Finding an incredible independent restaurant that appeals to the whole family isn’t easy. Kids can be fussy eaters, teenagers can be disengaged, and most adults probably don’t want to spend their mealtime close to a jungle gym. So, we’ve scoured the options in every US state to find the best family-friendly places to eat, where everyone can enjoy their meal – and there's not a big chain among them.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover America's top independent family-friendly restaurants guaranteed to impress everyone in the group.
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.
Pizza is always a reliable choice for a family meal, but why head to one of the big chains when an independent gem is sitting on your doorstep? Moose's Tooth claims it sells the best pizza in Anchorage – and if the reviews are anything to go by, it just might be right. The joint's pies are loaded with the best ingredients available, and they're hand tossed, stone baked, and scratch made to order. Oh, and did we mention that there's a cheesecake of the month special?
With a name like Pita Jungle, it’s hard not to like this spot from the get-go. All the family is catered for with delicious, healthy dishes here. Parents can look forward to a Mediterranean-inspired feast, featuring everything from roasted chicken shawarma and juicy gyros to wood-fired pizzas topped with chipotle chicken. The kids’ menu is just as stacked and brilliantly customizable, with the option to choose the grain or carb, vegetables, protein, and fruits.
Most children adore a retro diner. Most adults do, too, come to think of it. 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 distracted 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. The spot stands out for its relaxed atmosphere, great kids’ menu, and huge range of dishes, from giant salads and sandwiches to house-made pasta, steak, and seafood dishes.
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. In winter, a snowcat-driven sleigh whisks families up to the cozy-chic cabin on a mountaintop 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, created in 1900 when a customer asked for something he could eat in a hurry. Louis’ still serves its ground beef patties between slices of white toast, and it’s this simplicity and nostalgia that families love. The chefs are 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. 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 there's 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 house. Pirate-themed décor and a delicious, Southern-focused menu make it a winner with 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 on-site aqua farm), and it's known for its beautiful coastal views. The warm, friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for families.
The best family-friendly restaurants make you feel like you're part of their family – and that's exactly what it’s like to dine at Egg Mann and Earl. The spot is especially good for brunch dishes, as the name suggests, and also for those days when some of the adults may be nursing headaches… The hash comes especially recommended, complete with oozy and delicious cheesy hash browns. 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 homey restaurant. That’s not to say adults won’t adore the American comfort food on offer at Crosby’s Kitchen. For those arriving with strollers, there’s plenty of space and absolutely no judgement when it comes to screaming and sticky fingers. With options like cheesy eggs, PB&J sandwiches, and buttered noodles, 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 talk 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 favorites like fried chicken and tater tots, and a variety of street food.
Doo-Dah Diner is fun to say, and it's fun to visit, too. Local husband-and-wife team Patrick and Timirie Shibley founded the joint, and its aim is simple: to give families and diners good times and good food. The menu is stuffed with classic, comforting dishes made from scratch, such as banana bread French toast (a Doo-Dah signature), corned beef hash, and eggs Benedict. What more could you ask for?
There are plenty of menu options to please kids at The Eagle, especially the delicious mac ’n’ cheese. The relaxed food 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 crowd-pleasers like seafood gumbo, as well as the restaurant’s legendary bananas Foster. Best of all is the service. Everyone, regardless of age, is treated like a VIP.
Becky's Diner opened in 1991, and it's still one of the go-to restaurants in Portland's waterfront district. Owner Becky Rand is a regular presence in the family-friendly diner, though her family members are the driving force behind the business today. The ethos remains the same as ever, though, with the joint serving up exceptional diner food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An impressive kids' menu also offers a range of basket meals.
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 its 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 kitschy décor and soda fountain drinks bring a fun, retro feel, too.
Brome Modern Eatery is beloved for its burgers, and it 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, and the food tends to appease even the pickiest children. Staff go out of their way to make families feel welcome, too.
Offering island fun for the whole family, Shaggy’s Gulfport Beach is perfect for vacationers and locals alike. The vibrant menu offers tasty bites including blackened shrimp-spinach dip, sauce-slathered wings, and seafood mac ’n’ cheese, while the kids will be satisfied with cheese quesadillas, chicken strips, and mini cheeseburgers, all of which come with a side of fries, salad, veggies, tater tots, or fruit.
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 throw bread rolls to hungry (and willing) customers.
Jam has two meanings at Jam! in Bozeman, Montana. There's jam, the condiment that you enjoy on toast, and the kind of jam that involves having a blast with your friends and loved ones. Fortunately, you can enjoy both of these things at this vibrant brunch spot, where breakfast and lunch are served with a smile. The kids' menu includes a grilled cheese sandwich, chicken strips, and a PB&J sandwich.
