: falafel, kebab, and pide, a flatbread with toppings like lamb, chicken, or spicy sausage.

Nearly a dozen different burgers are up for grabs here, ranging from the basic to the elaborate (with toppings like jalapeno chorizo, smoked pulled pork, or a fried egg). And though patties are the prime attractions, the menu also offers up guacamole, mac and cheese, and four different kinds of wings. 

Did someone call for tacos? This Chicago go-to serves them seven ways, including al pastor, barbacoa, and classic chicken. There’s a kids’ quesadilla on the menu, and you won’t want to miss the Big Star Nachos or Sonoran Hot Dog, wrapped in bacon and covered in all the best toppings.

At this restaurant and bar, a rotisserie grill is responsible for two of the signature dishes: spit-roasted BBQ cauliflower with slaw, and a half chicken with marinated chickpeas and hummus. Meanwhile, there are plenty of choices for the kiddos, too, including the cheddar cheeseburger, bucatini pasta with parmesan, or the fried chicken sandwich, served on fluffy ciabatta bread.