Restaurants in this listing are chosen by the editorial staff of St. Louis Family magazine on the basis of family-friendliness. Please note: With few exceptions, we tried to include mainly locally owned restaurants. The magazine accepts no advertising or other consideration in exchange for listings.
America’s Incredible Pizza Company
First hit the arcade, then grab a seat in the Starlite Drive In, Gymnasium, Route 66 1950s Diner, or Family Room to chow down on pizza (natch), mac and cheese, tacos, nachos, and some down-home dishes. Is this kid heaven or what? 5254 S. Lindbergh, 877-890-9360, stlouisincrediblepizza.com. $–$$
Amigos cantina
Amigos Cantina’s Just for Kids menu includes chicken strips, chicken or beef tacos, tortilla dogs, quesadillas, nachos, and mac and cheese—for $4.99 each. 120 W. Jefferson, 314-821-0877, amigoskirkwood.com. $–$$
Baileys’ Range
There’s no way to get bored at Baileys’. You can watch the burgers get made and the ketchup, pickles, and burger buns get put in place. Add to that 22 flavors of ice cream and sorbet, and it’s the best-tasting show in town. 920 Olive, 314-241-8121, baileysrange.com. $–$$
BBQ ASAP
Located in the former Mr. Harry’s Carnival Foods space and still offering family-friendly items like snow cones, this is a barbecue restaurant where you can get your favorite ’cue fast—and the award-winning meats here are delicious. 15581 Manchester, 636-256-1908, bbqasap.com. $–$$
Blueberry Hill
There’s plenty to keep kids busy at this longtime St. Louis landmark. They can play one of many games (including those embedded in the tabletops), or maybe they’d rather just gawk at the decor. 6504 Delmar, 314-727-4444, blueberryhill.com. $
Café Manhattan
Kids of all ages will love the ’50s diner memorabilia. If it’s classic you want, order a burger with fries and a milkshake. Or go St. Louis classic with a thin-crust pizza and an excellent version of toasted ravs. There’s penny candy, too. 505 S. Hanley, 314-863-5695. $–$$
Carl’s Drive-In
Nothing screams hamburger stand more than Carl’s, and no kid can refuse a flat-grilled cheeseburger and a homemade root beer in a frozen mug. Finish with a Ronnie’s Rocky Mountain, an XL version of the drumstick. 9033 Manchester, 314-961-9652. $
Cheese-ology
Take the kids, or let your inner child roam. Enjoy classic mac—or boldly go for one of 14 other varieties. Served in small iron skillets, it tastes better here than it does at home. 6602 Delmar, 314-863-6365, cheeseology.com. $
Colleen’s Cookies’ Caife Caife
Kids of all ages will love the plethora of creative cookies and sweets—and now savory tarts, scones, and soups—in the “spot under the dot” just outside of Clayton. 7337 Forsyth, 314-727-8427, colleenscookies.com. $
Crown Candy Kitchen
A corner shop to take you back to the days of penny candy, Crown Candy is a St. Louis treasure, known for its classic sandwiches and serves-two milkshakes and malts. Don’t leave without buying some molasses puffs or heavenly hash. 1401 St. Louis, 314-621-9650, crowncandykitchen.net. $–$$
Crushed Red Urban Bake & Chop Shop
Perhaps the notion of a fresh-chopped salad isn’t your child’s idea of nirvana, but the $5 cheese pizza will be. The kids will also cheer ordering at the counter. 8007 Maryland, 314-725-8007; 140 S. Kirkwood, 314-238-0100; crushed-red.com. $
The Cup
Your sweet tooth is definitely trying to tell you something: Get the kids a cupcake kit, with a baked cupcake, frosting, and coloring sheets. Kids. Love. Cupcakes. 28 Maryland Plaza Rear, 314-367-6111; 1057 Century, Edwardsville, Ill., 618-656-2287; 1590 Clarkson, Chesterfield, 636-536-2287; cravethecup.com. $
Cyrano’s
If it’s a great-tasting dessert you want, look no further than Cyrano’s. It’s famous for fun desserts, like the World’s Fair Éclair. 603 E. Lockwood, 314-963-3232, cyranos.com. $–$$
Dave & Tony’s Premium Burger Joint
Let your kids design their own gourmet burger, like one with a pretzel bun, smoked Gouda, a fried egg, and apple jam. Do not fear: A standard patty and bun are available, too. 12766 Olive, 314-439-5100, daveandtonys.com. $–$$
Farotto’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
