Summer House is a healthy and fun option that checks all the right family-friendly boxes!

This is a bright, airy restaurant with a lively atmosphere that’s really wonderful for people of all ages. The restaurant's vibe is trendy, but casual, with high ceilings, lots of light, and a healthy Californian-inspired menu. 

There is a room here that is called the Vitamin D room thanks to the ceiling that is almost 100% sunlight. This is a great option for those winter days when parents need a bit of sunlight. In the summer, they do have some outdoor seating, but it is limited. 

Kids are very welcome. The staff here offers high chairs, booster seats, and also stands that can hold up an infant car seat if you come here with your tiny babies. The background noise from other diners helps drown out the occasional yelling or crying that might occur. The kids' menu is healthy, every child receives a coloring mat with crayons upon arrival. They even have beach balls lying around the restaurant that kids can play with. If you come with babies who are just starting to eat, you can ask the waiters to ask the chef to prepare specific things. For example, they once made steamed carrots and mashed potatoes for our baby. 

Mom and Dad can sit back, relax, and enjoy some delicious New American food while sipping on an adult beverage.

Parking around here is OK. You can either valet the car, find paid street parking on Halsted Street or pull into one of the side streets. On weekends, it is harder to find free parking, so give yourself this time and expect to walk between parking and the restaurant. The Armitage stop on the Brown Line of the El is not too far and the 8 bus which goes up and down Halsted stops very close by. 

This restaurant gets quite busy on weekends and even on Thursdays and Fridays. I would reserve ahead.