Among Seattle’s shiny new restaurants opening their doors each day and the old-school local classics that have been turning out the same great food for half a century lurk a few special gems: the places to eat that welcome children and even appeal to their wide eyes and sometimes wild ways. Some serve cuisines from around the world, catering to a natural curiosity. But the one thing that unites all of the restaurants on this list: All of them offers the great food!
This Eastside burger joint features over a dozen tasty burgers to tease your taste buds. Stick with the traditional Tipsy Burger or if you’re feeling a little on the wild side, go Beast Mode or check out The Rockstar. Tipsy Cow supports local ranchers, farmers, brewers, distillers and winemakers, so all food and drink are fresh and local. Not feelin’ like a burger? Check out their awesome salads or snacks. Burger-lovin’ babes will flip for the extensive children’s menu, featuring kid favorites like house-dipped corn dogs, burgers, grilled cheese and chicken strips served with housemade ranch. And don’t forget to round out your meal with a milkshake.
Fresh Northwest seafood and incredible water views? Yes, please! Anthony’s Beach Café is a casual neighborhood restaurant serving lunch and dinner daily. The menu features fresh seafood (think: fish, oysters, shrimp, chowder…you get the picture) in original, inventive dishes. Kids can indulge in fish and chips, prawns and chips, grilled cheese or pasta. Visit in the spring and summer months and request outdoor seating. While you wait, your kids can play in the giant sandbox, complete with toys to entertain the little ones.
Vios Café’s Capitol Hill location oozes kid-friendliness with its huge kiddie corner play area (separated by a glass window) and delicious family-style Mediterranean menu. Try the fan favorite chicken or lamb souvlaki or choose from a wide array of soups and salads. Kids can indulge in mac and cheese, spaghetti and meatballs or the hummus, pita and fruit plate. Gather around the table with friends and family and fill your bellies with delicious, traditional food.
Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria
With multiple locations around Seattle, there is bound to be a Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria near your neighborhood. And not only do their authentic, wood-fired pizza pies taste like a slice of Italian heaven, but Tutta Bella is just as kid-friendly as it is delicious. As soon as you’re seated, kids get Wikki Stix to keep their little hands busy while their food is cooking and the open kitchens, that allow kids to watch as their pizzas are being made, are another great distraction. If your little diners aren’t feelin’ pizza, there is an extensive kid’s menu with favorites like pasta al burro or the Neapolitan meatball.
It's no secret that mac 'n' cheese is one of the main food groups for kids. If you’re in the city, hit up this Pike Place Market favorite that serves up the best mac ‘n’ cheese in the Seattle area (or arguably, in the world!). Young and old(er) cheese heads go nuts for the ooey, gooey, cheddary goodness at Beecher’s, who make their flagship cheese on premise—while you watch! Order cheese curds, paninis or soup, but save room for a steamy cup of mac. Psst...stop by the cheese counter on your way out and take home one of Beecher’s award-winning cheeses.
If burgers are your thing, Uneeda Burger. See how we did that?! The self-described "casual, roadside style burger shack,” is the perfect place for grown-ups and kids to get their burger fix. The all-weather patio blends seamlessly into the dining room; both provide picnic table seating to enjoy hefty locally sourced burgers and delicious tater tots (and onion rings and fried mushrooms and…). Choose from locally sourced beef, chicken and veggie options. Our favorite specialty burgers include the Sonora (roasted chili relish, jack cheese and cilantro) and the Monsieur (black forest ham, gruyere, Dijon-mayo, and truffled shoestring potatoes). They don’t have a kid’s menu, but Uneeda’s classic no-frills burger is just $5, and kids can also order soup, hot dogs or a grilled cheese. And make sure everyone saves room for dessert: All shakes are hand dipped and made with Snoqualmie Ice Cream in flavors like salted caramel, blackberry, strawberry and blackberry. A wide variety of microbrews, artisan sodas and wines are also on tap.
Cafe Flora is Seattle’s go-to spot for inspired vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free cuisine. Café Flora uses locally sourced ingredients and periodically reinvents their menu to feature seasonal items. Kids go wild for Cafe Flora's classic children’s menu which includes pita pizzas and if you’re enjoying brunch, don’t miss the animal-shaped pancakes and fresh fruit. Grown-up favorites include Oaxaca tacos and portobello Wellington. There’s also a centrally located play area, crayon cups, and even step stools in the bathrooms to help the Littles wash their hands and everyone can appreciate the pretty indoor fountain and the lovely, leafy, sunlight-filled space in general.
Who says pint-sized foodies can’t enjoy fine dining? Iconic Seattle chef and author Tom Douglas’ popular Mediterranean-inspired eatery features breakfast, lunch, and dinner cuisine for the whole family. In the morning, kids can order cheesy eggs and bacon or silver dollar pancakes. For later in the day, hungry tots can choose classic buttery noodles and grilled cheese or step it up a notch with chicken or salmon kebabs with fries. Is there anything better than food on a stick? The sweet treats menu features a variety of frozen goodies in innovative flavors—try the pistachio ice cream, pear sorbet or chocolate peanut butter gelato.
Weekend brunch at this family favorite used to mean planning on an hour-plus wait for a table, but now all four Portage Bay locations take reservations. Score! You’ll find a menu full of unique twists on classic favorites. Order any of their pancakes or French toast options and you’ve earned yourself a trip to the breakfast bar: a buffet of seasonal fruits, nuts and all the whipped cream you can eat. Portions are big enough you could likely share with tinier appetites, but the kid’s menu of scrambled eggs, French toast, pancakes and grilled cheese is so good they’ll want their own. Psst...it’s gonna be crowded on weekends in particular, but brunch is served all day at the Roosevelt and Ballard locations, which means diners can go later in the day without needing reservations.
