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A spread of chicken fingers, cookies, penne pasta, a cheeseburger, and french fries — and a side of crayons — at Local Table.
Local Table promises a fulfilling food options for both children and adults.
Jenn Duncan

21 Kid-Friendly Houston Restaurants That Grown-Ups Won’t Hate

Here’s some real family-fun eating that includes spacious restaurants, delicious dishes for all ages, alcoholic beverages for the adults, and freebies

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Local Table promises a fulfilling food options for both children and adults.
| Jenn Duncan

Summer is technically here, and the kids are out of school, which means everyone could use a vacation — or at least a nice dinner out on the town. But dining out with kids can be challenging, especially when a restaurant isn’t exactly built with children in mind.

Let’s face it — these little balls of energy often require enticing food pronto, plenty of elbow room, a distraction, or at least, some form of entertainment (which also means the adults in their life might need a cocktail or two). But dining out shouldn’t mean a family has to skimp on the quality of a meal.

Fortunately, Houston is home to a bounty of kid-friendly restaurants with scrumptious offerings that adults can genuinely enjoy, too. Added to this list are d’alba, Luloo’s Day & Night, bellagreen in City Centre, Swanny’s Grill, Fat Cat Creamery, and Tout Suite to offer more choices for a quality family outing.

From neighborhood favorites that pack toys and games to kid-friendly spots with menus for the minis and excellent cocktails for the grown-ups, here are 21 Houston restaurants perfect for pint-sized diners and their favorite grown-ups.

Is your favorite kid-friendly spot missing from this map? Shout it out in the comments.

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Swanny's Grill

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There’s something always going down at this family-friendly bar and grill. In addition to its sand volleyball courts, its kickball fields, a driving range, and a stocked fishing pond, diners can also find a slew of indoor and outdoor games and a kids’ playground — ensuring that adults and children stay entertained. The menu, too, runs the gamut, with a large selection of burgers, sliders, and sandwiches, plus stuffed baked potatoes. One of the best seats in the house will be on the Sunset Deck, where adults can choose from one of more than 20 craft beers on tap, or enjoy a sip from its impressive whiskey collection.

d'Alba Garden Oaks

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With a gorgeous patio for al fresco dining and a welcoming playground, d’Alba is a restaurant both kids and adults can get behind. Enjoy oysters on the half-shell, wood-fired pizzas, and handmade pasta dishes that can easily be shared — but if the kids want their own meal, the children’s menu features chicken fingers, pasta, cheese pizza, and a good old classic peanut butter and jelly served with fries. Adults can enjoy big plates like the slow-baked King Salmon with Creole string beans, plus craft cocktails, like the Alba red mule, made with Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka and hibiscus ginger beer. Treat the table to scoops of seasonal sorbet, the tres leches, or the freshly baked chocolate chip cookie with a scoop of ice cream.

LuLoo's Day & Night

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This Stomping Grounds bakery and sandwich shop is a pitstop for families looking for quality handhelds made with smoked meats and fresh bread. Luloo’s boasts a solid fried chicken sandwich, a saucy smashed meatball sub, and a Foccacia-letta — its version of a muffuletta served on pillowy focaccia bread, plus other bites like fried okra and halloumi cheese sticks. The kid's menu is also top-notch, with a 44 Farms black Angus beef burger, grilled cheeses using Havarti and American on milk bread, and karaage chicken nuggets. The pastries, including co-owner Alyssa Dole’s cinnamon rolls and kolaches are not to be missed. Added bonus: If the weather allows, chill out on the patio while the kids enjoy themselves on the grounds’ greenspace.

Fat Cat Creamery

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For a special treat, Fat Cat has something for everyone. Its flavorful scoops, including its Cat’s Meow Mexican vanilla and Amaya Coffee & Cream, are fan favorites, but here, you can also find cold treats, including soft serve ice cream, old-fashioned sodas, push pops, ice cream sammies, floats, and milkshakes, which can be made boozy for those who are 21-and-up.

Local Table

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With four locations around the Houston area, including this Garden Oaks/Oak Forest outpost, Local Table makes sure dining is a flavorful experience for all ages and diets. Adults can enjoy everything from slow-braised short ribs to spinach artichoke dip, crab cakes, and vegetarian lemon pasta, while kids enjoy their own menu of diverse options, like a falafel ball “happy bowl,” cheeseburgers, pasta, and chicken tenders. The best part? You don’t have to forfeit your love of weekend brunch. Kids can chow down on French toast, breakfast quesadillas, and mini-chocolate chip waffles while grown-ups chill out with a mimosa flight or a glass of frosé.

