Finding a wonderful independent restaurant that will appeal to all ages, and please even the pickiest of palates, isn’t easy. Kids can be fussy, teenagers can be fussier, and most adults probably don’t want to spend every mealtime in a soft play area. We’ve scoured the options in every US state to come up with some of the best family-friendly places to eat, where everyone can enjoy their meal – and there's not a big chain among them.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
What better place to take the family than the beach? The Gulf, an outdoor hangout with food and drink served from salvaged shipping containers, is the type of place that groups of friends flock to, and it’s also the perfect spot to grab some seafood or street-food favorites with the whole clan. The fun, relaxed atmosphere – and the fact that kids can play on a model submarine, splash in the water, and run around on the soft, white sand while the adults relax on the picnic benches – means everyone will be happy.
Finding a restaurant that’s both fancy enough for a special occasion and relaxed enough to take the whole family can prove a challenge. But Seven Glaciers, at Alyska Resort, is just the place. The journey, via an aerial tram that whisks diners over views of glaciers and Turnagain Arm (which can also be seen from the restaurant windows), is pure joy. There's a four-course menu for adults including delicious dishes such as scallop bisque and braised beef short rib, while the kids' menu features roasted chicken breast and fries and mac 'n' cheese.
No one seems to have a bad word to say about Cocina Madrigal. Diners rave about authentic Mexican dishes bursting with zing, smoke, and spice, while there’s also a range of menu options for younger guests or anyone who prefers something simpler. The quesadillas, for example, are excellent – while a range of tequilas and other cocktails keeps grown-ups satisfied too.
Purple Cow has five Arkansas locations but it’s the flagship diner on Cantrell Road, Little Rock, that’s the most fun. The theme is (you guessed it) purple, with a classic, 1950s-inspired soda fountain and lots of neon. Families love the friendly atmosphere and say it’s a great option for a get-together. And, should there be tantrums, kids will be easily soothed by one of the signature purple shakes or desserts.
Rosine’s is one of those places that’s proudly family friendly. It’s wonderfully warm and welcoming, so much so that families feel instantly at home, and those lucky enough to live nearby return again and again. It stands out for its relaxed atmosphere, its great kids’ menu, and a huge range of dishes, from giant salads and sandwiches to homemade pasta, steak, and seafood.
Whether it’s peak ski season or summer, when the slopes are scattered with wildflowers, the journey up to Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek resort is great fun – and breathtaking. In winter, a snowcat-driven sleigh whisks families up to the cozy-chic cabin on a mountain top meadow. In summer, the journey is by shuttle or horseback. Needless to say, all ages love it. The food is great, too, with seasonal mountain fare and a dedicated kids’ dinner menu.
Family-run Louis’ Lunch has been around since 1895 and is officially recognized by the Library of Congress as the birthplace of the first hamburger sandwich – it was created in 1900 when a customer asked for something he could eat in a hurry. It still serves its ground-beef patties between slices of white toast, and it’s this simplicity and nostalgia that families love. They’re also happy to cook the meat a little more for kids, too.
Lucky’s is something of an institution for families who live in or are passing through Wilmington. The small but perfectly formed retro-style diner is loved for its warm, family-friendly vibe. It’s especially good for an all-ages breakfast, with Benedicts, burritos, and house-made biscuits served all day. The cute menu descriptions add to the charm, as does the fun and friendly service.
Often kids (and sometimes adults) need a little entertainment with their dinner, and Columbia – Florida’s oldest restaurant, here since 1905 – certainly delivers on that front with amazing Flamenco shows as you dine. Stretching across an entire block in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood, it celebrates the area’s Spanish and Cuban heritage with a vast menu featuring everything from meat-packed sandwiches to black bean soup, and a separate kids’ menu too.
The Pirates’ House is rather touristy, yes, but that’s because it’s an institution. In fact, customers reckon it’s an absolute must for visitors, especially those with young kids. Set just back from the Savannah River in Trustees Garden, the restaurant’s history dates back to 1753 and it encompasses the Herb House, believed to be the city’s oldest. Pirate-themed decor and a delicious, Southern-focused menu make it a winner for everyone.
Meals at The Seaside Restaurant on the Big Island have always been about gathering friends and family, whether for a special occasion or just because. The family-run spot has served up delicious Hawaiian-style surf 'n' turf since 1947 (with some seafood coming from the onsite aqua farm) and it's also known for beautiful coastal views. The warm, friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for families.
The best family-friendly restaurants make you feel like part of their family – and that's exactly what it’s like to dine at Egg Mann and Earl. It’s especially good for brunch dishes, as the name suggests, and also for those days when some of the adults may be nursing headaches… The hangover hash comes especially recommended, as do the mimosas. Order some unicorn French toast or other fun breakfast dishes for the kids and you might even get to enjoy them in peace.
