Eating out is a family event that offers quality time connecting with the people you love. If you have a child with autism, this seemingly simple activity becomes a bit more complex. Your child’s needs take precedence — and since dining out can come with strict social expectations and unfamiliar environments that could overstimulate your kiddo, you may be tempted to skip these outings altogether.
Thankfully, there are many autism-inclusive restaurants in Chicago that can make eating out an enjoyable experience for everyone in your family.
Why Sensory-Friendly Matters When Eating Out
The laughter of diners, the clatter of dishes and cutlery, bright lights, strong smells — a typical restaurant is filled with a staggering amount of sensory input. The overstimulation and unfamiliarity of these environments may be a lot to deal with, making it difficult for your kiddo to stay calm and focused.
A sensory-friendly restaurant recognizes and honors the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities. By creating a calm, comfortable, and controlled environment, your family can enjoy a dining experience that reduces sensory overload, promotes inclusion, and makes dining out a more positive experience for everyone.
5 Autism-Inclusive Restaurants in Chicago and Surrounding Areas
Here is our list of five Chicago-area restaurants for families with children on the autism spectrum and what you can expect from this sensory-friendly experience.
1. Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook
Prairie Grass Cafe in suburban Northbrook wants to create a safe space where all diners feel welcomed. As such, families of children with autism, input disorders, noise sensitivities, and other disabilities are welcome to attend the restaurant’s Sensory-Friendly Dining Hour on the last Saturday of each month. This inclusive event allows individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy a meal with their loved ones in a more relaxed environment. The experience includes these unique features:
- Crowd-free dining
- Dimmed lights
- Reduced noise
- Minimal wait times
The staff at Prairie Grass Cafe has also been carefully trained about how to create a sensory-friendly dining experience — minimizing contact with patrons while remaining respectful and flexible to their needs.
2. Brazil Express Grill in Schaumburg
Brazil Express Grill is a family-friendly restaurant located in the northwestern suburb of Schaumburg. Along with its delicious menu of unlimited grilled meats, this restaurant boasts a special honor — it is the first autism and sensory‑approved restaurant in Chicago through the Autism Hero Project.
By making a reservation at this autism-inclusive eatery, your family can enjoy a dining experience that recognizes your child’s unique needs. The restaurant proudly provides the following:
- Quiet, dimly lit dining areas
- Sensory bins with headphones and fidget toys
- An enhanced menu with kid-friendly options
- Staff specially trained in autism awareness and sensory accommodations
3. Chuck E. Cheese in the Chicago Suburbs
When you think of sensory-friendly, Chuck E. Cheese is probably not the first place that comes to mind. After all, this restaurant and entertainment venue is known for its flashy arcade games, boisterous atmosphere, and animatronic musical shows.
Yet, on Sensory Sensitive Sundays, kids with autism can enjoy two hours of stress-free dining and fun. The game area is quieter, allowing children to enjoy their favorite games without the sensory overload. The dining space also has softer lighting and reduced sounds so families can eat in peace. The trained team members are always available to provide thoughtful assistance, ensuring every child has a safe and fun experience.
Sensory Sensitive Sundays are available at participating locations throughout Chicagoland, including:
- Arlington Heights
- Crystal Lake
- Gurnee
- Skokie
- Streamwood
4. The Chicago Diner in Lakeview
The Chicago Diner is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that wants all diners to feel welcome and included — no matter their sensory needs. Held every third Wednesday at their Lakeview location, Sensory-Friendly Nights are designed to let everyone in your family unwind and enjoy a peaceful dining experience. The event offers the following:
- Lower lights and music
- Sensory supports like headsets and fidgets
- Sensory-conscious menus with meal adjustments as needed
5. Autism Eats Special‑Needs Nights at Partnering Restaurants
Autism Eats is a nonprofit that makes eating out accessible to families with children who have autism. By partnering with local Chicago restaurants, the organization hosts special dinners adjusted to accommodate the needs of individuals with sensory sensitivities. These special events allow you to enjoy a night out with other families with similar stories.
The family dining experience is designed to be calm, accepting, and low-pressure, with these sensory-friendly features:
- Dim lighting
- No music
- No rushing
- No checks at the table
- Buffet-style or set menus
Reach out to Stride Autism Centers for Support
At Stride Autism Centers, we believe that eating out and other social activities can be a more enjoyable experience — for you and your child. Our high-quality clinics in Chicagoland exist to help young children with autism reach their potential. We focus on the social aspect of ABA therapy and skills development so that your child can learn how to manage life beyond our center — whether that’s the classroom or a local restaurant.
With two Chicago locations in South Loop and Oak Park, our compassionate team looks forward to partnering with your family. Contact us today to get started.