Families often flock to this spacious Heights restaurant. With its roomy and chill atmosphere, the whole family can comfortably enjoy its slew of Italian offerings, which include sharable hand-tossed pizzas, salads, and pasta, plus wine and beer on tap for adults. The Critters menu boasts grilled chicken, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese, spaghetti, chicken nuggets, and pizza for $6 to $7, but if you visit on Monday, the whole family can enjoy half-off pizzas. Best of all, kids can frolic and let out their energy on the 5,000-square-foot garden patio, which features swings and a ping-pong table for competitive spirits.

Feges BBQ

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With barbecue being a Houston family favorite, a visit to Feges in Spring Branch is bound to leave everyone happy. Its kids' menu, which features a cheeseburger, grilled chicken, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese, comes with a choice of side, plus complimentary cookies, and if you visit on Wednesday between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., kids eat on the house with the purchase of an adult entree.

With ample space indoors and a lovely patio with picnic tables, Loro is a perfect destination for families craving barbecue and exciting flavor combinations. The corn fritters, chicken karaage, rice bowls, and the oak-smoked brisket sandwiches are crowd-pleasers that little ones are sure to love.

Dish Society

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Daily brunch, lunch, and dinner menus filled with staples and cocktails, plus its multiple locations make Dish Society an easy choice for families with children. Its $7 “Littles” menu offers popcorn shrimp, quesadillas, fried chicken tenders, buttered pasta, and grilled chicken strips but their meals can be completely free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entree, sandwich, or salad. Diners can additionally take the thought out of the dining experience with Dish Society’s family-style meals. Estimated to feed two adults and two children (or three adults), options include breakfast tacos, pasta, and a Farmers Plate package that comes with your choice of chicken or shrimp and brisket.

Good Dog Houston

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Face it, when it comes to many kids, hot dogs are often at the top of their favorite food list, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Head to Good Dog Houston, where dogs can be as adventurous or as plain as you’d like. Choose from the festive menu, which boasts sandwiches, chili dogs, Chi-town style hot dogs, corn dogs, and its intriguing Benedict Franklin, a hot dog topped with a fried egg, brown sugar ham, a mustard cheese sauce, and garlic aioli. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy Corny Dogs, sliders, mac and cheese, tenders, or a Plain Good Dog with their choice of french fries or apple slices. Top off the experience with a milkshake or a scoop of Amy’s Ice cream.

Jimmy Changas

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Let the kids monkey around at the Jimmy’s Jungle playground, offered at all Jimmy Changas locations, while they wait for their fuel. The Little Jimmy’s menu features a Tex-Mex twist with a choice of cheese enchiladas, crispy tacos, or quesadillas, plus complimentary soft-serve ice cream.

BB's Tex-Orleans

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Family-friendly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. With multiple locations, this local Houston chain is known to pack in the spice with Southern seafood specialties like crawfish, po’ boys, and etouffee — all in a laid-back, welcoming ambiance. The kids' menu, which also acts as a coloring page, offers mac and cheese, burgers, chicken tenders, and a large serving of shrimp and fries. Order a side of red beans and rice. It’s enough to share.

bellagreen

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Located in CityCentre, this outpost of bellagreen is perfect for families looking to get a little sunshine in before, after, or during their meal. This affordable and health-focused restaurant features indoor dining and patio seating, plus it’s situated conveniently in front of the development’s green space, where children love to run wild — particularly during the kids’ friendly events held there. The food offerings are also delicious, with a robust menu of pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and pasta made with fresh ingredients. Added bonus: The restaurant takes special consideration for those who might have food allergies or need gluten-free fare.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company

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Kids will stay occupied at Saint Arnold’s brewery thanks to its expansive outdoor beer garden, which is outfitted with mazes, decorative art cars, and on-site yard games like bocce and corn hole. Even better are the finger foods and sharable eats like the cheesy pizzas, the soft pretzels served with queso blanco, and a variety of sandwiches. The extra fizzy root beer, made in-house, is a special treat, which can be easily transformed into a float with a scoop of ice cream.