Brunch has become a rather adult affair in many cities, but kids are positively encouraged at this homely restaurant. In fact, those under six eat for free at select times. That’s not to say adults won’t adore the American comfort food (and cocktails) on offer at Crosby’s Kitchen. For those arriving with pushchairs, there’s plenty of space and absolutely no judgement when it comes to screaming and sticky fingers! With options like chicken fingers, PB&J sandwiches, and skillet cookies, though, tantrums are far less likely.
Vintage lunchboxes featuring Mickey Mouse, GI Joe, E.T., and many more besides decorate the shelves at Oasis Diner, where lunch is a seriously fun business. There’s also a display of battered old license plates, so families have plenty to chat about while dining on crowd-pleasing comfort food like burgers, fries, and hand-breaded Indiana pork tenderloins with house-made sodas. The classic diner structure was shipped from New Jersey in 1954.
Smash Park is both a restaurant and a fun-packed family outing. The vast sports and entertainment center is basically a fun house with indoor and outdoor areas, and it fills up with happy, giggling families and groups of friends. A range of games, from Connect-4 to pickleball, covers ages from three upwards. The food includes all-ages favorites like fried chicken and tater tots, and a variety of street food.
Taco Republic has plenty of space and patio games to keep younger diners occupied. The casual, colorful taqueria is known for its street food–style tacos with fillings like pork belly, and offers a kids’ menu with milder options. The sides, like five-cheese queso and spicy tequila lime wings, are particularly delicious. The outdoor seating is another plus, especially for families with young children or pushchairs, and the Margaritas keep adults happy.
There are plenty of menu options to please kids at The Eagle, such as the delicious mac 'n' cheese. The relaxed food and beer hall is perfect for a mix of ages, with meals that can be served family style, and the option to order chicken by the slice for younger diners. The food is great value, too, which is a plus for larger families. The Eagle also has a handful of other locations, including in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Brennan’s is one of the best places in New Orleans for a special meal or get-together – and, refreshingly, it’s also decidedly family friendly. There’s a kids’ menu, with delights such as popcorn shrimp and vanilla French toast, and the main menu is stuffed with crowdpleasers like shrimp and grits, as well as the restaurant’s legendary baked apples. Best of all is the service. Everyone, regardless of age, is treated like a VIP.
Children can be messy and loud. But, then, so can sticky, barbecued ribs and those who smack their lips while eating them – which is part of what makes Salvage BBQ so perfect for families. Deliciously tender meat, sausages, and sides like hush puppies and oozy mac 'n' cheese help, too, as does the selection of retro video games. The warehouse-style dining room is huge, with plenty of space around tables.
Outdoor space is especially important when dining with kids, so the huge deck at seafood restaurant Bayside Skillet, with tables sheltered by colorful fringed umbrellas, is perfect on warmer days. The fun, friendly atmosphere will keep diners of all ages happy. It is, as the name suggests, famed for bayside views – and some very delicious crêpes.
People rave about The Friendly Toast’s excellent brunch dishes, like pancakes, and Benedicts, which make both kids and adults very happy. There’s sometimes a wait to be seated, though there’s no need to stand in line and there’s a playground outside to keep children occupied if you do hang around. The kitsch decor and soda fountain drinks bring a fun, retro feel too.
Brome Modern Eatery is beloved for burgers, and wins extra points from parents for its dedicated kids’ menu. Options include organic PB&J and grilled cheese sandwiches, gourmet hot dogs, burgers, and vegan nuggets, with a choice of fries, chips, or an apple on the side. Oh, and families should expect the kids to want one of the gloriously thick shakes.
It’s rare for any restaurant to win rave reviews across the board but Holy Land is that kind of place. The warm, welcoming spot serves the most delicious Middle Eastern food like gyros, rotisserie chicken, and tender shawarma, with the meat cooked in clay ovens and on spits. The salads and sides are incredible too, and the food tends to appease even the pickiest children. They go out of their way to make families welcome, with free desserts and lollipops.
New York–style slices are the specialty at Sal & Mookie’s on the Gulf Coast, though there’s plenty more besides pizza. Ice cream, for example, which already makes it a brilliant place to take the kids. Throw in pasta dishes, a children's menu, and colorful, piled-high desserts and sundaes guaranteed to make eyes light up, and you've got the perfect place for a family meal. There’s even a long step children can stand on to watch the pizza being made.
What child wouldn’t enjoy a restaurant where rolls are thrown (or 'throwed') around the room? Small chain Lambert’s Cafe, which has another location in Silkeston and a third in Foley, Alabama, opened in 1942 and is known as the 'home of throwed rolls' because waiting staff really do chuck bread rolls to hungry (and willing) customers.