A legendary St. Louis pizzeria, Farotto’s serves up a classic thin-crust pizza and toasted ravioli, plus Italian classics for grown-ups. 9525 Manchester, 314-962-0048, farottos.com. $$
Fitz’s
Parents and grandparents can wax nostalgic about root-beer floats and burgers topped with Kitchen Sauce. Kids can counter with modern classics like The Dreamboat (a float made with Fitz’s orange soda), as well as watch sodas being bottled. 6605 Delmar, 314-726-9555, fitzsrootbeer.com. $
Five Star Burgers
Five Star Burgers lays claim to many local firsts: custom-blended beef, a “flat-grill then flame-grill” cooking technique, and a soda fountain that features Maine Root sodas, all made the old-fashioned way, using cane sugar. 8125 Maryland, 314-720-4350; 312 S. Kirkwood, 314-394-2250; 5starburgersstl.com. $–$$
Fizzy’s Soda Fountain & Grill
First, tell your kids that “real sodas do not come in cans,” then take them here to prove it. There’s ice cream, hot dogs, and burgers in baskets, and Fizzy’s hosts birthday parties, too. 29 N. Gore, 314-395-4550, fizzyssodafountain.com. $
The Fountain on Locust
The Fountain is a little one’s dream restaurant, with an old-fashioned soda fountain, booths, and a menu that includes such treats as PB-and-banana sandwiches and the world’s smallest hot-fudge sundae. 3037 Locust, 314-535-7800, fountainonlocust.com. $
Fozzie’s Sandwich Emporium
Let the kids choose from more than 20 specialty sandwiches, from a veggie gyro to a Dog in a Blanket. Then take them outside, and eat beside the restaurant’s own herb-and-vegetable garden. 1170 S. Big Bend, 314-932-5414; 11656 Manchester, 314-909-4757; foodatfozzies.com. $
Goody Goody Diner
This has been a family operation since the ’50s, so it’s no wonder that the waitress looks like Aunt Helen and the fried chicken tastes like Mom’s. Way back when, the kids would yell “Goody, goody!” at the prospect of another visit, and the same holds true today. 5900 Natural Bridge, 314-383-3333, goodygoodydiner.com. $
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Often voted one of the best in St. Louis, this Mexican restaurant is great for the whole family, as well as a place where you can dine outdoors year-round. 9748 Manchester, 314-962-7100, haciendastl.com. $–$$
Hodak’s Restaurant
This chicken-lovers’ paradise provides a kid-friendly dining atmosphere and expands kids’ horizons beyond whatever part of the chicken a “nugget” might be. Hot dogs, burgers, and grilled cheese can also be found on the kids’ menu. 2100 Gravois, 314-776-7292, hodaks.com. $–$$
Jennifer’s Pharmacy & Soda Shoppe
The classic soda shop offers food and dessert choices sure to please both children and adults. The “flying monkey” catapulted across the counter with a slingshot will leave kids delighted. Say hi to Isabel and Maryruth. 30 N. Central, 314-862-7400, jenniferspharmacyandsodashoppe.com. $
Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Café
Jilly’s has yummy cupcakes that are as fun to see as they are to eat. Plus, try chef Dana Holland’s excellent selection of sandwiches and salads. 8509 Delmar, 314-993-5455, jillyscupcakebar.com.$
Jilly’s Ice Cream Bar
An experiment combining home-made ice cream with bits of cupcake spawned a full-time ice-cream shop this spring. There are 20 flavors, plus cones made from cupcake batter, and gluten-free ice creams are available. 608 N. McKnight, 314-993-5455, jillyscupcakebar.com. $
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta
You may remember the hoopla when Katie Lee, former proprietor of Katie’s Pizzeria Cafe, went on Kickstarter and raised $40,000 for her new restaurant, Katie’s Pizza & Pasta in Rock Hill. The effort worked, and the doors have opened on this hip, fun mecca of great food. Little ones have a choice of a 6-inch pizza or short noodles with either butter and cheese or marinara sauce. 9568 Manchester,314-942-6555, katiespizzaandpasta.com.$
Katie's Pizzeria Café
Your heirs may balk at the idea of artichoke-and-Gorgonzola ravioli, but never fear: Every pizza here can be made smaller. And of course, there are those Bambini pizzas. Need we say more? 6611 Clayton, 314-
727-8585, katiespizzacafe.com. $–$$
King Louie’s Empire Deli + Pizza Co.