Niko Niko's Greek & American Cafe

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Spend a day in Downtown’s Market Square Park and dine at Niko Niko’s walk-up Greek cafe. Adventurous eaters can order mini gyros or chicken kabob pitas off The Little Greek menu or opt for pita pizzas and chicken strips. Bring a Children’s Museum ticket stub for a 10 percent discount.

Tout Suite SODO at Trebly Park

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Craving a cup of coffee and a flaky croissant all to yourself? Make your way to Downtown. Tout Suite’s second location is located in Trebly Park, which is outfitted with a playground, clean restrooms, outdoor seating, and even a space for dogs — meaning you can grab an energizing cup and enjoy it while your little ones explore. All that running around can work up an appetite, so be sure to check out its full menu of tasty breakfast tacos, avocado toasts, smoothies, fruity acai bowls, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Mia's Table

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Catering to anyone looking for country comfort, Mia’s features a small patio, classic checkered tablecloths, and free soft-serve ice cream for kids and adults young at heart. Enjoy the chicken-fried chicken or pulled pork sandwich with fresh-squeezed lemonade while the little ones snack on kid-friendly favorites like grilled cheese or hand-dipped corn dogs.

Luna Pizzeria

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Sharing a delicious pizza with your choice of toppings is only half of the fun when at Luna. While waiting for your pie, grab a basket full of games and puzzles including tic-tac-toe and Magic 8 Ball to play with at the table. End your family-fun outing with a treat, like an apple tostada or the classic chocolate chip cookie.

Barnaby's Cafe

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Every Barnaby’s puts their love for kids on display right on their menu, which features kids’ fried chicken sliders, bite-sized burgers, corn dogs, macaroni and cheese, and more, plus their choice of dessert (Rice Krispie treats, strawberries, ice cream, or a cookie). But the Museum District location across from the Children’s Museum is especially perfect for family outings. Tykes can color, tinker with toy robots, or play games on the outdoor patio while they wait for their food.

Little Matt's

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Little Matt’s isn’t just kid-friendly, it’s kid-focused. Established in honor and memory of the owners’ son, entertainment is endless at this quaint eatery, which houses an iPad station, a candy counter spilling over with sweet treats, a photo booth, and an arcade. Kids aren’t the only ones having fun, though. Adults are treated to complimentary wine, beer, or margaritas. And to make it even more feel-good — a portion of the establishment’s proceeds goes to the Texas Children’s Hospital.

Jax Grill South Rice

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Visit one of Jax Grill’s three locations, where burgers, finger foods, Creole fare, and plenty of patio space abound, making it an easygoing and enjoyable spot for all ages. Share its famous nachos or chicken wings, before diving into juicy burgers or platters of fried seafood. Kids have their own selection of menu items, including burgers, grilled cheeses, tenders, and corn dog bites. Insider tip: dine-in on Sunday, when kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.

Swanny's Grill

There’s something always going down at this family-friendly bar and grill. In addition to its sand volleyball courts, its kickball fields, a driving range, and a stocked fishing pond, diners can also find a slew of indoor and outdoor games and a kids’ playground — ensuring that adults and children stay entertained. The menu, too, runs the gamut, with a large selection of burgers, sliders, and sandwiches, plus stuffed baked potatoes. One of the best seats in the house will be on the Sunset Deck, where adults can choose from one of more than 20 craft beers on tap, or enjoy a sip from its impressive whiskey collection.

d'Alba Garden Oaks

With a gorgeous patio for al fresco dining and a welcoming playground, d’Alba is a restaurant both kids and adults can get behind. Enjoy oysters on the half-shell, wood-fired pizzas, and handmade pasta dishes that can easily be shared — but if the kids want their own meal, the children’s menu features chicken fingers, pasta, cheese pizza, and a good old classic peanut butter and jelly served with fries. Adults can enjoy big plates like the slow-baked King Salmon with Creole string beans, plus craft cocktails, like the Alba red mule, made with Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka and hibiscus ginger beer. Treat the table to scoops of seasonal sorbet, the tres leches, or the freshly baked chocolate chip cookie with a scoop of ice cream.

