Photography by John Michael Simpson
Triangle-Wide
These kid-friendly restaurants have multiple locations in the Triangle.
Al’s Burger Shack
Kids can order a mini version of the burgers – once named best in the country by Fast Food Club – or a hot dog, grilled cheese or chicken nuggets. Adults can take their pick from the made-to-order burgers like the “Bobo,” which comes topped with chili, American cheese, onions and slaw, or the “Mookie,” served with Wisconsin blue marble cheese, bacon onion jam and roasted garlic aioli. We recommend pairing any of them with the rosemary crinkle-cut fries and a chocolate or vanilla Maple View Farm milkshake – perfect for all ages. Grab a seat inside at the Apex location or eat alfresco at both Chapel Hill locations (Southern Village and West Franklin Street), and don’t worry about making a mess.
Breakaway Cafe
The crowd-pleasing kids menu features a pancake plate with egg and fruit for breakfast. Lunch and dinner options include breaded chicken tenders, buttery pasta, grilled cheese and burgers. Adults will find just as many options, like the crispy tofu banh mi or fresh arugula salad, served with red onion, honey roasted chickpeas and julienned green apple with a champagne vinaigrette. Breakaway offers full beverage service, from your morning coffee to beer and wine for the evenings. The full menu is available at both the Briar Chapel and Carrboro locations; kids eat free on Tuesdays with purchase of a regular entree (dine-in only).
Carolina Ale House
Join Carolina Ale House on Tuesday evenings for kids night at any of its locations in the Triangle and treat yourself to an entree and unlock 99 cent meals for children ages 10 and younger. Kids can indulge in a healthy homemade meal crafted with fresh ingredients and a side of fruit.
Makus Empanadas
With two locations in the area, including the Morgan Street Food Hall in Raleigh – another ideal spot for kids thanks to its many food options and quick service – and Hope Valley Commons in Durham, Makus’ warm pocket pastries are easy to find, and even easier to fall in love with. The empanadas’ fillings range from chicken to beef to sweet corn and are perfect for little ones who haven’t yet mastered utensils. Kids meals include one empanada or one “empadog,” a cookie or chips and a drink. Or, try the family meal to feed a crowd with 10 empanadas and four sides.
Two Roosters
Nothing beats ice cream on a hot summer day! At Two Roosters, children can indulge in smaller sizes of familiar flavors like classic chocolate, dark chocolate mint chunk and double-fold vanilla. Adventurous adults can find a new favorite, like coffee bourbon or blackberry hibiscus. Be sure to ask about the rotating flavors for a taste of what’s new.Grab a cup or a cone to enjoy while the kids burn off some energy in the open green space next to the shop. Need dinner too? Cugino Forno is just across the way at Two Roosters’ Durham location at Golden Belt, making it a perfect spot for an all-in-one family outing.
Weaver Street Market
Weaver Street’s three convenient locations in Orange County (and one in Raleigh!) make this community-owned store a favorite for families. Mix and match your perfect meal from the well-stocked hot bar, and stop by the baked goods case for tasty conchas, cookies and more. Plus, the market caters to various dietary needs, offering gluten-free, vegan and allergen-free products that make for great snacks or picnic fare if you’re seeing a movie on the Southern Village Green.
Wake County
BB’s Crispy Chicken
It’s a fact: Kids. Love. Chicken. Which is why BB’s Crispy Chicken is a perfect option for lunch or dinner, whether you’re dining in, taking out or, heck, if you’re just too busy, ordering delivery. The Parkside Town Commons restaurant next to Rosecomb Beer Garden in Cary (get some totchos while you enjoy a cold one) offers plenty of outside space to explore.
State Farmers Market Restaurant
Picture this: Sinking your teeth into a classic deluxe cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion and a side of golden, crispy fries – yum! – and a tall glass of sweet tea after a morning or afternoon strolling through the State Farmers Market. And for the kiddos? They’ve got their own lineup of deliciousness, from crunchy chicken fingers to classic hot dogs. It’s a flavorful family tradition in the making.
Durham County
Bull City Burger and Brewery
Kids 10 and younger can take their pick from a burger, “puppy dog,” grilled cheese or veggie burger at downtown Durham’s Bull City Burger and Brewery. All are served with a small order of dirty fries and a kids’ size drink or apple juice, with the option to upgrade to milk or chocolate milk.
Meanwhile, the grown-ups can sip a pint of Parrish Street Pale Ale and have their own fun with burger toppings ranging from Gruyere and ginger-pickled cucumbers to house-made chimichurri and pimento cheese. And don’t miss the adorable “Future Beer Drinkers” corner stocked toys, a play kitchen, books and coloring supplies to keep the kiddos entertained.
