Best Local Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Buda
Buda is a family town! It’s an absolutely flourishing city just a little bit south of Austin that has grown very popular for its proximity to Austin, its historic downtown Buda shopping and dining district, and the family-friendliness of all of it. So it’s no surprise that there are several wonderful kid-friendly restaurants in Buda. Families love to spend time together and dine out together in Buda.
Actually, to be completely transparent, nearly every restaurant you find in Buda is going to welcome young children. Even when I’ve dined at the most upscale fine-dining restaurants in Buda, I’ve seen families with babies in their infant carriers sitting near the table and toddlers in high chairs. Like I said: Buda is a family town.
However, there are definitely a handful of restaurants that cater to children, which is what we’ll cover here. These restaurants either feature a playground or play space or they have enough extra space for kids to run around and be kids. And of course, they all have kid-friendly food so that you’re not convincing your child to attempt to eat raw oysters or ordering them a $55 steak. (Not that your child doesn’t deserve a $55 steak - I’m sure they’re wonderful kids and deserve the best food in the world. But you know what I’m saying…)
The Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Buda
1. Hat Creek Burgers
Hat Creek Burgers is a phenomenal fast-casual restaurant in Buda that absolutely caters to families! This mini-chain from Austin has an outdoor playspace that’s situated on a soft, squishy, turf-covered area. There’s a big seating area adjacent to the playground so adults can sit in the shaded area with fans on while they watch their children play just a few feet away.
The menu is great for kids (chicken tenders, fries, burgers, shakes) but they also have a wide variety of adult-friendly food too. I love their chicken cobb salad and Paleo bowl, and they also have vegetarian options, a keto-friendly bowl, and a selection of wine and beer. Why not make a happy hour out of it?
This is actually a great place to meet up with other families. The kids can all play together and run around and the adults can enjoy a 21+ beverage and chat under the covered patio.
One bonus reason that I absolutely love Hat Creek Burgers is their commitment to serving the community. They’re long-time partners of Foster Village, a nonprofit organization that supports and serves local foster families. Hat Creek will often host fundraisers and share a portion of their profits with Foster Village and other organizations that are doing meaningful work in the community.
WEBSITE | 371 Old San Antonio Rd, Buda, TX 78610
2. Willie’s Joint
The oldest bar in Buda, Willie’s Joint is actually so much more than a bar! It’s a live music destination, a grill, a food truck park, AND they have a playground and are a kid-friendly restaurant in Buda until 10 pm every evening. (At 10 pm they switch to a 21+ bar.)
Stop by for a cold drink and a burger while the kids run around and play. They have delicious wings, wraps, and rice bowls, as well as big juicy burgers and an inexpensive kids' menu of chicken fingers, burgers, and grilled cheese.
The small play space is tucked away in the corner, so kids can play off to the side without interrupting the live music that’s played on the stage in the corner. Pets are also welcome here (on-leash), making this a true family-friendly place in Buda, TX.
WEBSITE | 824 Main St, Buda, TX 78610
3. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ has long been known as one of the best barbecue joints in the entire state of Texas. But when they decided to forego their south Austin trailer and open a massive brick-and-mortar in Buda, this officially became one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Buda!
Stop by for their famous melt-in-your-mouth sliced brisket, housemade sausage, and delicious tacos served on homemade flour tortillas. The salsa is always fresh and spicy, the queso is loaded with smoked meat, and the bar serves cold margaritas to the 21+ crowd.
Valentina’s has always been a great restaurant, but now that they have an indoor space (WITH AIR CONDITIONING HALLELUJAH) it’s officially a wonderful place to bring kids. There are lots of shareable indoor picnic tables, so there’s always plenty of seating. And the ambience is lively and fun, which means that kids can make noise and no one will look at you funny.
If your little ones are having trouble waiting for the food to be delivered, you don’t have to worry about being trapped in a small space. Valentina’s is located at the Buda Mill & Grain, so there’s lots of outdoor grassy space where kids can run around and be kids.
WEBSITE | 308 S Main St, Buda, TX 78610
4. Main Street Pizzeria
Nothin’ says “kid friendly restaurant” like a pizza joint! Main Street Pizzeria is Buda’s best pizza spot for families. It’s fun, it’s casual, and the classic NY-style pizza is served quickly to your table.
While you’re waiting, be sure to order a beer from the bar and an order of their garlic knots and pepperoni rolls for the table.
WEBSITE | 214 N Main St, Buda, TX 78610
5. Taste on Main
This isn’t marketed as a kid-friendly restaurant in Buda, but after dining there, I can absolutely say that there were many children sitting with their families in the outdoor patio dining space. (The interior is a bit smaller and more formal - I would try to sit outside if you’re planning on dining here with young children.)
Taste on Main is the fine dining concept behind the same team that owns Hays County Store. (Another great kid-friendly restaurant in nearby Driftwood!) Taste on Main has a raw bar and craft cocktails, pasta, and fine steaks and seafood.
The weekend brunch and daily lunch menus have the most menu options that might be considered “kid-friendly,” but depending on what your child likes to eat, you can certainly find things on the dinner menu that little ones will enjoy.
This is definitely more of a “date night” restaurant than a “run around and be crazy” vibe, so if you’re dining with kids, just keep in mind that there’s not a lot of space to run and burn energy. (If that’s what you want, look at some of the restaurants listed above!). But if your little ones are pretty good about sitting in their chairs or playing quietly with trucks on the patio rocks under the table, Taste on Main is easily one of the best restaurants in Buda.
WEBSITE | 116 Main St, Buda, TX 78610
6. Lou’s BBQ
Lou’s is a classic central Texas BBQ restaurant located in historic downtown Buda. Their smoked meats, sides, and desserts are all awesome, but one of the best menu items are those loaded spuds. They’re these massive baked potatoes that are partially hollowed out and filled with a ½ pound of that delicious smoked BBQ meat.
It’s a kid-friendly restaurant because this place is entirely outdoors! You’ll order from the permanent food trailer and enjoy your food at one of their bright blue picnic tables. There’s even a small (very small!) play area in the corner that toddlers can enjoy.
WEBSITE | 122 Main St, Buda, TX 78610
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