It might not sound like a family-friendly spot but Montana Ale Works, housed in an old rail station, really is a fabulous place for an all-ages gathering. The gastropub-style eatery serves hearty, comforting and crowd-pleasing options like bison burgers, mac 'n' cheese, and blackened mahi-mahi tacos, alongside a great kids’ menu. Plus, there’s a patio for warmer days – and around 40 craft ales on tap for the older customers.
This adorable café opened in late 2020 and has already won many hearts with its giddy atmosphere and themes – they're designed to be changed every few months or so, with different artwork, decor, and menu specials (shown is Starry, Starry Night). Edge of the Universe, with an original 1910 tin ceiling and soft lighting from pretty chandeliers, welcomes customers of all ages like old friends. The magical setting and ambience are a huge hit with children.
There’s actually a surprisingly decent number of family-friendly places to eat in Sin City, and Mr. Mama's is a stand-out favorite for its excellent breakfasts and warm, homely atmosphere. It’s a couple of miles off the Strip but definitely worth seeking out. Menu mainstays include Mama’s Chicken Fried Steak, French toast, and enormous cinnamon rolls.
The original Lexie’s (there are also locations in Dover, Newburyport, and Exeter) is a favorite spot for families, who come for burgers and thick, creamy shakes. The patties, which include veggie options, come with various toppings or plain for the fussier kids and adults. Cute touches like crayons and paper for kids, and cookies with the check, are also much appreciated.
This one’s more than a little different: a combination of jousting, equestrian displays, falconry, and dinner. It’s easy to see why Medieval Times is so popular with families – surely no child could claim to be bored while seated in a castle and surrounded by horses and heroic knights? The four-course feast is designed to be eaten with your hands, too, which is another feature kids adore.
Frontier Restaurant is the place to take the whole family for a hearty meal when visiting Albuquerque or traveling on the historic Route 66, and it’s a favorite with locals too. That’s partly thanks to the down-to-earth atmosphere and the enormous breakfasts, burgers, and burritos, wrapped with house-pressed tortillas. The huge cinnamon rolls also win hearts and bellies.
Tony’s isn’t just family friendly – it’s made for large groups, with huge portions and platters designed to be shared. The menu focuses on traditional southern Neapolitan cuisine and every bite is delicious, from chicken Parmesan to ravioli. Kids are treated like royalty and the atmosphere is pure fun. There are two NYC locations – one in the Casablanca Hotel off Times Square and the other on the Upper East Side.
Funnily enough, the menu at Corbett’s is mainly burgers and sodas. And that’s enough for most families who eat here, because these burgers are really rather good. Made with top-quality beef (or a black bean patty) that’s flame-grilled to perfection and served with various yummy toppings, they’re adored and devoured by kids and adults alike. The friendly atmosphere and fun selection of vintage sodas make it a family dinner winner.
This warm and welcoming restaurant in downtown Bismarck goes above and beyond your typical pizza and ice cream. At Fireflour, diners find wood-fired pizzas with perfectly chewy bases and an inspired range of toppings that should please the pickiest of customers. And then there’s the gelato, with rotating but always tasty flavors, and more adult options like affogato, with an espresso poured over the ice cream.
For novelty value, you can’t beat the Buckeye Express. The cute diner is housed in a fire engine–red vintage steam engine carriage, and that alone makes meals here a joy for children. The car was towed here from Virginia in 2008 and family favorites served in the narrow interior – whose walls are plastered with Ohio State Buckeyes football memorabilia – include great burgers and fries. There's an outdoor space with a kids’ play area too.
Those with a sweet tooth (read: most children) should be easily won over at Sherri’s Diner, where the house specialties are pancakes made to a secret recipe. They’re served pillowy, puffed-up, and loaded with toppings like blueberries and chocolate chips. The cinnamon rolls and pastries are pretty good, too, although the diner’s family-friendly charms go beyond the menu. The fun interior is decked out with neon lights, vintage signage, and a jukebox that plays 1950s tunes. And who could resist a burger served in a mini Cadillac?
Vast views of the Pacific Ocean and a menu of impeccably prepared, locally caught seafood would suggest this place would be more of a date-night spot. Georgie’s Beachside Grill is a lovely option for a romantic meal, but it also happens to be great for kids. The serving staff are always nice to little ones and there are impressive and extensive kids’ menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with options like cod sliders, beef hot dogs, and cheesy linguine.
With seven locations in the state, this chain is adored by families, and for good reason. At a first glance Dave & Buster's looks more like a space for adults, but the establishment encourages the entire family to come out to eat and play, with a large selection of new and retro arcade games, big screens airing the latest sporting events, and a menu that has something for everyone, from steak to loaded potato skins.
