I'm meeting my Swedish cousin, his wife and 3 children (ages 13, 11, and 4)in Chicago---I'd love some suggestions of fun restaurants that are walking distance or a short cab ride from the Palmer House Hilton. I'm guessing Trotter's and Everest would be too stuffy for the kids. Have read about Ed Debevics (sp?), Cafe Iberico, etc. Just wondering what you "people in the know" would suggest!! Thanks.

Ed Debevic's is a great place to take kids-it's a 50's style diner that serves burgers, fries, etc. complete with a sassy wait staff, loud music and lots of greasy kid friendly food.

Trotter's and Everest would be a giant snooze for kids, Cafe Iberico is Spanish tapas, don't know if kids would enjoy it.

You might try any one of the wonderful pizza places in Chicago, Pizzeria Uno, Giordano's, Pizzeria Due, etc. Or one of the tourist oriented resturants like the Rainforest Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, or Bubba Gump (on Navy Pier). Or Portillo's Hot Dogs, there's a big one on Ontario or Clark.

Kristin,
Since you are meeting a Swedish relative, you might enjoy Ann Sather's, which is a great restaurant, very popular here. It is not in walking distance from the Palmer House Hilton but would be worth the cab ride. I can't locate the address but look up www.metromix.com and it should be listed there.

Well, I don't know, if I were Swedish and visiting Chicago, I don't think I would make a Swedish restaurant my first dining choice. Trotter's and Everest should definitely not be on your list with children the age you mentioned, nor are they walking distance. I think Foodlife at Water Tower Place, a short cab ride or walkable if you feel like seeing the sights, might be a good choice. This is basically sort of a food court, but MUCH better food. There are food stations all around with lots of different choices, and each diner gets a plastic card to "charge" their choices, paying as you leave. All kinds of choices, from salads to Asaian to Mexican etc. My kids always like it, and there are lots of things to see in the neighborhood as well.

Hey, it's your call but if I had a choice between Ann Sather's and Water Tower's Foodlife (which is still just an overpriced mall food court) it would be a pretty easy call to go to Ann Sather's.