Planning your trip to Brookfield Zoo Chicago? After a day packed with animal encounters and treks through the zoo’s habitats, your herd is going to be hungry. These nearby spots in Brookfield, Riverside, La Grange, La Grange Park, and Forest Park make it easy to grab a great meal without a long drive.
Below, you’ll find some of the best restaurants near the zoo, from breakfast spots to burger joints—all within a short drive and perfect for an easy meal after a big day out.
Sawmilly Sandwich Shoppe
(1.9 miles from North Parking Lot)
35 E Burlington St, Riverside, IL 60546
Not every post‑zoo meal needs to be a full production. When you just want something really good, really fast, and not fussy, Sawmilly is a smart play. As the sister shop to The Chew Chew, it brings that same flavor‑first mindset to a lineup of handcrafted sandwiches, soups, salads, and even their delicious ice cream! Order to stay and relax in the casual space, or grab everything to go and turn lunch or dinner into a picnic at a nearby park. Either way, it’s a great option for families who are more tired than hungry—until the food shows up, that is.
The Chew Chew
(1.9 miles from North Parking Lot)
33 E Burlington St, Riverside, IL 60546
Sometimes you leave Brookfield Zoo Chicago and feel like you’ve earned a nicer dinner, and that’s where The Chew Chew comes in. Located right next to the Riverside train tracks, this spot works just as well for a family celebration as it does for a grown‑ups‑only date night. You can keep it classic with a double cheeseburger or crispy chicken sandwich, or branch out into lamb spaghetti, duck potstickers, hazelnut‑crusted trout, and other seasonal specials. Kids don’t get left behind either; the children’s menu features kid‑sized portions of salmon, filet mignon, skirt steak, and fun kiddie cocktails. And if you’re a dessert person, the key lime pie has a reputation for a reason.\
Paisans Pizzeria
(2.2 miles from North Parking Lot)
3720 Grand Blvd, Brookfield, IL 60513
Craving carbs after a day of walking the zoo paths? Paisans Pizzeria in Brookfield is a no‑brainer. Families pile in for deep‑dish and thin‑crust pies that come out hot and share‑ready, with those addictive cheesy breadsticks that tend to disappear as soon as they hit the table. Not everyone has to be in a pizza mood, though—there are wraps, sandwiches, soups, wings, and hearty pastas built to please the whole crew. On a sunny day, the patio becomes an easy hangout where kids can decompress and adults can finally sit down and exhale. It’s a family friendly hot spot built on a commitment to good food and fresh ingredients.
Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House
(2.2 miles from North Parking Lot)
8900 Fairview Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
For families who like a little edge with their comfort food, Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House hits the sweet spot. Despite the bar‑forward name, it’s surprisingly welcoming to kids, especially earlier in the evening. Bacon‑loaded appetizers (yes there’s a whole section dedicated to bacon), big burgers, and satisfying entrées give it a fun, indulgent feel, and Thursdays are a standout thanks to the “kids eat free” deal, which is perfect timing after an afternoon at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. The Build Your Own Mac and Cheese is a huge hit, especially with kids. Plus, there’s a dedicated vegan menu, which makes Sebastian’s one of those rare places where almost everyone in your group can get exactly what they want.
Irish Times Pub & Restaurant
(2.3 miles from North Parking Lot)
8869 Burlington Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
Step through the doors at Irish Times and it feels like you’ve ducked into a cozy neighborhood Irish pub straight from the Emerald Isle, mostly because you have. This long‑time Brookfield favorite has poured more than a million pints of Guinness and built a loyal following with its welcoming atmosphere and hearty plates. Think fish and chips with a proper crunch, shepherd’s pie bubbling under its potato crust, beef stew, and corned beef and cabbage, alongside lighter options like fish tacos and salads. Plus, at Irish Times, kids can order from their own menu while adults explore the beer list, and everyone wants to come back when the patio and carriage house spaces are open. It’s a natural choice when you want something a little more character‑filled than a standard chain.
Mary’s Morning Mix-Up
(2.3 miles from North Parking Lot)
9110 Broadway Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
If your zoo day starts early, Mary’s Morning Mix‑Up is the perfect way to start your day. This cheerful, homey lunch spot just south of 31st Street wins people over before they even order, because two little fried donuts often arrive at the table as a warm, sugary welcome. From there, it’s all about comfort. There’s omelets, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, pancakes in every style, beautiful bakery items, and even gluten-free options. Kids can experiment with something new, while grown‑ups stick to tried‑and‑true favorites. Whether you stop in before exhibits open or after a busy morning at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, brunch on Mary’s patio is one of the nicest ways to relax.
