St. Louis is a city known for its rich culinary scene, and there are plenty of family-friendly options to choose from. Whether you’re craving Mexican, Italian, BBQ, or just some good old American comfort food, St. Louis has got you covered. We’ve rounded up a list of the top family-friendly restaurants in the area that are sure to please both kids and adults. So, gather the family and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal!
9 Mile Garden
Located in Affton, 9 Mile Garden is the state’s first food truck park. They offer a variety of food trucks for lunch and dinner, along with live music and outdoor movie screenings. While the garden closes in the winter, you can still enjoy The Canteen, a drafthouse that remains open. It’s a great place to have a fun and casual meal with the family.
Amigos Cantina
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, Amigos Cantina is a crowd-pleaser for everyone. They offer the usual Mexican dishes, including excellent fajitas. Parents will also enjoy the trip here because it’s known for having some of the best margaritas in town. Don’t forget to sit on the rear patio for a relaxing dining experience.
Amigo Joe’s
Amigo Joe’s is a unique Mexican restaurant that is known for its broasted fried chicken and delicious shrimp dishes. It’s the only Mexican restaurant we know of that combines fried chicken and tacos on the menu. This is a win-win for both parents and kids, as they can enjoy both their favorite foods.
Baileys’ Range
Baileys’ Range is the perfect place for burger lovers. Not only can you watch the burgers being made, but you can also see how the ketchup, pickles, and burger buns are prepared. With 22 flavors of ice cream and sorbet available, it’s truly a treat for the taste buds. The best part is that it’s all made right in front of you, making it the best-tasting show in town.
Billy G’s Kirkwood
Billy G’s Kirkwood offers a unique dining experience with its Taos Pueblo-inspired exterior. Inside, you’ll find burgers the size of your head, barbecue, pizzas, and nachos. The bar is cozy, and the terrace is spacious, with attractive fire pits. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with the whole family.
Billy G’s Finer Diner
If you thought Billy G’s was family-friendly, wait until you visit Billy G’s Finer Diner. This diner takes things to the next level with its over-the-top and classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Indulge in dreamy shakes, craveable pancakes, and smash burgers, all while enjoying a colorful and eclectic atmosphere.
Blueberry Hill
A St. Louis landmark, Blueberry Hill offers plenty of entertainment for kids. They can play games, including those embedded in the tabletops, or simply admire the unique decor. It’s a fun and lively atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy.
The Boathouse-Forest Park
Located in Forest Park, The Boathouse offers a picturesque setting for a family-friendly meal. Overlooking Post-Dispatch Lake, kids can feed the fish and ducks while enjoying their food. The menu features favorites from Cyrano’s, Hi-Pointe Drive-In, and Sugarfire Smoke House, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Burger Champ
Burger Champ is a newer Maplewood mainstay that offers customizable burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and apple juice. The owner of Pizza Champ assembled a team of local culinary rock stars to create an amazing lunch day out for you and your kiddos.
Café Manhattan
Step back in time at Café Manhattan, a ’50s diner that is sure to delight kids of all ages. The walls are adorned with ’50s memorabilia, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Order a classic burger with fries and a milkshake, or go all out with a St. Louis classic, like a thin-crust pizza and toasted ravioli. Don’t forget to indulge in some penny candy!
Carl’s Drive-In
Carl’s Drive-In is a classic hamburger stand that has been serving delicious food for years. Kids will love the flat-grilled cheeseburgers and homemade root beer served in frozen mugs. For dessert, try the Ronnie’s Rocky Mountain, an XL version of a drumstick that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Chicken Out
From the Sugarfire/Hi-Pointe group comes Chicken Out, a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in broasted chicken. Kids can enjoy the Lil’ Peeps chicken strip meal, while adults can’t resist the spicy fried chicken sandwich. The fun murals throughout the restaurant are sure to keep everyone entertained.
Chicken Scratch
Chicken Scratch is the perfect place to satisfy your chicken nugget cravings. With unbeatable fried and rotisserie chicken dishes, this eatery offers an elevated option for chicken enthusiasts. Enjoy their delicious dishes at their Glendale or City Foundry locations.
Colleen’s
Colleen’s is a hidden gem known for its assortment of creative cookies and sweets. They also offer a variety of eggs, sandwiches, bowls, and soups in a delightful ‘spot under the dot’ atmosphere. It’s a great place to indulge in some delicious treats with the whole family.
The Corner Pub & Grill
The Corner Pub & Grill is a great spot for families, offering a wide range of menu options. Kids can choose from fish sticks and chicken rings, while adults can enjoy a variety of side dishes. It’s worth noting that the restaurant has one of the most extensive gluten-free menus in town, ensuring that everyone can find something they’ll love.
Crown Candy Kitchen
Crown Candy Kitchen is a St. Louis treasure that takes you back to the good old days. Known for its chocolate candy, classic sandwiches, and serves-two milkshakes and malts, it’s a must-visit for families. Don’t leave without trying some of their molasses puffs or heavenly hash.