LuLoo's Day & Night

This Stomping Grounds bakery and sandwich shop is a pitstop for families looking for quality handhelds made with smoked meats and fresh bread. Luloo’s boasts a solid fried chicken sandwich, a saucy smashed meatball sub, and a Foccacia-letta — its version of a muffuletta served on pillowy focaccia bread, plus other bites like fried okra and halloumi cheese sticks. The kid's menu is also top-notch, with a 44 Farms black Angus beef burger, grilled cheeses using Havarti and American on milk bread, and karaage chicken nuggets. The pastries, including co-owner Alyssa Dole’s cinnamon rolls and kolaches are not to be missed. Added bonus: If the weather allows, chill out on the patio while the kids enjoy themselves on the grounds’ greenspace.

Fat Cat Creamery

For a special treat, Fat Cat has something for everyone. Its flavorful scoops, including its Cat’s Meow Mexican vanilla and Amaya Coffee & Cream, are fan favorites, but here, you can also find cold treats, including soft serve ice cream, old-fashioned sodas, push pops, ice cream sammies, floats, and milkshakes, which can be made boozy for those who are 21-and-up.

Local Table

With four locations around the Houston area, including this Garden Oaks/Oak Forest outpost, Local Table makes sure dining is a flavorful experience for all ages and diets. Adults can enjoy everything from slow-braised short ribs to spinach artichoke dip, crab cakes, and vegetarian lemon pasta, while kids enjoy their own menu of diverse options, like a falafel ball “happy bowl,” cheeseburgers, pasta, and chicken tenders. The best part? You don’t have to forfeit your love of weekend brunch. Kids can chow down on French toast, breakfast quesadillas, and mini-chocolate chip waffles while grown-ups chill out with a mimosa flight or a glass of frosé.

Crisp

Families often flock to this spacious Heights restaurant. With its roomy and chill atmosphere, the whole family can comfortably enjoy its slew of Italian offerings, which include sharable hand-tossed pizzas, salads, and pasta, plus wine and beer on tap for adults. The Critters menu boasts grilled chicken, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese, spaghetti, chicken nuggets, and pizza for $6 to $7, but if you visit on Monday, the whole family can enjoy half-off pizzas. Best of all, kids can frolic and let out their energy on the 5,000-square-foot garden patio, which features swings and a ping-pong table for competitive spirits.

Feges BBQ

With barbecue being a Houston family favorite, a visit to Feges in Spring Branch is bound to leave everyone happy. Its kids' menu, which features a cheeseburger, grilled chicken, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese, comes with a choice of side, plus complimentary cookies, and if you visit on Wednesday between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., kids eat on the house with the purchase of an adult entree.

Loro

With ample space indoors and a lovely patio with picnic tables, Loro is a perfect destination for families craving barbecue and exciting flavor combinations. The corn fritters, chicken karaage, rice bowls, and the oak-smoked brisket sandwiches are crowd-pleasers that little ones are sure to love.

Dish Society

Daily brunch, lunch, and dinner menus filled with staples and cocktails, plus its multiple locations make Dish Society an easy choice for families with children. Its $7 “Littles” menu offers popcorn shrimp, quesadillas, fried chicken tenders, buttered pasta, and grilled chicken strips but their meals can be completely free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entree, sandwich, or salad. Diners can additionally take the thought out of the dining experience with Dish Society’s family-style meals. Estimated to feed two adults and two children (or three adults), options include breakfast tacos, pasta, and a Farmers Plate package that comes with your choice of chicken or shrimp and brisket.

Good Dog Houston

Face it, when it comes to many kids, hot dogs are often at the top of their favorite food list, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Head to Good Dog Houston, where dogs can be as adventurous or as plain as you’d like. Choose from the festive menu, which boasts sandwiches, chili dogs, Chi-town style hot dogs, corn dogs, and its intriguing Benedict Franklin, a hot dog topped with a fried egg, brown sugar ham, a mustard cheese sauce, and garlic aioli. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy Corny Dogs, sliders, mac and cheese, tenders, or a Plain Good Dog with their choice of french fries or apple slices. Top off the experience with a milkshake or a scoop of Amy’s Ice cream.

Jimmy Changas

Let the kids monkey around at the Jimmy’s Jungle playground, offered at all Jimmy Changas locations, while they wait for their fuel. The Little Jimmy’s menu features a Tex-Mex twist with a choice of cheese enchiladas, crispy tacos, or quesadillas, plus complimentary soft-serve ice cream.