Tony’s Breakfast Cafe & Family Restaurant
(2.4 miles from North Parking Lot)
8900 Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
Every zoo day needs a little diner nostalgia, and Tony’s delivers it 24 hours a day. This family‑owned spot is open around the clock, so whether you’re heading out at dawn or dragging yourself away from Brookfield Zoo Chicago at closing time, there’s always a booth waiting. The menu has everything you crave from a great diner: Greek specialties (don’t miss the saganaki), classic Italian plates, ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and every breakfast item you can think of—omelets, skillets, pancakes, and French toast included.
Bill’s Place
(1.7 miles from North Parking Lot)
1146 N Maple Ave, La Grange Park, IL 60526
If your group can’t pick a craving, Bill’s Place is an easy solution. Since 1984, this La Grange Park favorite has been dishing up Chicago‑style comfort food of just about every kind: beef sandwiches, broasted chicken, burgers, gyros, pizza, salads, appetizers, and more. Pizza puffs—a local legend—often end up as an experiment to some, that turns into a new obsession. When the plates are cleared, make sure to head next door to Maple Avenue Creamery for hand‑packed ice cream and toppings, especially on warm nights when nobody’s quite ready for the day to end.
Mattone Restaurant and Bar
(2.7 miles from North Parking Lot)
9 E 31st St, La Grange Park, IL 60526
In the mood for red‑sauce Italian after your zoo adventure? Mattone Restaurant and Bar has the cozy, end‑of‑the‑day feel you’re looking for. You can start the meal off with some shareables, such as garlic bread, calamari, or stuffed mushrooms, before twirling into plates of pasta, chicken limone, or one of their perfect wood-fired pizzas. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a booth, recap your favorite animals from Brookfield Zoo Chicago, and let everyone take their time over a sit‑down meal.
MAK’s House
(4.2 miles from North Parking Lot)
46 S La Grange Rd, La Grange, IL 60525
For families who take their burgers seriously, MAK’s House is a must‑try. The space has a playful edge, with graffiti art and a vibe that feels part burger bar, part skateboard hangout. The menu features creative stacks like the Jerk Burger (Jamaican jerk‑spiced beef with grilled pineapple and onions) and the Honky Tonk (loaded with bacon and fixings), plus deep‑fried mac and cheese balls and chicken sandwiches. You can build your own combos and even hang out under the lights on their incredible patio.
Palmer Place
(4.2 miles from North Parking Lot)
56 S La Grange Rd, La Grange, IL 60525
Part neighborhood hangout, part destination biergarten, Palmer Place has grown into a sprawling go‑to for locals. The menu runs the gamut and includes pub staples like potato skins, firecracker shrimp, fish and chips, burgers, and towering club sandwiches, alongside more traditional dinner plates such as salmon filet and steak skewers. On warm days, the outdoor seating and long draft list create a lively space that feels a bit like a sports bar and a family restaurant rolled into one.
Milk Money Brewing
(4.3 miles from North Parking Lot)
75 LaGrange Rd, La Grange, IL 60525
When the adults in your group are in the mood for a craft beer reward, Milk Money Brewing is tough to beat. This kid‑friendly brewery pairs house‑made beer with a thoughtful food menu, so nobody has to compromise. Shareable snacks, such as chicharrones, fried pickles, and cheese curds, kick things off, followed by tacos, fried chicken, brisket dishes, and rotating specials. The kids’ menu keeps things simple with burgers, grilled cheese, chicken chunks, and mac and cheese, making it a relaxed place to eat in while you debrief the highlights of your day.
The Junction Diner
(4.3 miles from North Parking Lot)
7401 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130
End your Brookfield Zoo Chicago outing with one more themed experience at The Junction Diner. Here, trains take center stage: a model train table keeps little ones transfixed, while a toy train delivers meals along the counter. The menu sticks to crowd‑pleasing comfort food, including a Juicy Lucy burger stuffed with giardiniera and chihuahua cheese, salads like The Metra, and rotating taco specials. It’s the kind of place that turns a simple meal into another memory from the day.