Kid Friendly Restaurants in Austin That Actually Have Good Food
Here it is! A round up of my very favorite kid friendly restaurants in Austin that *actually* have good food.
This guide was created after one too many conversations with fellow moms asking “where can I eat in Austin with kids that’s NOT A BURGER RESTAURANT?” After you've had a few too many trips to Hat Creek and Phil’s and Waterloo...you realize it's just time to start branching out.
A Map of the Best Kid-friendly Restaurants
About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites. As a native Texan, I spend my own time and money exploring this state to help millions of readers find the best food, things to do, places to stay in Austin and beyond. Check out my other sites: TheSanAntonioThings.com and TheWacoThings.com!
What qualifies as a "kid-friendly" restaurant? For this guide, I'm including
1) restaurants that have space for kids to run around (not necessarily a playground, though),
2) a menu with kid-friendly food for pickier eaters, and
3) an environment and clientele where it doesn't matter if your kids are loud.
Yes, you can technically bring your children to any of the best restaurants in Austin, but lots of us love bringing our little ones to fun local Austin restaurants where kids can simply behave like kids. Caveat: we are FOODIES and we want to eat some really good Austin food at these kid-friendly spots!
So, here are some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Austin that actually have good food.
The All-time Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Austin
1. Sour Duck Market
Honestly, Sour Duck Market is hard to beat when you're looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Austin that have food the adults will get excited about, too.
Sour Duck the sister restaurant to award-winning farm-to-table restaurant Odd Duck. And while you probably won't want to try dining at Odd Duck with your toddler, you can totally bring them here to Sour Duck Market! This east Austin restaurant has the same ethos (whole animal/plant usage, sourcing locally, seasonal ingredients) but everything is served in a big outdoor space.
My favorite part? Sour Duck Market has QR codes on each table where you can order/pay/tip, so you don’t have to worry about keeping bums in seats for too long. While you’re waiting for food, kids can play with trucks in the rocks, stand up, and even play in the original Odd Duck food trailer, which has been renovated into a kids play space!
They have an incredible menu made up of farm-fresh, locally grown, and foraged ingredients. (It’s a phenomenal choice if you’re visiting Austin for the first time and want to experience some of our food cultures!)
But they also have a kids menu, so your little ones can enjoy a cheese quesadilla, a burger, or some pretzels + queso.
WEBSITE | 1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
2. Redbud Ice House
From the same team behind Michelin-starred restaurant Olamaie, Red Bud Ice House is a burger restaurant with really good (and inexpensive, I might add!) burgers from beef that was raised in Austin, a simple kids menu, delicious tots and fries and queso, and a few drafts of local Austin craft beer.
You can enjoy your food indoors in the air conditioning, or take it outside to the sprawling yard and deck if it's a nice evening.
And yep, there's even a little kids play space in the corner that your little ones can enjoy while you're waiting for your food order to arrive.
WEBSITE | 2027 Anchor Ln, Austin, TX 78723
3. Loudmouth Pizza
This is a fun new restaurant in Austin from the folks behind Paperboy. Loudmouth is a Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant inside a historic east Austin mansion. They have an awesome outdoor patio with a dedicated kids play area, so you can enjoy pizza, house made meatballs, and delicious cocktails overlooking downtown Austin while the kids play nearby.
WEBSITE | 1209 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
4. Home Slice Pizza (North Loop Location)
Both locations of this iconic Austin pizza joint are fantastic, but the North Loop location has a kids play area with a turf-covered hill where they can run around, plus cocktails and wine for adults, and that incredible NY-style pizza that has made this one of the most beloved restaurants in ATX.
Tip: be sure to try their subs! The Italian Sub has a cult following here in Austin, and the Meatball Sub is INSANE. But also...pizza.