Crushed Red
Crushed Red offers fresh-chopped salads and delicious cheese pizza that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Plus, the fast counter service ensures that your food is served in minutes. With multiple locations, it’s a convenient and tasty option for the whole family.
Cyrano’s Café
Cyrano’s Café is a dessert lover’s paradise. Known for its fun desserts like the legendary Cleopatra, it’s the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth. From decadent cakes to mouthwatering pastries, Cyrano’s has it all.
Dewey’s Pizza
Dewey’s Pizza is a favorite among families. Kids can watch their pizza being tossed, topped, and baked, while parents can sit back and relax with a pint. With multiple locations, it’s easy to find a Dewey’s Pizza near you.
El Burro Loco
El Burro Loco offers a colorful atmosphere and an impressive array of Mexican pop icons. The namesake mural on the wall is sure to spark a few laughs. With locations in Euclid and Lucas, it’s a fun and quirky spot for a family meal.
Farotto’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
For a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, head to Farotto’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria. They serve up a thin-crust pizza, toasted ravioli, and a variety of classic Italian dishes. It’s a legendary St. Louis pizzeria that the whole family will love.
Fitz’s
Fitz’s is the place to go for root beer floats and delicious burgers topped with Kitchen Sauce. Kids can enjoy items like the Big Bird, a float made with Fitz’s Cardinal Cream soda. Don’t forget to watch the sodas being bottled while you’re there.
Five Star Burgers
Five Star Burgers is known for its custom-blended beef and unique cooking technique. They offer a variety of soda fountain drinks made the old-fashioned way, which kids are sure to enjoy. The Maryland Heights location is a great spot for a family meal.
The Fountain on Locust
The Fountain on Locust is a dream come true for little ones. With its old-fashioned soda fountain, booths, and a menu that includes PB-and-banana sandwiches and the world’s smallest hot fudge sundae, it’s a kid’s paradise. It’s a great place to indulge in some sweet treats with the family.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is a favorite among adults for its signature spicy chicken, but kids will enjoy the less spicy chicken fingers. The kids’ menu also offers wings, legs, and grilled cheese. It’s a great spot for a family meal that satisfies everyone’s cravings.
Happy Joe’s
Happy Joe’s offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches that are sure to keep the whole family happy. They also have a kids’ menu featuring favorites like oven-baked spaghetti and small traditional pizzas. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious ice cream for dessert.
Hi-Pointe Drive-In
Hi-Pointe Drive-In has become a go-to spot for shakes and burgers. The Kirkwood location features a petite play camper, while The District location allows parents to grab a beer at 4 Hands Brewing while their kids enjoy their meal. With multiple locations, it’s a convenient option for families.
Hodak’s Restaurant
Hodak’s Restaurant offers a kid-friendly atmosphere with a wide range of menu options. They specialize in delicious chicken dishes, but also offer hot dogs, burgers, and grilled cheese on the kids’ menu. It’s a great place to expand your kids’ culinary horizons.
Honey Bee’s Biscuits and Good Eats
Honey Bee’s Biscuits and Good Eats is a long-time favorite at the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market. Their downtown Kirkwood location offers honey-glazed, maple bacon, and chocolate chip biscuits, as well as a variety of biscuit and gravy options. It’s a must-visit for biscuit lovers.
Jilly’s Cupcake Bar, Café, & Ice Cream Bar
Jilly’s Cupcake Bar is famous for its award-winning cupcakes, featured on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. They offer a variety of regular and mini-sized cupcakes, as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, and a homemade ice cream bar inspired by cupcake flavors. It’s a sweet paradise for kids and adults alike.
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria offers a family-friendly dining experience with its modern interiors and fresh ingredients. Kids can enjoy 7-inch pizzas and generous portions of pasta, while also having fun playing with balls of dough. With multiple locations, it’s a great place to grab a bite before a Cards game.
Kingside Diner
Kingside Diner is a chess-themed diner that offers a unique dining experience. The second-floor terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy blue-plate specials, breakfast, or a juicy griddle burger with cheese fries. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with the family.
Mike Duffy’s Pub and Grill
Mike Duffy’s Pub and Grill is a classic neighborhood sports bar that offers a wide variety of menu options. From sandwiches and wings to pizza and burgers, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss their “Burger Heaven” menu, which features a myriad of burger varieties.
Mission Taco Joint
Mission Taco Joint specializes in house-made corn tortillas and authentic Mexican street food. From carne asada fries to brisket birria, there’s no shortage of delicious options. Parents can also enjoy handcrafted cocktails while the kids have fun at the arcade in the Kirkwood location.
Olive + Oak
Olive + Oak is a popular spot in Webster Groves that offers a constantly changing menu of light snacks and full meals. They also have a clever color-on kids’ menu with lots of choices. It’s the perfect place to have a nice dining experience with the whole family. For a more relaxed vibe, visit neighboring Perennial on Lockwood, where Mom and Dad can enjoy locally brewed beer while the kids enjoy their meal.
