Houston is a great food town, and kids shouldn’t be left out of the fun. Plenty of restaurants across the greater Houston area — from Montrose and Memorial to the far corners of the suburbs — go the extra mile for families. After all, kid-friendly dining shouldn’t mean having to compromise on taste. Dedicated menus spotlight a variety of dishes that appeal to younger diners and a relaxed atmosphere where kids are given just as much consideration as adults makes dining out less stressful, and more fun.
Find menu options suited for all ages and roomy patios built for play at these kid-friendly restaurants across the city.
The ‘401 Table and Tap
A neighborhood gem in Bellaire, the ‘401’s Mediterranean-inspired menu includes gyros ($15), wood-stone pizzas ($14), and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-friendly dishes like hot honey popcorn chicken ($9) and beef tenderloin fajita salad ($18). Parents can enjoy the full bar and spacious patio while kids hang out in “Club No Majors,” a dedicated rec room stocked with tablets, games, and kid-friendly furniture. 6700 Ferris St. #150, Bellaire, the401bellaire.com
Nonno’s Family Pizza Tavern
Like its name suggests, this Montrose pizza joint from the team behind Nobie’s and Toasted Coconut is family friendly and slings some serious pies. Like the nostalgic pizzerias of times past, a row of arcade games anchor the dining room, and a large variety of pizzas, from plain cheese ($16) to the pineapple-fueled Maui Wowee ($21), are sure to satisfy all palates. Visit on Monday, when the restaurant offers all-day happy hour featuring free game play and drink specials. 1613 Richmond Ave., Houston, houstonsbestpizza.com
d’Alba
This Garden Oaks neighborhood gem boasts an activity-packed patio with a fire pit, cornhole, arcade games, and a two-story playhouse with a slide. While the setting is casual, the modern American menu is anything but. Think strawberry and beet salad ($15), prosciutto and date wood-fired pizza ($18), a juicy wagyu burger ($18), and the signature slow-cooked short rib ($28), each listed on the menu with its own recommended wine and cocktail pairings. 3715 Alba Rd., Houston, dalbahtx.com
Little Matt’s
A West U favorite, Little Matt’s serves up baskets filled with burgers, fries, and other casual comfort eats to families gathered around red picnic tables. A dedicated kids menu features favorites like corn dogs ($8), chicken tenders ($8), and macaroni and cheese ($8). Parents should be prepared to shell out for arcade games and sweet treats from the candy counter. Before heading home, kids can burn off their sugar high at the playground located right across the street. 6203 Edloe St., Houston, littlemattscafe.com
Kenny & Ziggy’s Delicatessen
Houston’s iconic New York-style deli isn’t just about towering sandwiches and sky-high slices of cake — it’s great for families looking to satisfy cravings of all types for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While adults may want to take a crack at an oversized pastrami on rye ($25), littles can nosh on a pizza bagel ($9) with a side of free pickles. Glass cases showcase a variety of cookies, whole pies, and cakes, but nothing entices young diners more than the old-school soda fountain, where over-the-top milkshakes, floats, and banana splits are served in old-fashioned glassware. 1743 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, kennyandziggys.com
Feges BBQ
Feges BBQ in Spring Branch offers more than just some of Houston’s best barbecue — it is a haven for families. Along with a spacious patio, the restaurant has an enclosed play area to keep the kiddos busy while the grown-ups savor meats like brisket ($17/half-lb.), fried pork ribs ($12), and a glass of wine or a margarita. A dedicated kids menu for 12 and under features items like grilled cheese ($9),PB&J ($9) sandwich, and fried chicken tenders ($9) that come with complimentary cookies. 8217 Long Point Rd., Houston, TX, fegesbbq.com
State Fare Kitchen & Bar
With its homestyle Southern cuisine, casual setting, and indulgent brunch service, State Fare is popular among families all over Houston. The restaurant has outposts in Memorial, Sugar Land, and the Woodlands, catering to families in the suburbs and the city alike. A dedicated menu gives little ones lots of options, including a cheeseburger ($12), chicken breast strips ($12), and spaghetti ($12) — with each platter served with carrot sticks, fresh fruit, and a cookie. Multiple locations, statefaretx.com
Tiny Boxwoods
Tiny Boxwoods’ charming patio includes a well-manicured lawn where kids can play while parents enjoy a coffee date or leisurely brunch of migas or cobb salad. The popular West U restaurant offers a serene backdrop for families seeking a more refined setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For a sweet incentive, score Tiny’s freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies ($4) from the adjacent Milk & Cookies walk-up window. Multiple locations, tinyboxwoods.com
Daily Gather
Like its sister concept, Dish Society, Daily Gather offers an elevated yet approachable dining experience. Think steak frites ($34) and burrata with citrus and avocado ($16), and a kids’ “char-cute-rie” board ($9), featuring cheese, veggies, and grapes. Steps from CityCentre’s main plaza and sprawling grass lawn, kids can run amok outside until the food arrives. 800 Sorella Ct. #940, Houston, dailygather.com
Lankford’s
Lankford’s Bellaire location makes Mondays better with a $12 classic burger, fries, and soda combo, plus $5 kids’ meals. While kids hang in the outdoor play area, parents can wind down with one of 20 self-pour beers on tap. 5208 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, bellaire.lankfordburgers.com
Betsy’s at Evelyn’s Park
Located at Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire, the laid-back vibe at Betsy’s is perfect for casual family outings. While kids explore the playground, parents can indulge in loaded nachos ($12) and pitchers of frosé ($24) on the spacious patio, bedecked with twinkling string lights. Keep up with the restaurant’s events calendar, which includes pop-up markets and live music in the park on some weekends. Treat the little ones to a strawberry banana smoothie ($5) or a classic soft-serve cone ($4) after their meal, and bask in the peaceful natural setting. 4400 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, betsysbellaire.com