WEBSITE | 501 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
5. Loro Asian Smokehouse
Loro is an awesome Asian fusion restaurant from Tyson Cole (Uchi) and Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue). And while your kids might not want a $200 sushi meal at Uchi, they probably will get excited about the delicious Loro cheeseburger, crispy potatoes, or their famous cookies for desert. (Adults can indulge in fusion rice bowls, sandwiches, and more indulgent cut of smoked meat.)
The big outdoor patio and gravel space is an amazing place for little ones who need to keep moving all evening, and parents can easily run inside to order at the counter.
WEBSITE | 2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
6. Fresa's Chicken
The BEST and most delicious charcoal-grilled chicken! (And if you've never put "chicken" and "delicious" in the same sentence...you must go to Fresa's!)
Fresa's has a huge outdoor patio with creekside dining, big tables, and a festive atmosphere. They have a really great kids menu, some of the best margaritas, grilled chicken tacos, and homemade churros in Austin, and a lot of space in case the 6 pm crazies come out in your fam.
(Keep in mind that there’s no playground in this space. If you have kids who absolutely need that and you want Tex Mex food, try going to Flores Mexican Restaurant.)
WEBSITE | 1703 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
7. Patrizi's
Here’s why Patrizi’s is one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Austin: it’s a family-run Austin food truck, they make some of the best handmade pasta in Austin, and it’s parked in east Austin in a great big space where kids can run around. It’s the best!
The food truck is parked outside the Monarch, and the whole thing is fenced in (which is great for a busy area of east Austin that’s near the UT campus.)
Their pasta is absolutely outstanding. It’s a favorite among pasta-lovers in Austin, but even if your little one is a picky eater, you can probably convince them to eat a plate of plain noodles + butter.
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly restaurant in Austin that actually has good food, definitely check out Patrizi’s.
WEBSITE | 2307 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
8. Love Supreme Pizza
Love Supreme is a great option if you’re dining with kiddos (because pizza..duh) but the adults will love it too (because they have two cocktail bars within the restaurant.)
The large outdoor covered patio space is nice for young ones in case they’re constantly getting up and down from the table.
WEBSITE | 2805 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
9. Saddle Up
This little east Austin bungalow has beer, coffee, homemade pastries, and a HUGE backyard area.
It's home to Michelin-starred Micklethwait BBQ truck (which opens early and closes when they run out of meat).
Adults can get some beer or other fun beverages, kids can run around outside, and everyone leaves happy!
WEBSITE | 1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
10. Fareground Food Hall
Need a kid-friendly restaurant in downtown Austin? Fareground Food Hall is perfect! Grab your food from one of the walk-up food booths, and if it’s a pretty day you can take it outside and eat while the kids run around on the hilly, shaded turf.
Fareground is Austin’s mega food hall with 6 eateries, 2 bars, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and brunch.
WEBSITE | 111 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
11. Easy Tiger
With a few locations around town, Easy Tiger is one of the most convenient, delicious, fun, and Austin-y kid-friendly restaurants in town. They make their own sourdough bread, giant pretzels, breakfast/lunch/dinner entrees, and it’s a great place for young ones!
Easy Tiger South Lamar is one of the best spots for kids because there's a little kids play space. They have a great list of Texas craft beer, some of the yummiest smoked pastrami sandwiches in town, and a great kid's menu.
WEBSITE |3508 S Lamar Blvd #300, Austin, TX 78704
12. Camp Out
A dog-friendly, kid-friendly, outdoor Austin restaurant with a playground? Yep! Camp Out has all the cozy comfort foods (including s'mores!) and a very family-friendly feel.
It's a walk-up window located at Yard Bar, so there's no indoor seating here. But with the playscape, fenced in area for dogs, and large selection of outdoor seating (Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, and firepits nearby to stay cozy) you'll easily be able to enjoy the al fresco dining.
WEBSITE | 6700 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
13. Lou's Barton Springs
This is a super chill, fun, easy place to hang out in Austin. It’s from the iconic MMH restaurant group (Lambert’s, Perla’s, Clark’s Oyster Bar) and pretty much everything they do is branded perfectly and serves incredible food. Lou’s is a good kid-friendly restaurant because they have a big outdoor area, kid-friendly food (+ ice cream!), and some parking in both the east Austin location and the Barton Springs location.
