Five kids' menus grown-ups will drool over

Browntrout (4111 N Lincoln Ave, 773-472-4111)
Note to parents who want their children to learn about humanely raised, grass-fed beef: Browntrout’s kid-sized cheeseburger ($6), made with Tallgrass beef, is an effective teaching tool.

SUSHISAMBA (504 N Wells St, 312-595-2300)
The kids’ meals here ($12) smartly mimic what the adults will have—a miniature bento box, sushi “bites”—as well as something they won’t: a Samba Sundae (a brownie topped with ice cream and served with chocolate dipping sauce and a mini strawberry shake).

Gemini Bistro (2075 N Lincoln Ave, 773-525-2522)
With macaroni-and-cheese gratin ($6) and chicken fingers with housemade barbecue sauce ($6), Jason Paskewitz’s kids’ menu might tempt adults. The kids’ cocktail list—Shirley Temples, fresh fruit punch and the like ($3)—however? Not so much.

Jam (937 N Damen Ave, 773-489-0302)
The kids’ menu ($6) here offers the basic breakfast stuff—buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, etc. But with the adult menu featuring malted French toast, who needs kids’ items?

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, 847-205-4433)
Carnivorous kid? Give ’em the four-ounce filet with twice-baked potato ($14.50). Got a vegetarian? There’s a combo plate—apples, carrots, cheese and cucumbers—for that, too ($4).