This adorable café opened in late 2020 and quickly won hearts with its giddy atmosphere and themes designed to be changed every few months or so – with different artwork, décor, and menu specials (shown is 'Starry, Starry Night'). The spot boasts an original 1910 tin ceiling and soft lighting from pretty chandeliers, and it welcomes customers of all ages like old friends. The magical setting and ambiance are a huge hit with children.
There’s actually a surprisingly decent number of family-friendly places to eat in Sin City, and Mr. Mamas is a stand-out favorite for its excellent breakfasts and warm, homey atmosphere. It’s a couple of miles off the Strip, but it's definitely worth seeking out. Menu mainstays include chicken fried steak, French toast, and enormous cinnamon rolls.
The original Lexie’s (there are also locations in Dover, Epping, Newburyport, and Exeter) is a favorite spot for families, who stop by 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 the children and cookies with the check are also much appreciated.
With its combination of jousting, equestrian displays, falconry, and dinner, this spot's more than a little different. 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 by hand, 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 very 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 even 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 truck–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 could suggest this place is more of a date-night spot. Yet while Georgie’s Beachside Grill is a lovely option for a romantic meal, 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 fettuccine.
Tell the kids you're going to a restaurant with the word chocolate in the name, and they're likely to be thrilled. Fortunately for the adults, the joint is named after the street where it's located, and it doesn't feature a menu of chocolate-based entrées. What you do get is a buzzy vibe and plenty of lip-smackingly good food, including a kids' menu that's sure to keep the little ones happy.
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.
Simply Southern Smokehouse serves its mouthwatering selection of barbecue and Southern classics buffet style, making it the ideal choice for family dinners. Diners pay one price and then head up to the buffet counter to build their own plates – perfect for picky eaters. The specials change daily, but you can always count on meaty entrées such as fried chicken and pulled pork, and sensational sides like green beans and slaw.
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 greet diners with the friendliest of welcomes. The down-to-earth atmosphere and food, from hearty breakfasts to comforting plates of barbecue ribs and meatballs, add to the cozy feel.
The Loveless Cafe is famed for its biscuits, whipped up from scratch and served as part of its traditional Southern meals since 1951. The freshly made 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 wandering around the onsite shops.
When Jim Reid started Little Matt's in 2009, his mission was to give back some of the proceeds to Texas Children's Hospital for helping his son, Matt, survive leukemia. That incredible sentiment has been carried on by current owners Bill and Cindy Lillard, who tragically lost their son, Bobby, to a rare disease. This community spirit makes Little Matt's the most heartwarming joint in the state, and the food is so good that customers are happy to lend it their unending support.
Can't decide what to eat? Then HallPass is the place for you! This is a food hall where you can order from any (or all) of the excellent on-site restaurants. That includes a fried chicken joint, a Dominican barbecue restaurant, a seafood place, a Greek diner, and a spot serving a healthy take on fast food. Basically, then, there's something for the whole family.
Farmhouse Tap & Grill opened in 2010, when its owners took over a rundown former McDonald's restaurant and turned it into something special. The joint is now the flagship restaurant of a wider group of food outlets, serving locals and tourists exceptional Vermont ingredients via a farm-to-table menu. Lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch offerings are all good, but the burgers are the stars of the show.
For giant plates of American comfort food, a spacious patio area, and a kids’ menu that’s sure to keep little people satisfied, Ashburn’s Fountain Grill ticks all the right boxes. Focusing on fresh, quality ingredients, this relaxed joint serves up a tasty menu of loaded burgers, chicken wings, Philly cheesesteaks, and creamy pastas. Youngsters, meanwhile, can look forward to hot dogs, buttered noodles, mac ’n’ cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
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 specialty, 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.
Serving up hearty, healthy food bursting with fresh ingredients and flavors, The Dish Cafe has firmly established itself within the Daniels community – so much so that it featured on Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants 2024 list. All the family is catered for, with chicken tenders, PB&J waffles, and a small steak for the kids, while adults can enjoy New York strip, Cobb salads, and chicken Parmesan pasta.
When in Wisconsin, it’s all about the cheese curds – and Dotty Dumpling's Dowry, aside from having a brilliant name, serves up excellent versions, breaded or deep fried and served 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 good 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 ambiance, 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 (especially important for anyone with fussy children – or adults, for that matter).
Read on to discover the best barbecue joint in every US state
Last updated by Luke Paton.