Old-school Italian restaurants often strike exactly the right balance between family friendly and fun for grown-ups, and Angelo’s is a particularly charming example. They just adore kids here and it shows, from the warm attitude of the servers to the train that journeys around the restaurant’s ceiling. The menu has the usual crowd-pleasers perfectly prepared – think meatballs, ravioli, and chicken Parmesan.
This South Carolina mini-chain has restaurants dotted across Lexington, Camden, Columbia, and West Columbia, and visiting a Rush’s is considered a must when in the state. Beef hot dogs, chili cheeseburgers, and chicken club sandwiches are among the family favorites. The homely vibes are unsurprising given its history; the first restaurant was opened by the Rush family in 1940. After they lost it to fire and it reopened as a Dairy Queen, they finally reinstated the brand in the 1960s.
There are three Millstone Family Restaurants in South Dakota – two in Rapid City and one in Spearfish – and all are favorite places for families to eat. The small chain is family owned and servers welcome people as though they're guests in their own homes. The down-to-earth atmosphere and food, from hearty breakfasts to comforting plates of meatloaf and perfectly baked pies, add to the homely feel.
The Loveless Cafe is famed for its biscuits, whipped up from scratch and served as part of traditional Southern meals since 1951. The freshly made, proper comfort-food menu is a real winner with families, who also come for the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the down-home style. The classic order is biscuits with country ham or fried chicken, and families often like to make a day of it by spending time pottering around the on-site shops.
The Big Texan is something of a legend in Amarillo and a fun place to visit for both kids and adults. Known for its eating contests – anyone who finishes the 72-ounce steak within an hour eats for free – the boldly decorated restaurant/saloon also (thankfully) serves up smaller portions for younger clientele and people who can’t quite face the challenge. Kids’ meals come, adorably, in little cowboy hats that can be kept as souvenirs, and there are fun games and photo opportunities everywhere.
For times when a mere meal won’t do, Prairie Schooner offers families dinner with an adventure on the side. Groups can dine in covered wagons next to an open prairie fire under the stars, just like the Mormon pioneers who settled here years ago. Steak is the main focus on the menu, and the kids’ options, including a smaller steak and chicken tenders, are great.
With dramatic views over Ottauquechee River waterfall framed by huge picture windows, The Mill at Simon Pearce is a favorite spot for a special occasion or romantic meal. That doesn’t preclude a family-friendly feel though, as this place has a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere and an impressive kids’ menu. Housed in a converted 19th-century mill, it's a particularly lovely spot for families to lunch, dining on seasonal dishes and perhaps having a browse in the attached glass and pottery workshop, too.
This statewide favorite is known by fans as 'the Do's', and it has many fans, particularly little ones. It has a menu of home-style staples like loaded potato skins, burgers, sticky wings, and overstuffed sandwiches, and families love the fact it’s great value for money, too. The first Macado’s opened in 1978 in Roanoke, and there's now around a dozen across the state, each decorated in a similarly nostalgic fashion (pictured is the Lexington restaurant).
Colorful doesn’t quite cut it. Cheerful, maybe. Fun? Definitely! Family-run La Tarsaca in Centralia, south of Olympia, is also the best place to eat traditional and very tasty Mexican food. Michoacán dishes are the speciality and there’s plenty to keep children happy. Families can either order a variety of tamales, tacos, and other dishes to share, or kids can get individual portions from the special menu. Servers are warm and welcoming, and the kitchen is happy to tone down spicier dishes if needed.
How could anyone not adore a spot called The Poky Dot? It’s cute as a button, with its polka-dotted exterior and the retro interior complete with jukebox and booths with formica tables. The menu is equally retro, with typical diner fare and kid-pleasing desserts. These are a specialty here, from banana splits to share (or hog) to sundaes piled high with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles.
When in Wisconsin, it’s all about the cheese curds – and Dotty’s Dumpling Dowry, aside from having a brilliant name, serves up excellent versions, breaded and deep-fried with house-made dips. The rest of the menu is simple but perfectly prepared tavern-style fare like sandwiches, burgers, chicken wings, and chili. Families love the Friday Fish Fry, while the kids’ menu has a decent selection of favorites like corn dogs, chicken strips, mini burgers, and grilled cheese.
Café Genevieve is considered among the best places to eat in Jackson Hole and, for families and big groups, it’s just perfect. The fun, all-day brunch spot has a cozy ambience, crowd-pleasing dishes like chicken and waffles, and a lovely outdoor patio for warmer days. The servers are super-friendly and go out of their way to accommodate everyone, too (especially important for anyone with fussy children – or adults, for that matter).