The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House is known for having some of the best pancakes in town, making it a go-to spot for families. They offer a variety of pancake flavors, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With multiple locations, it’s easy to satisfy your pancake cravings.
The Parkmoor
The Parkmoor, reimagined in Webster Groves, offers a wide range of favorites for kids, including burgers, grilled cheese, and 55 flavors of Sno-Balls. It’s a great place to enjoy a family-friendly meal.
Pastaria
Pastaria is a family-oriented Italian restaurant that offers house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and delicious gelato. The casual atmosphere makes it a great place to bring the kids. They also offer frozen pies with elevated ingredients, perfect for a grab-and-go meal.
Pi Pizzeria
Pi Pizzeria offers a unique dining experience with its delicious thick cornmeal crust and thin crust options. Don’t miss the signature dessert, a cornmeal-crusted slice of apple “pi” a la mode. It’s a fun and tasty spot for the whole family.
P’sghetti’s Pasta and Sandwiches
P’sghetti’s Pasta and Sandwiches is the perfect place to satisfy your Italian food cravings. They offer a variety of dishes, including a family special that will load you up with enough mostaccioli for a week. Don’t forget to try their signature bread, it’s worth fighting over.
Pioneer Bakery Cafe
Pioneer Bakery Cafe offers a simple yet interesting menu that appeals to taste buds of all ages. They also have several items geared toward children, including chicken rings, eggs, sandwiches, and more. It’s a great place for a family meal.
Rock & Brews
Rock & Brews is a rock ‘n’ roll-themed restaurant that serves scratch-made American fare. The dog-friendly conservatory includes a play area for kids, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Rockwell Beer Garden
Rockwell Beer Garden is the perfect place to enjoy wood-fired pizza, beer, and park playtime all in one. Located in Francis Park, it’s a great spot for the whole family. They also host seasonal markets and festivities, so be sure to check their social media pages for any closures.
Rooster
Rooster is a breakfast and lunch spot that offers a unique dining experience. Kids can enjoy their meal in a three-tiered dining room featuring rooster art from a third-grade class, or on a large patio with picnic tables. It’s a fun atmosphere that the whole family will enjoy.
Salt + Smoke BBQ
If you’re in the mood for St. Louis-style barbecue, Salt + Smoke is the place to go. They offer a variety of options on their kids’ menu, including sandwiches and burgers made for smaller hands. Don’t miss their heavenly white cracker mac, it’s a crowd favorite.
Shack
Shack is a breakfast and lunch place that offers a fun and lively atmosphere. Kids will love “Sharpie-ing” their names on the walls and wearing paper crowns. You can expect fabulous food, a creative menu, and extensive gluten-free options. With multiple locations, it’s a must-visit for families.
The Soda Fountain
The Soda Fountain is the ultimate spot for ice cream lovers. With a wide variety of flavors, fudge, and sprinkles, there’s something for everyone. They also offer griddled burgers, tuna melts, and other sandwiches to satisfy your hunger. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a post-wheel repast.
Steve’s Hot Dogs
Steve’s Hot Dogs is a local favorite known for its delicious hot dogs and fries. With multiple locations, you can bet that kids will go crazy for their hot dog and fries selections. It’s a great place to satisfy your hot dog cravings.
Taco Buddha
Taco Buddha offers a chef-driven menu focused on tacos, apps, quesadillas, and sides. They also have a variety of beverages to choose from. Don’t miss out on their Taco Tuesdays for a discounted dining experience.
Three Kings Public House
Three Kings Public House offers upscale pub grub for the whole family. Kids can choose from a kids’ menu featuring chicken strips, butter pasta, grilled cheese, and more. With multiple locations, it’s a convenient option for families.
Woofie’s
Woofie’s is the place to go for a delicious hot dog. Whether you want a regular hot dog or want to customize your own, Woofie’s has you covered. Make sure to grab a Chicago-style dog for the full experience.
Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro
Located near Faust Park, Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro offers a Euro-inspired touch of class for kids. They provide a toy box at the hostess stand, where kids can choose a toy before indulging in their complimentary desserts. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with the whole family.
Please note that due to the current situation, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check social media for any changes in service methods and hours of operation. Restaurants mentioned in this article have been chosen based on their family-friendliness, and the magazine has not received any advertising or consideration in exchange for these listings.
FAQs
Are these restaurants currently open for dine-in?
Due to the current situation, it’s advisable to call ahead or check their social media pages for the latest information on their dine-in options and hours of operation.
Do these restaurants offer takeout or delivery?
Yes, many of these restaurants offer takeout and delivery options. It’s best to contact them directly or visit their websites for more information.
Do these restaurants have a kids’ menu?
Yes, most of these restaurants have a kids’ menu that offers a variety of options for children. From burgers and chicken strips to pasta and pizza, there’s something for everyone.
Conclusion
St. Louis is home to a wide range of family-friendly restaurants that offer delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Italian, BBQ, or a classic American meal, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. So gather the family and enjoy a memorable dining experience at one of these top family-friendly restaurants in St. Louis.
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