BB's Tex-Orleans

Family-friendly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. With multiple locations, this local Houston chain is known to pack in the spice with Southern seafood specialties like crawfish, po’ boys, and etouffee — all in a laid-back, welcoming ambiance. The kids' menu, which also acts as a coloring page, offers mac and cheese, burgers, chicken tenders, and a large serving of shrimp and fries. Order a side of red beans and rice. It’s enough to share.

bellagreen

Located in CityCentre, this outpost of bellagreen is perfect for families looking to get a little sunshine in before, after, or during their meal. This affordable and health-focused restaurant features indoor dining and patio seating, plus it’s situated conveniently in front of the development’s green space, where children love to run wild — particularly during the kids’ friendly events held there. The food offerings are also delicious, with a robust menu of pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and pasta made with fresh ingredients. Added bonus: The restaurant takes special consideration for those who might have food allergies or need gluten-free fare.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Kids will stay occupied at Saint Arnold’s brewery thanks to its expansive outdoor beer garden, which is outfitted with mazes, decorative art cars, and on-site yard games like bocce and corn hole. Even better are the finger foods and sharable eats like the cheesy pizzas, the soft pretzels served with queso blanco, and a variety of sandwiches. The extra fizzy root beer, made in-house, is a special treat, which can be easily transformed into a float with a scoop of ice cream.

Niko Niko's Greek & American Cafe

Spend a day in Downtown’s Market Square Park and dine at Niko Niko’s walk-up Greek cafe. Adventurous eaters can order mini gyros or chicken kabob pitas off The Little Greek menu or opt for pita pizzas and chicken strips. Bring a Children’s Museum ticket stub for a 10 percent discount.

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Tout Suite SODO at Trebly Park

Craving a cup of coffee and a flaky croissant all to yourself? Make your way to Downtown. Tout Suite’s second location is located in Trebly Park, which is outfitted with a playground, clean restrooms, outdoor seating, and even a space for dogs — meaning you can grab an energizing cup and enjoy it while your little ones explore. All that running around can work up an appetite, so be sure to check out its full menu of tasty breakfast tacos, avocado toasts, smoothies, fruity acai bowls, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Mia's Table

Catering to anyone looking for country comfort, Mia’s features a small patio, classic checkered tablecloths, and free soft-serve ice cream for kids and adults young at heart. Enjoy the chicken-fried chicken or pulled pork sandwich with fresh-squeezed lemonade while the little ones snack on kid-friendly favorites like grilled cheese or hand-dipped corn dogs.

Luna Pizzeria

Sharing a delicious pizza with your choice of toppings is only half of the fun when at Luna. While waiting for your pie, grab a basket full of games and puzzles including tic-tac-toe and Magic 8 Ball to play with at the table. End your family-fun outing with a treat, like an apple tostada or the classic chocolate chip cookie.

Barnaby's Cafe

Every Barnaby’s puts their love for kids on display right on their menu, which features kids’ fried chicken sliders, bite-sized burgers, corn dogs, macaroni and cheese, and more, plus their choice of dessert (Rice Krispie treats, strawberries, ice cream, or a cookie). But the Museum District location across from the Children’s Museum is especially perfect for family outings. Tykes can color, tinker with toy robots, or play games on the outdoor patio while they wait for their food.

Little Matt's

Little Matt’s isn’t just kid-friendly, it’s kid-focused. Established in honor and memory of the owners’ son, entertainment is endless at this quaint eatery, which houses an iPad station, a candy counter spilling over with sweet treats, a photo booth, and an arcade. Kids aren’t the only ones having fun, though. Adults are treated to complimentary wine, beer, or margaritas. And to make it even more feel-good — a portion of the establishment’s proceeds goes to the Texas Children’s Hospital.

Jax Grill South Rice

Visit one of Jax Grill’s three locations, where burgers, finger foods, Creole fare, and plenty of patio space abound, making it an easygoing and enjoyable spot for all ages. Share its famous nachos or chicken wings, before diving into juicy burgers or platters of fried seafood. Kids have their own selection of menu items, including burgers, grilled cheeses, tenders, and corn dog bites. Insider tip: dine-in on Sunday, when kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.

Related Maps