Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants that accommodate kids and give them things to do other than squirm in their seats. And, as a bonus, adults can still have a high-quality meal and enjoy a relaxing sit-down dining experience.
Here are some North Texas restaurants that are suitable for the whole family.
Cenzo's Pizza and Deli
1700 West 10th St. Cenzo's in the Winnetka Heights neighborhood in Oak Cliff is a lot of things. They have one of our favorite sandwiches in Dallas, great pizza (both red and white sauces), easy vibes and a preponderance of kids and dogs. Local craft beer and wine are on tap, plus there are no side-eye looks when you walk in with the family in tow. There's a large lawn out front with a fence around it to keep the kids corralled. Like we said, Cenzo's has it all (even a house-made Caesar). Sadelle's
1 Highland Park VillageSadelle's in Highland Village, is undoubtedly the most high-toned restaurant on the list. This New York-based deli, bakery and brunch institution with prized bagels is from Major Food Group (think Carbone). The kids' menu comes on a clipboard with a sheet of stickers (say less?). The menu has a special cheeseburger, grilled cheese sandwich and crispy popcorn chicken. But for those young'uns with an elevated palate, there's a petite roasted salmon with green beans and mashed potatoes. There's also a breakfast menu just for kids.Birdie’s Eastside
6221 E. Mockingbird LaneAnywhere with a spacious patio is an automatic win for kids. At Birdie's Eastside, parents are free to sit and enjoy the desert-themed ambiance with a clear view to watch over their playing children. The kids’ menu offers picky eater staples like chicken tenders and cheese quesadillas and, in case the kids get tired of running around, a simple maze and coloring page to keep them occupied.Little Joy
2105 S. Edgefield Ave.Formerly B-Side Coffee, this Oak Cliff cafe was recently sold to new owners, who, like the original owners, also have kids and want to make it a place where parents can chill with the kids in tow. Little Joy has space for kids to be kids and parents to get caffeinated or get a bit of work done. Look for collaborations with other local businesses and lots of matcha-based drinks, plus the same food menu that was there from B-Side Coffee.
Cane Rosso
Multiple Locations Pizza, patios and pop culture-packed art to peruse? Cane Rosso is a triple threat when it comes to keeping its child patrons entertained. The beloved chain also has a history of standing by its family-friendly atmosphere, going so far as to renovate one of its patios to make it safer for kids to play on. In other words, you won't hear them saying anything to the effect of "eff them kids." Well. Maybe.Dallas Grilled Cheese Co.
5319 E. Mockingbird Lane Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. may not have a designated kids’ menu (though select menu items offer child-sized portions), but does it really need one? The menu is loaded with all things cheesy, messy and fried. Even the pickiest eaters could find something that suits their fancy. If the numerous variations of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers and fried sides can’t satiate your family, the desserts, which include milkshakes, blueberry pound cakes and root beer floats, will do the trick.Spelled Milk
712 W. Davis St. You haven't taken your kids to Spelled Milk yet? We're calling you in. This Oak Cliff spot is a cereal haven — and that's not something we offer up lightly. It's got both a cereal bar and an ice cream bar. They've got shakes and doughnuts. Pretty sure you can get any combination of all of those as well. This retro-stylized store and cafe was made for kids.Lakewood Brewing Co.
2302 Executive Dr., Garland You have to verify that you’re over the age of 21 to enter Lakewood Brewing’s website, but the physical location lacks that barrier of entry. In addition to kid-friendly menu items like flatbread pizzas, there's a large yard where kids can play. And play they do as their parents partake in craft beer. The world sure did get whacky after hipsters started having kids.
Shady’s Burgers and Brewhaha
Multiple Locations Co-created by Larry Levine of Chili’s fame, this bar and grill gives families in Richardson and Lake Highlands a neighborhood spot to grab dinner. Both Shady's locations are always packed with families, so there’s no need to worry about it if the noise your kid is making is bothering other customers. Everyone is too bothered by their own kids to notice. Both spots also boast kid-friendly patios, and the Richardson location offers games and chalk for kids to use.Vector Brewing
9850 Walnut Hill Lane, No. 405 Like Lakewood Brewing, Vector Brewing is another unlikely kid-friendly spot, but it certainly takes it in stride. There's a yard where kids can play, toys for them to play with and a kids’ menu with pizza and spaghetti. Here’s the kicker, though: There's a curfew.“Parents deserve a break and adults should be able to be themselves without young eyes and ears around,” the Vector website reads. “After 8 pm, we keep it 13+.”
You read that right. Instead of creating a vague free-for-all in an undefined space where both parents and the childfree are somehow always unsatisfied, all in the name of not alienating anyone, Vector Brewing has set clear boundaries for when the best time is for either camp to be there. Everyone wins.
