13 must-try restaurants with kid-friendly menus, and what to order
Going out to eat with small children can often be a challenging endeavor. I never gave it much thought until we had a wee one of our own… but let’s just say that careful planning is a necessity for a successful family outing.
To take the guesswork out of your next household adventure, I’ve compiled a list of 13 child-friendly restaurants we’ve visited throughout the Charlotte region with our toddler.
Please note, our roundup below is listed in alphabetical order. What’s your favorite eatery to bring your tots-in-tow? Please share in the comments below!
If adventuring out on the town just isn’t an option, here’s a few toddler-approved recipes from our kitchen at home:
Kid-Friendly Eateries in Charlotte
Amalfi Italian Cuisine
8542 University City Blvd
Kids Menu: Designed for kids 12 and under, this menu is offered for dine-in and carry-out.
Recommended for tots: Spaghetti or Stuffed Shells ($5.99 each).
Suggestion for mom + dad: The Spinach Calzone ($7.99 small or $14.99 large) or Manicotti ($10.49).
JJ’s Red Hots
Kids Menu: Designed for ages 12 and under, includes one side and fountain drink. A la carte main items can also be sold separately for $1.99 each. Please note: the uptown location does not offer a kids menu.
Recommended for tots: Puppydawgs (these are basically bite-sized corn dogs) with fruit salad and a juice box ($3.99).
Suggestion for mom + dad: Chili Cheese Coney Dog with JJ’s House Chips ($7.49 as a combo with drink or $3.99 for the dog + $1.99 for the chips).
Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop
1930 Camden Rd.
Kids Menu: The Sunday brunch buffet is FREE for children 2 and under, $3.95 for ages 3-6 and $6.95 for ages 7-9.
Recommended for tots: There’s plenty to choose from, including fresh fruit, biscuits with sausage gravy, French toast and hashbrown casserole.
Suggestion for mom + dad: Join your little ones with the buffet ($13.95), it has a dessert bar included!
Providence Road Sundries
1522 Providence Rd.
Kids Menu: Designed for ages 12 and under, includes one side and fountain drink.
Recommended for tots: Grilled Cheese and tater tots ($6.25).
Suggestion for mom + dad: My husband and I often share a sandwich and salad entrée; two we’ve both enjoyed was the Grilled Pimento Cheese with Bacon and Tomato ($8.35) and Taco Salad with Chipotle Ranch Dressing ($13). Also, when you get the wings… ask for them double grilled.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Kids Menu: Includes entrée, one side and fountain drink.
Recommended for tots: Kid Quesadilla with refried beans and rice ($5.25). Note: Kids 12 and under eat FREE on Wednesdays with an accompanying adult purchase.
Suggestion for mom + dad: You can’t go wrong with the Quinoa Avocado Bowl ($7.95) or Authenticos Tacos ($2.95 each).
The Flying Biscuit Cafe
4241 Park Rd.
Kids Menu: All kids meals are served with a fluffy Flying Biscuit and choice of a drink. The kids menu comes with crayons and a few games for them to play (maze, word search, etc.).
Recommended for tots: French Toast for breakfast (it comes with vanilla cream dipping sauce for $2.99) or the Grilled Chicken strips for lunch (which come with mashed potatoes and BBQ dipping sauce for $4.99). Note: Kids ages 12 and under eat for $1.99 every Wednesday.
Suggestion for mom + dad: Southern Scramble for breakfast ($9.49) or their award-winning Shrimp and Grits for lunch ($12.49).
Tupelo Honey
1820 South Blvd.
Kids Menu: They offer a good selection of items for picky and adventurous eaters.
Recommended for tots: Pasta with butter and parmesan ($6).
Suggestion for mom + dad: Salt-Roasted Beet Salad ($11) or Southern Fried Chicken BLT ($14.50).
Kid-Friendly Eateries in Lake Norman
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Multiple Locations (this suggestion is based from their Birkdale Village Restaurant)
Kids Menu: The kid’s menu is designed for 12 and under with smaller versions of their classic entrees. However, we often order off of the adult menu and share with our son.
Recommended for tots: Our little guy enjoys the Fried Pickles ($7.95), Daddy’s Sliders ($8.95) and Tater Tots ($4). For older children with bigger appetites, they would probably enjoy the Create-Your-Own Burger that starts at $9.95.
Suggestion for mom + dad: I love the Asian Salad here ($11.25) and my husband often goes for the Magic Mushroom Burger ($12.25). Note: This location serves breakfast, and it’s awesome.
Crafty Burg’r
Kids Menu: The “Little Farmers” menu is designed for children under 8 and is served with a side and soft drink. This menu is offered for dine-in only.
Recommended for tots: Grilled PB&J ($3.99).
Suggestion for mom + dad: The Aloha Burg’r ($9.49) reminds me of a tropical vacation on the beach. Continue that retreat mode and make sure to save room for the Fried Oreos ($4.99).
Davidson Ice House
416 S. Main St., Davidson
This establishment is more of an honorable mention. Child size portions of regular menu items are available for $6.75 and includes a drink. There’s plenty of options to choose from and our son absolutely loves the Sidewinder Fries ($2.85). We’ve visited this build-your-own bowls and wraps house a few times now, my mom-meal of choice is the Brule Bowl over greens ($8.95).
Metro Diner
Multiple Locations (my personal review is based from their Huntersville restaurant)
Kids Menu: There’s a small menu for lunch and dinner, all created with little one’s appetites in mind.
Recommended for tots: Kid’s Pancakes, which includes six silver dollar pancakes topped with powdered sugar ($3.99).
Suggestion for mom + dad: The Brissell Breakfast is massive (all entrees are, actually) and comes with everything you’d ever desire for breakfast ($9.99). I’m talking… the works. Eggs, bacon, toast, hashbrowns and a short stack of pancakes.
Prosciuto’s Pizzeria & Pub
20920 Torrence Chapel Rd., Cornelius
Kids Menu: I’ve mentioned how fond I am of this pizzeria place in the past… I mean, they’ve reserved a whole side of the restaurant specifically for kids.
Recommended for tots: Penne Pasta with your choice of marinara, alfredo or butter sauce ($3.95 vegetarian, $4.95 with a meatball).
Suggestion for mom + dad: The Garlic Knots (6 for $4.99) are the perfect appetizer for families and we often go for the classic Italian Meatlover’s Pizza ($19.64).
Sun Up Café
120 Langtree Rd., Mooresville
Kids Menu: They offer a kids menu, but if I’m going to be honest… we’ve never ordered off of it. The breakfast entrees are a good size and I usually end up sharing with my toddler. If you have an older one, I recommend the entrée below.
Recommended for tots: Our little guy loves the Capt’n Crunchy French Toast ($10.50).
Suggestion for mom + dad: Southern Benedict ($9.99) or the Chicken ‘n’ Waffles ($10.99).
This story was originally published April 24, 2018 at 12:00 AM.