Photography by John Michael Simpson
Triangle-Wide
These kid-friendly restaurants have multiple locations in the Triangle.
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 options and quick service – and Hope Valley Commons in Durham, Makus’ warm pocket pastries are close to many in the Triangle. 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. The family meal feeds plenty 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 size options of familiar flavors like classic chocolate, dark chocolate mint chunk and double-fold vanilla. Meanwhile, adults can choose among a selection of forever favorites such as coffee bourbon and blackberry hibiscus, or try one of the rotating menu items.
Grab a cup or a cone to enjoy while the kids burn off some energy in the open green space next to the shop. If anyone’s in need of dinner before dessert, Cugino Forno and 19FiftyOne are just across the way at Two Roosters’ Durham location at Golden Belt, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
Al’s Burger Shack
Kids can order a mini version of the burgers – once named best in the country – or a hot dog, grilled cheese or chicken nuggets. Adults can take their pick from the made-to-order burgers with names like “Mookie,” “Bobo Chili” and “Kenny J,” all made with 100% fresh ground chuck. Customers of all ages will appreciate the rosemary crinkle-cut fries and the chocolate or vanilla Maple View Farm milkshakes. 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 one pancake, a side of fruit and an egg for breakfast or breaded chicken tenders, buttery pasta and sandwiches, from grilled cheese to a burger, for dinner. Adults will find just as many options, like a tofu banh mi or an arugula salad, served with red onion, honey roasted chickpeas and julienned green apple with a champagne vinaigrette and – depending on the time of day – beverages from coffee to beer and wine at both the Chatham County and Carrboro locations. Kids eat free on Tuesdays with every purchase of a regular entree at the Briar Chapel location. (Dine-in only.)
Carolina Ale House
Join Carolina Ale House on Tuesday evenings for kids night at any of its locations in our area: Raleigh, Wake Forest, Garner and Durham. Treat yourself and your little ones to a special evening where kids 10 and younger can dine for just 99 cents starting at 5 p.m., with the purchase of any entree. Indulge in a healthy meal of homemade dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and a side of fruit.
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’ cup drink or apple juice, with the option of milk or chocolate milk for $1 more.
Meanwhile, the adults can sip a pint of Parrish Street Pale Ale and have their own fun choosing among the more adventurous burger toppings, from Gruyere and ginger pickled cucumbers to house-made chimichurri and pimento cheese. And don’t miss the adorable “Future Beer Drinkers” corner stocked with all kinds of items to keep the kiddos entertained.
The Loop
Children 10 and younger can choose from one-topping pizzas, two-piece chicken tenders, mac and cheese or cheeseburgers, all served a kid’s drink. Combine delicious food with creativity, as coloring pages and crayons are provided for little ones!
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; noodles and cheese; grilled cheese; a grilled ham and cheese, turkey, or peanut butter and jelly sandwich; burgers; and sides of applesauce, small French fries and more. Parents will love the friendly hometown atmosphere and classic diner dishes like made-from-scratch pancakes and waffles with a side of grits or sausage gravy, Reuben sandwiches and Italian meatloaf.
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 with three sides like eggs, bacon and home fries. Build-your-own sandwich options on a bagel or biscuit make it easy for everyone to find something they enjoy – for the 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
Breadmen’s
This classic Carolina restaurant has fed hungry UNC students and Chapel Hill residents their favorite breakfast dishes – from corned beef hash to pancakes – since 1974. Grab a booth and flip through the broad menu of omelets, Belgian waffles and kid-friendly fare. Craving an omelet for dinner? Never fear – this down-home diner serves breakfast all day long.
Italian Pizzeria III
The lively, family-owned restaurant will make yours feel right at home. We’ve yet to meet a kiddo 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 a cheeseburger or sandwich.
Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe
Kids with an adventurous 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!
Weaver Street Market
The three convenient locations in Orange County (and one in Raleigh!) make this community-owned store a favorite for families. The hot bar means you can mix and match to everyone’s preferences, and the baked goods include 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.
El Restaurante Ixtapa
Tucked away on a street not far from Weaver Street Market 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.
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 jalapeño-cheddar hushpuppies that pair delightfully with a pint of Old Well White.
Chatham County
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, Mi Cancun and Cafe Root Cellar
It’s a quick drive for Briar Chapel parents like JoAnna Alphin and Nick Alphin to Mosaic at Chatham Park, where they can enjoy a fun meal out with kids, Jack Alphin and Annie Alphin. They’ll feast on chicken kebab and veggie platters from Greek Kouzina for a fresh and made-to-order meal with hummus, stuffed grape leaves, grilled pita and Greek salad. The kids crunch on tortilla chips from Mi Cancun – which are made daily and topped with a sprinkling of lemon pepper and salt – and queso dip with a slight hint of jalapeño heat. To start the weekend, the whole family can agree: “For brunch, we think the biscuits at Cafe Root Cellar are some of the best we’ve ever had,” JoAnna says.
Wake County
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.
A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library
Experience kids night from 5-10 p.m. every Thursday when children ages 10 and younger can choose any meal from the kids menu for just 99 cents. While children take part in free face painting, bubbles and sparkler celebrations, adults can unwind with a signature margarita. A fiesta for the whole family!
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.
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.