WEBSITE | 1900 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
14. Tacodeli (Spyglass location)
Tacos are always delicious, and Taco Deli is one of the biggest names in the Austin taco scene.
Here’s why I’m mentioning the original Spyglass location: it’s right next to an entrance to the Greenbelt. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly restaurant in Austin where older kids can get up and move around (I'm talking about kids who don’t need your constant supervision - this wouldn't be great for toddlers), the trailhead is right there so they can go throw rocks or whatever. Or you could start with a pre-meal hike, get everyone nice and hungry, and finish up at Taco Deli for some tacos and queso and margaritas.
WEBSITE | 1500 Spyglass Dr. Suite B, Austin, TX 78746
15. Culinary Dropout
Up in north Austin at the Domain is a fantastic place called Culinary Dropout. They serve American comfort food, cocktails, brunch, and more, but the best part is the giant outdoor green space adjacent to the restaurant.
Little ones can run around (soooo fun in the cool spring evenings we get here in ATX) while parents enjoy some food that *actually* tastes good.
WEBSITE | 11721 Rock Rose Ave Ste #100, Austin, TX 78758
16. Hank's
First off, this all-day café has a really good kids menu! Their patio is one of the largest front patios you’ll find, and it’s a beautiful, spacious area to dine in Austin.
Hank's has a kids menu (PRAISES) as well as a lot of options on the regular menu that little ones will like: burgers, fries, etc.
The outdoor patio is literally one of the largest patios I've seen in Austin, so it's a great option for bringing a stroller (you won't bump into the tables while you try to get to yours) or letting little ones play with blocks/trucks/toys beside the table while you wait for your food.
WEBSITE | 5811 Berkman Dr, Austin, TX 78723
17. ABGB
Who Has The Best Pizza In Austin? We Found It…Listen: this is hands down one of the most iconic Austin brewpubs you could visit, and it also happens to be fun for kids. Breweries, in general, are a fun place to bring the fam because they’re loud, casual, and typically have lots of space.
ABGB is fun because they’ve been nationally recognized as one of the best large brewpubs in the country, they have amazing pizza for the kids but a larger menu of sandwiches/apps for adults, and they have an incredible beer. Plus, there’s a stage with live music on the weekends, so you get to really experience the whole “live music capital of the world” thing that Austin promises.
WEBSITE | 1305 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
18. Pinthouse Pizza
Multiple locations and they’re all fun for kids! Each location is the same concept: order your pizza at the counter, find a table (they’re loooong picnic tables so you can dine with a big group, or share your table with other people), and grab a beer while you’re waiting for your food.
This pizza is really good, they have some amazing nationally-recognized IPAs, and it’s a casual, noisy, family-friendly restaurant that pretty much everyone in Austin loves.
WEBSITE | 4236 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
19. Meanwhile Brewing
This is for sure a great option for kid-friendly dining in ATX! Meanwhile has a HUGE outdoor space with an epic playground right at the center of it all.
There are a few kid-friendly food trucks on site (tacos from Pueblos Viejo or pizza from Side Eye Pie), but the really fun one is Distant Relatives, an African heritage-inspired BBQ truck from a James Beard Award-nominated chef and one of the best bbq spots in Austin.
If you want an interesting Austin meal in a setting that’s great for the entire family, go to Meanwhile.
WEBSITE | 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
20. Jester King Brewery
While there are many Dripping Springs breweries that have playgrounds, Jester King is also mentioned in this list of kid-friendly restaurants because they have, hands down, some of the best pizza and beer in Austin.
It’s a bit of a drive from the city center (about 30 minutes), but once you get to the 200-acre ranch with a playground, goat farm, kitchen, and brewery, you’ll be so happy you made the drive.
