Austin’s Family Friendly Restaurants
Austin, Texas, sizzles with culinary delights, offering something delicious for every taste bud. But navigating the city’s vibrant restaurant scene with a family in tow can feel like a challenge. Fear not, adventurous families! This guide breaks down Austin’s family-friendly restaurants by area, highlighting three stellar options in each location. Downtown Austin, East Sixth Street, West Sixth Street, and South Congress.
Downtown Delights
1. The Little Darlin‘
This gem in South Austin boasts a spacious yard with cornhole, giant Jenga, and other games. Keep kids entertained while adults savor craft beers and a global bistro fare. The menu features gourmet takes on familiar dishes like lamb burgers, Thai curry mussels, and wood-fired pizzas. Their dog-friendly patio also welcomes furry family members.
2. Easy Tiger
This lively spot offers delicious house-made sourdough bread, giant pretzels, and a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Their expansive green space with picnic tables and yard games like cornhole and ping pong provides ample room for kids to roam and unwind. Don’t miss their famous kolaches, pastry pockets filled with sweet or savory fillings perfect for a quick and satisfying snack.
3. Hoover’s Kitchen
This family-friendly diner is a local favorite on Airport Boulevard. They offer classic American comfort food like juicy burgers, fluffy pancakes, and creamy milkshakes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their friendly staff and booth seating create a nostalgic diner experience perfect for families with young children.
East Sixth Street Eats
1. The Oasis
This iconic restaurant on historic East Sixth Street features a spacious patio, perfect for soaking up the Austin sunshine while enjoying delicious Tex-Mex fare. Their kid’s menu offers familiar favorites like cheese enchiladas and chicken tenders. And they have live music on weekends adding a touch of excitement to the dining experience.
2. Fresa’s Chicken
This casual eatery on South Lamar serves up crispy, flavorful fried chicken alongside delicious sides like creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw. Their South location boasts a spacious patio and outdoor play area, ideal for letting the little ones burn off some energy. Don’t miss their signature honey butter biscuits, a melt-in-your-mouth southern staple.
3. East Side Pies
This popular spot offers delicious deep-dish pizzas made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their family-friendly atmosphere includes a spacious outdoor patio with picnic tables and string lights, perfect for relaxed outdoor dining. While they don’t have a dedicated kid’s menu, they offer half-portions of their regular pizzas which are often more than enough for younger children.
West Sixth Street Wonders
1. Hopdoddy Burger Bar
This popular chain on Anderson Lane offers customizable burgers made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their playful atmosphere with colorful décor and dedicated kid’s menu featuring mini burgers, cheese quesadillas, and chicken tenders, makes it a great choice for families. Don’t miss their creative milkshake flavors like Nutella and peanut butter & jelly.
2. P.F. Chang’s
This well-known chain on North Lamar offers familiar and flavorful Chinese-American dishes, perfect for picky eaters. Their spacious dining areas and attentive staff make it a convenient choice for families with young children who might be hesitant to try new flavors. Their lunch specials offer a budget-friendly option for families on the go.
3. Jester King Brewery
This family-friendly brewery on Jester Boulevard features a spacious outdoor area with picnic tables, cornhole, and even a playground. While their craft beers might not be for the kids, their wood-fired pizzas with unique toppings like fig and goat cheese, and casual atmosphere are sure to please everyone. They also offer non-alcoholic beverages and house-made sodas for the little ones.
South Congress Gems
1. Sour Duck Market
This vibrant market on South First Street boasts several food vendors offering a variety of delicious options, from tacos and pizza to fresh salads and gourmet sandwiches. Their spacious outdoor seating with picnic tables and a gravel floor provides a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Live music on weekends adds to the vibrant ambiance.
2. Kerbey Lane Cafe
This Austin institution on South Lamar offers classic American comfort food, including breakfast all day, in a casual and welcoming setting. Their extensive menu caters to various palates. Enjoy options like fluffy pancakes, hearty omelets, juicy burgers, and fresh salads, making it a great choice for families with diverse preferences. Don’t miss their famous chocolate chip cookies, baked fresh throughout the day.
3. Hula Hut
This Polynesian-themed restaurant on South Congress Avenue transports you to paradise with its colorful décor, tiki torches, and tiki drinks (for the adults, of course!). Their menu features fun and flavorful dishes like poke bowls with fresh ahi tuna and tropical fruits, Hawaiian-inspired burgers topped with pineapple and teriyaki glaze, and crispy coconut shrimp. Their hula dancing performances on select nights add to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for an adventurous family outing.
Bon Appétit, Y’all: A Delicious Farewell to Austin’s Family-Friendly Feasts
Austin’s family-friendly restaurants offer a vibrant spirit to its restaurant scene. Austin offers a diverse range of delicious options to tantalize taste buds of all ages. Whether you seek classic comfort food in a nostalgic diner setting, crave the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine, or embark on a culinary adventure with globally inspired fare, Austin’s family-friendly restaurants have something for everyone. Remember, this guide is just a starting point for your exploration. Don’t hesitate to venture beyond these recommendations and discover hidden gems that will become your family’s new favorites. So, grab your adventurous spirit, embrace the diverse culinary landscape, and bon appétit, y’all!