Taking kids out to eat can help them develop an appreciation for new foods, connect with their community, and give them an opportunity to practice etiquette in a new environment. Sometimes, you might also need a change of scenery or a break from cooking. Here are some delicious family-friendly restaurants in and around Warrenville, Illinois.

Lucky Penny Diner and Deli

A diner plate with freshly made pancakes covered in butter and syrup alongside sausages and fried eggs.

Image via Flickr by jeffreyw

Lucky Penny Diner and Deli is a breakfast and lunch restaurant at 1224 W. Ogden Ave. in nearby Naperville. It opened in 2016 and offers both vegan (hello, Beyond Burger!) and gluten-free options (for both toast and pancakes!). Lucky Penny Diner prides itself on its energetic staff and fun twists on breakfast classics like different eggs Benedict dishes, specialty omelets, and fluffy waffles. If you’re really in the mood for a great deli-inspired lunch, you can enjoy their corned beef or pastrami sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, burgers, or tuna melts. Even your kids can choose from an extensive menu, like egg dishes, pancakes, pizza, and chicken tenders.

Lucky Penny Diner and Deli is open for business every day between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe

Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe is a small regional chain cafe with a location at 28361 Diehl Road. They clearly mark their gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on the menu, so you don’t have to search for special menu items. Try a vegan breakfast sandwich made with Beyond Burger, hash browns, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and avocado. Or go for the gluten-free avocado toast or waffles. In addition to traditional breakfast and lunch fare, you can also enjoy crepes, parfaits, power bowls, and wraps. And for the kids menu, they offer a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, berry pancakes, and chicken tenders, among other child-approved staples.

Visit Honey Berry Cafe Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekends 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Markito’s Bar and Grill

Markito’s Bar and Grill at 3 S. 071 Route 59 Suite 110 opened in 2019 to bring authentic Mexican food to Warrenville. Start your meal with a Cajun chicken quesadilla or chips and salsa. Try house specials like carne asada, a charbroiled steak brushed with garlic wine butter, or chile relleno, a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and topped with homemade tomato sauce. If your family wants something more familiar, they can enjoy delicious tacos, fajitas, flautas, or enchiladas. Anyone in the mood for a sandwich? Grab a torta with steak, chicken, or ham and cheese.

If you’ve got a picky eater, no problem! Markito’s also offers pasta, burgers, salads, and a kids menu of macaroni and cheese and pizza. End your meal by sharing churros, ice cream, or chocoflan. This local staple is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Honeymilk Breakfast and Lunch

Honeymilk Breakfast and Lunch at 2 S. 505 Route 59 prides itself on meals made from the freshest ingredients. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are clearly marked, and the kids menu features a birthday cake pancake and a salad with fruits and strawberry vinaigrette. Parents can get dishes like omelets, French toast, a variety of Benedicts, or crepes. Upgrade your meals with sweet potato hash, fried green tomatoes, or decadent duck bacon. Honeymilk welcomes customers every day from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria first opened in 1971 and has since expanded throughout Chicagoland, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Start your meal with bruschetta, fried calamari, or toasted cheese cubes. Enjoy both quintessential Chicago meals — the deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwich — or have a salad, pasta, or thin-crust pizza. Treat yourself and your kids to tiramisu, Italian ice, or the cannoli dip, which is cinnamon sugar tortillas served alongside ricotta and mascarpone cheese mixed with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and chocolate chips.

Stop in to your local location at 131 W. Jefferson Ave. in Naperville, Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and between 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Egg Harbor Cafe

Egg Harbor Cafe is a small chain restaurant with 20 locations in Illinois, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Enjoy specialty pancakes like Sam’s Swedish pancakes, lemon poppyseed, and seasonal flavors, including pumpkin offered in the fall. You can top them with fruit, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or all three! Plus, they also offer Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, as well as international favorites like shakshuka, which is three poached eggs and a Morroccan-style tomato sauce in spinach and topped with cilantro and goat cheese. If you’re looking for something for brunch, try the smoked salmon Benedict, or have a warm chicken and avocado sandwich, hot off the grill.

Visit your local Egg Harbor Cafe at 175 W. Jackson Ave. in Naperville every day between 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Billy Bricks Wood Fired Pizza and Cafe

Billy Bricks Wood Fired Pizza and Cafe was established in 2005 so Bill Wilson could bring wood-fired, Neapolitan style pizza to Chicagoland. They offer a diverse selection of pizza toppings, including prosciutto, eggs, arugula, artichokes, smoked gouda, and five sauce options. You can also choose from a variety of salads and sandwiches, like the Greek salad and stromboli. Start your meal with delicious appetizers like caprese, bruschetta, or Crostini con Prosciutto, which is Buffalo mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, and red pepper on bread that’s baked in the wood-fired oven.

Treat yourself and your family by visiting 1763 Freedom Drive in Naperville. Billy Bricks is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

At Crème de la Crème of Warrenville, we know how hard it can be to find good food at great local restaurants that everyone in the family will enjoy. But these local spots are sure to get your kids excited to eat while introducing them to a variety of regional foods. Did we overlook your favorite local restaurant? Let us know. We’ll be sure to add it to our list!