WEBSITE | 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736
21. Little Deli
While it’s not as common of a name as Homeslice, many local Austinites claim that Little Deli has the superior NY-style pie. (You can be the judge of that after you try both.) But it’s a fun little neighborhood spot with some picnic tables, amazing pizza and sandwiches, black and white cookies, and a great family-friendly vibe.
The newer location on Briarcliff Blvd has a much bigger inside space. Both have pretty much the same menus.
WEBSITE | 7101 Woodrow Ave Unit A, Austin, TX 78757
22. Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden
Cosmic is an awesome indoor/outdoor food park and coffee shop with a lot of outdoor space for little ones to run around.
There are a few food trucks parked onside, beer and cocktails inside, and very mediocre coffee. (Just being honest!)
WEBSITE |121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX 78704
23. Brentwood Social House
Go to Brentwood Social House for some of the best pastries in Austin! It's a British bakeshop with amazing scones, cakes, and little sandwiches, as well as coffee and tea.
There's a small indoor play area for toddlers, and a larger outdoor playground for bigger kids.
WEBSITE | 1601 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756
24. Radio Coffee And Beer
A very similar vibe to Cosmic (and also located in south Austin), Radio has an indoor space with coffee and beer and three food trucks parked outside: Veracruz All-Natural Tacos, Dee Dee Thai food, and Michelin-recommended Biscuits BBQ sandwiches.
WEBSITE | 4204 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704
25. Littlefield's Coffee and Tacos
This darling food truck park was created for kids to have a safe space to play! There’s a turf-lined area with some small play structures, and it’s all fenced in (which is especially nice since this one is right by Mopac.)
There are two food trucks on site: Goldy's, and Veracruz All-Natural.
WEBSITE | 2401 Winsted Ln, Austin, TX 78703
26. Salt Lick
Round Rock’s Salt Lick location is absolutely amazing as a family-friendly eatery! It has Salt Lick’s classic BBQ (it's not the most amazing BBQ in Austin, but the fact that this place has a playground just gave it a bunch of bonus points), good sides + desserts, and a few solid beer options.
WEBSITE | 3350 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
27. La Barbecue
While not technically a kid-friendly place (there’s no playground, green space, turf, etc.), if you’re visiting Austin and you want to try the best BBQ in Austin, here’s a tip: avoid Franklin and go to La Barbecue instead.
Just like Franklin, La Barbecue serves knock-your-socks-off award-winning brisket, but the line isn’t quite as long, the parking is a bit easier, and the patio is a little more spacious and kid-friendly. Plus, La Barbecue won a Michelin star!
WEBSITE | 2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
28. Aviator Pizza
While not necessarily the very best of the best pizza in town, all pizza is delicious! And Aviator’s location on Parmer has a playground on site, which instantly elevates this restaurant to any parent of toddlers.
They have a pretty good list of craft beer, some other non-pizza options (in case you’re pizza’d out at this point but you really just want to find something quick and easy to feed the kids), and quick service.
WEBSITE | 4005 W Parmer Ln Suite E, Austin, TX 78727
29. Oasthouse
This place has “elevated restaurant food,” which is a more sophisticated way of saying they have wayyyy more than just burgers, fries, and chicken fingers here. Although the menu has a lot of German influences (chicken schnitzel sandwich, house pretzel, or the IPA braised pork + spatzle) there’s plenty of stuff that’s classified more as “American favorites.” You’ll find everything from shishito peppers, wagyu steak + frites, and cacciatore pasta with creamy tomato sauce and smoked kielbasa. If you’re visiting Austin and you’re trying to only check out the BEST food in town, this isn’t necessarily it…but if you’re a local and you just need a restaurant where you can eat GOOD food while the kids run around, this is it.
There are plenty of large TVs, a patio, and a fenced-in playground. Oh, and their happy hour is pretty good, too.
