Finding a wonderful independent restaurant that will appeal to all ages, and please even the pickiest of eaters, isn’t easy. Kids can be fussy, teenagers can be fussier, and most adults probably don’t want to spend every mealtime close to a soft play area. 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.
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, ticks all the boxes. 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 six-course menu for adults including delicious dishes such as seared scallop with brown butter crouton, Alaskan crab tortellini, and poached sea bass with yuzu-miso sauce, plus a kids' menu packed with all the classics.
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, with everything from roasted chicken shawarmas 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.
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 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, 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 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 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 also 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 hangover hash comes especially recommended, complete with oozy and delicious cheesy hashbrowns. 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 pushchairs, 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 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 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 elotes, are particularly delicious. The outdoor seating is another plus, especially for families with young children or pushchairs.
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 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.
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 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 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. Staff go out of their way to make families welcome, with free desserts and lollipops.
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 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, 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.
This adorable café opened in late 2020 and quickly won hearts with its giddy atmosphere and themes which are designed to be changed every few months or so, with different artwork, decor, and menu specials (shown is Starry, Starry Night). The spot boasts an original 1910 tin ceiling and soft lighting from pretty chandeliers and 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. Mamas is a stand-out favorite for its excellent breakfasts and warm, homey atmosphere. It’s a couple of miles off the Strip, but 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 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 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 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 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.
With eight locations in the state (and more elsewhere), 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 homey vibes are unsurprising given its history; the first restaurant was opened by the Rush family in 1940. After they lost it in a 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 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 the 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 72oz 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.
Complete with a homey atmosphere and friendly staff, From Scratch has won over the Salt Lake City community. The cozy spot serves up wood-fired pizzas, hearty sandwiches, and juicy burgers, while the little ones can enjoy creamy mac ’n’ cheese, chicken tenders, or mini pepperoni pizzas. Don’t skip the bread pudding, which changes flavor with the seasons.
Home to six locations across the state (and another in Albany, New York), The Skinny Pancake is the local haunt of choice for deliciously sweet breakfasts and savory delights. The breakfast burrito – loaded with black beans, scrambled eggs, Cheddar, sour cream, and spicy sauce – is a firm favorite, as are the crêpes. Choose between the Hot Apple Crumble (apple compote and toasted streusel with ice cream) or go savory with the Chicken Bacon Rancher (shredded chicken, bacon, caramelized onion, Cheddar, and ranch).
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.
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, 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 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).
Read on to discover the best barbecue joint in every US state
Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.