Restaurants where kids eat free

WEDNESDAY

Avenue Ale House
825 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708-848-2801, avenuealehouse.com). Lunch, dinner. Average burger: $9.25; average entrée: $19.
There’s very little about this classic tavern that’s, well, little. Sports fans fill the cavernous space to watch the game on jumbo screens, drooling for the heaping burger-and-fries platters, generously cut steaks and big salads. The kids’ menu features mac and cheese, chicken strips and hot dogs and includes their choice from an array of starchy sides including barbecue-rubbed sweet potato. Grab a table on the expansive, scenic rooftop where bands occasionally perform when weather permits. Kids ages 12 and under, two per adult meal, chow down free every Wednesday.

The Celtic Knot Public House
626 Church St, Evanston (847-864-1679, celticknotpub.com). Lunch, dinner. Average pub fare: $11.
Grab a stool and make Irish lasses and lads of yourselves. The friendly staff, warmly lit room and Dublin brews on tap are worth a visit alone, but even better are lightly beer-battered catches of the day. Along with kids’ menu regulars such as grilled cheese and burgers, the Knot serves up smaller portions of bangers and mash and fish and chips for the 12-and-under set, which eats free all day on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult meal (one kid per adult).