WEBSITE | 5701 W Slaughter Ln D, Austin, TX 78749
30. Kerbey Lane (Round Rock Location)
Pretty much every family in Austin loves Kerbey lane for their casual diner food, delicious pancakes, and family-friends feel. Plus, kids eat free every Tuesday!
The Round Rock location has a playground. Most people think of Kerbey Lane as a pancake/breakfast/brunch place, but they have a really great dinner menu with classics like pan-seared salmon and chicken enchiladas.
WEBSITE | 2120 N Mays St #420, Round Rock, TX 78664
31. Mandola's Italian (Triangle Location)
Mandola's is an Italian food mini chain in Austin with decent Italian food, k? This isn't as good as something like Red Ash or Intero or Sammie's...it's more classic kid-friendly pasta and pizza.
But it's good, AND the Triangle location and the Cedar Park location (way north of Austin) both have adjacent playgrounds!
WEBSITE |4700 W Guadalupe St #12, Austin, TX 78751
32. Hill Country Galleria
The Hill Country Galleria has a few good food options that you can get to go and enjoy outside. (Try Buenos Aires Cafe, Madam Mam’s Thai, or Tony C’s Pizza.) There’s a central green lawn space where they often host live music. But even if you visit on a weeknight and there’s no live music, the green space is a great spot to bring a frisbee (for the kids) and a lawn chair (for you) and let them run around while waiting for food.
WEBSITE |12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
33. Flores Mexican Restaurant
Ok, I'm going to be honest: this is NOT necessarily the most outstanding Tex-Mex food I Austin (go to Polvos for that!), but this Mexican restaurant has a playground, inexpensive food, and it’s a very convenient option when you’re in a pinch.
WEBSITE | 4625 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78749
All The Burger Places
These Austin burger spots certainly won't "wow" you with their culinary prowess, but sometimes you just want a good local burger joint with excellent sweet potato fries and a nearby playground. Here are the best options:
34. Phil's Ice House
The Phil’s/Amy’s location on South Congress is a very popular place for parents of young kids! There’s a great playground, the burgers are solid, and it’s a fun place to enjoy a sweet treat for dessert.
WEBSITE | 5620 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
35. Hat Creek Burger co
Hat Creek is a staple in Austin for parents of young kids because all of the locations have playgrounds! The food is inexpensive and served quickly, and they have breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Yep, it’s another burger restaurant (which can get a little dull), but they do have salads, a paleo burger bowl, and wine/beer.
WEBSITE | 5400 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
36. Waterloo Ice House
There are a few Waterloo Ice House locations around town, and they’re all kid-friendly restaurants in Austin. Originally a SOCO restaurant that opened in 1976, Waterloo is now known as a place to get classic “kid-friendly” food (burgers, nachos, queso, sandwiches, etc.) plus some adult-friendly stuff (salads, fried mushrooms, cocktails) and they always have a playground nearby.
WEBSITE | 6203 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78731
37. Doc's Backyard
The Best Playgrounds In Austin (With Parking Info!)Once upon a time, Doc’s used to be a hip and happenin’ institution on South Congress. Although the Music Lane Development has bought out that location, Doc’s Backyard Grill serves the same Texas gastropub fare in Sunset Valley. There’s a great playground on site, a decent beer list, and plenty of kid-approved menu items. This is a really fun kid-friendly restaurant in Austin.
WEBSITE | 5207 Brodie Ln #100, Sunset Valley, TX 78745
PS: if you're in SA, here are some of the best things to do with kids in San Antonio! and kid-friendly restaurants in San Antonio!
Related posts:
Austin Breweries With Food: A Complete List + Map
If you love visiting Austin breweries buuuut also want to make sure you can grab…
Read More
Where To Get Tacos and Margaritas in Austin
ATX summers: the sun is out, the days are long, and there’s seriously nothing more…
Read More
Best Date Night Spots In Georgetown
If you’re looking for the best date night spots in Georgetown (a suburb juuuust north of Austin) you’ve…
Read More