Beat Kitchen
If you frequent this bar and concert space for indie-rock or comedy shows, you know it’s one of the top underground venues in the city; however, it may be difficult to imagine toting your little darlings here. On Sundays at noon, though, it’s just the place to take them, because that’s when the biggest local names in kids’ jams put on concerts (for an easy-to-swallow $6). Kick back with a craft beer while the kids are entranced by tunes, then sit down for a pizza after the show. Roscoe Village, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., beatkitchen.com
The Bad Apple
The 25 well-picked beers on tap and another 150-plus in bottles and cans will help wash down that juicy burger made from Pat LaFrieda meat. Prefer spirits to beer? You’ll find a solid cocktail menu, too, plus flights of mead, bourbon, and other potables. There’s a relaxed neighborhood vibe, and no one will give you the stink eye for bringing your wee ones along. Little patrons are fed well, too, thanks to an unusually healthy kids’ menu. North Center, 4300 N. Lincoln Ave., badapplebar.com
Parson’s Chicken & Fish
Summertime means slushy cocktails, Ping-Pong, and lazy afternoons on the spacious patio. Come winter, that outdoor space morphs into an ice-skating rink ($5 to use), where you can warm your digits with something from the rink-exclusive hot-cocktail menu. The staff will happily hook Junior up with a pair of skates, and the après-skate offerings of fried finger foods are a hit with all ages. Humboldt Park, 2952 W. Armitage Ave., parsonschickenandfish.com