Elmo’s Diner
Step into Elmo’s Diner for a warm, casual dining experience that families have enjoyed for nearly 30 years. The breakfast kids menu offers eggs and toast, oatmeal, French toast, pancakes and sides like sausage patties or a fresh fruit cup. For lunch, youngsters can choose from a variety of options including spaghetti, ham and cheese, turkey, or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and burgers. Parents will love the friendly atmosphere and classic diner plates like made-from-scratch pancakes and waffles served with a side of grits or sausage gravy, and heartier fare like Reuben sandwiches and Italian meatloaf.
The Loop
Children under age 10 can choose from one-topping pizzas, two-piece chicken tenders, mac and cheese or cheeseburgers, all served with a kid’s drink. Combine delicious food with creativity, as coloring pages and crayons are provided for little ones!
Monuts
Treat your family to a delightful breakfast or lunch at Monuts. Kids will love greeting Benjamin, the restaurant’s friendly rabbit statue, while savoring a plate of eggs, bacon and home fries and their favorite flavor of doughnut. Build-your-own sandwich options on a bagel or biscuit make it easy for everyone to find something they enjoy – for parents, we recommend the chicken-and-pickle biscuit with ranch and hot honey or Turkish eggs and avocado. Plus, every order comes with an animal information card to make mealtime both fun and educational.
Orange County
El Restaurante Ixtapa
Tucked away near the Eno River in Hillsborough is this Mexican spot with picnic tables, a huge field with toys for kids and a play area. There’s plenty of shade under the umbrellas for a meal, and if the kiddos finish their meal early, they can play as the adults wrap up and sip a beverage.
Italian Pizzeria III
The lively, family-owned restaurant will make yours feel right at home. We’ve yet to meet a child who doesn’t like pizza, but just in case, there’s plenty of other options on the menu – from baked ziti and fettuccine Alfredo to cheeseburgers and sandwiches.
Top of the Hill
If you’re looking for dinner with a view, head to this third-floor eatery and take in the sights on Franklin Street. Kids can chow down on their choice of cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese sandwiches or the kids macaroni and cheese. Adults won’t mind sharing a bite of goat cheese salad or jalapeno-cheddar hushpuppies that pair delightfully with a pint of Old Well White.
Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe
Kids with a curious palate can try the specials off the menu just for them. Order a plain or cheese dosa served with coconut chutney and sambar, curry and rice, dal and rice or tandoori chicken. And all ages will love the gulab tamun, a classic Indian dessert.
Chatham County
Cafe Root Cellar
Mosaic at Chatham Park’s Cafe Root Cellar is a spot the whole family will enjoy, featuring everything from burgers and wraps to sandwiches and salads. The kids’ menu features several affordable options, including chicken tenders or a cheeseburger, or buttered pasta with cheese for dinner!
Creative Creamery
This Siler City sweet spot takes milkshakes to new heights – literally. Behold: A mason jar is packed with three scoops of Hershey’s ice cream, drizzled with syrup and stacked with anything from cookies or fruit to whole cinnamon buns or cheesecake slices. It’s then piled high with whipped cream and icing or Nutella and, finally, a scattering of sprinkles. These “stuffed shakes” lure ice-cream lovers young and old from across Chatham County and beyond.
Greek Kouzina
This Mediterranean restaurant at Mosaic at Chatham Park offers a wide selection of nourishing dishes, from pita sandwiches and greek burgers to kebab platters and salads. Your kiddos will love exploring tasty options like the chicken shish kebab or the cheesy pita sticks.
Mi Cancun
Mi Cancun’s menu is as expansive as it is authentic. The ACP and cantina nachos are both great options for even the pickiest of palates. Adults can try the Cancun bowl or one of many spicy shrimp dishes. We also recommend starting with an order of queso dip for the table – with just a hint of jalapeno heat, it’s the perfect companion to the thin, crispy tortilla chips.
S & T’s Soda Shoppe
This Pittsboro staple serves up classic American cuisine with a little something for everyone. We recommend the pimento cheeseburger or the corn dog nuggets with a side of curly fries or fried pickles. And of course, a trip to S & T’s Soda Shoppe wouldn’t be complete without ice cream: choose your own flavor from its case, or share a banana split or a root beer float.
Want to treat your taste buds this weekend? Read more about local bars and bites or follow us on Instagram for the latest Triangle foodie news.