At this downtown deli, all-natural Thumann’s meats get sliced to order (in the front window); the Works Bar has both standard and house-made condiments; and pizza comes in foldable slices as big as Junior’s noggin. Try a taste of New York in downtown St. Lou. 1131 Washington, 314-553-9999, empiredeliandpizza.com. $–$$
Mike Duffy’s Pub & Grill
A favorite of kids and adults alike, this bar and grill is as family-friendly as it gets. With special commendations for kids, it also serves a darn good cheeseburger. 124 W. Jefferson, 314-821-2025; 6662 Clayton, 314-644-3700; 1024 Woods Mill Plaza, Town & Country, 636-394-8855; mikeduffys.com. $–$$
Mimi’s Café
The St. Louis location of this French-inspired restaurant gives traditional kids’ fare a little je ne sais quoi (or at least lets parents have some), adding healthy alternatives like fruit on the side. 17240 Chesterfield Airport Rd., 636-530-4510, mimiscafe.com. $–$$
Mi Ranchito
Traditional Mexican dishes and an atmosphere perfect for the whole family, with a friendly staff, will help expand little taste buds. Try burritos and enchiladas, taquitos Mexicanos and carne asada, finished off with a great sopaipilla. 887 Kingsland, 314-863-1880. $–$$
Nachomama’s Tex-Mex
A bit of the borderland in Rock Hill, Nachomama’s ratchets up Mexican fare with better tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Be sure to sample the steak fajita tacos. There’s even a PB&J on tortillas. 9643 Manchester, 314-961-9110, nachomamas-stl.com. $
The Original Pancake House
The OPH may have the best pancakes in town, which may be the only reason needed to take your kids there. 8817 Ladue, 314-932-1340; 17000 Chesterfield Airport Rd., 636-536-4044; originalpancakehousestlouis.com. $–$$
The Pasta House Co.
Still can’t quite afford that long-awaited trip to Italy? Drown your sorrows with a delicious pasta at this St. Louis–area favorite, which offers a great family atmosphere. Remember, kids eat free (with restrictions) on Sundays. Multiple locations, 314-535-6644, pastahouse.com. $–$$
pastaria
Gerard Craft’s family-oriented Pastaria serves up house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and what may be the best gelato in the metro area. The 110-seat restaurant has a fairly informal “town hall” feel, and it doesn’t take reservations. Best bet: Call ahead to gauge the crowd. Centene Plaza, 7734 Forsyth, 314-862-6603, pastariastl.com. $$
Patrick’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
If you have a real little sports fan on your hands, the former Pujols 5 Westport Grill is the place to go. You’ll be greeted by memorabilia for all your favorite St. Louis teams. One child per adult eats free on Sundays. 342 Westport Plaza, 314-439-0505, patrickswestport.com. $–$$
Pi
Who knew math could be so delicious? Pi’s award-winning thick cornmeal crust has won over many a convert, but the thin crust is great, too. And don’t forget that the Kirkwood location has a milkshake bar. 6144 Delmar, 314-727-6633; 10935 Manchester, 314-966-8080; 400 N. Euclid, 314-367-4300; Mercantile Exchange, 610 Washington, 314-588-7600; 14870 Clayton, Chesterfield, 636-527-5070 (takeout only); restaurantpi.com. $–$$
P’sghetti’s Pasta and Sandwiches
If nothing else, the kids will definitely get the pronunciation right. Sure to satisfy any appetite, the family special will load you up with enough mostaccioli for a week. The restaurant’s signature bread is good enough to fight over. 10012 Manchester, 314-822-2345; 5540 S. Lindbergh, 314-849-5332; psghettis.com. $
Ronnies Indoor Drive-In
Grab a burger and fries, take a seat in the back of a converted classic car, and watch old movie trailers and snack-bar promos. It’s got all the fun of a drive-in—without the horn-honking. 5320 S. Lindbergh, 314-843-4336, wehrenberg.com/theaterDetail.asp?theatre=138. $
Saint Louis Bread Company
At this longtime local staple, every diner has a favorite item. You can’t beat the kids’ menu, which is full of whole grains, organic produce, and healthy sides. Multiple locations, 314-984-1000, panerabread.com.
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sweetart
Not only can you let your kids indulge in delectable desserts here, you can also expose them to the creations of artist and co-owner Cbabi Bayoc. His wife, Reine, oversees the kitchen. From vegan burgers to portobello tacos, your kids will never believe how good healthy food can taste. 2203 S. 39th, 314-771-4278, sweetartstl.com. $
Sweetology
Kara Newmark and DeAnn Bingaman just opened Sweetology, a decorate-your-own shop where kids can put their own spin on cookies, cupcakes, and cakes from The Cup—then eat them in-house, or take then home to yours. 9214 Clayton, 314-736-4800, sweetology.com. $
Winslow’s Home
The entire family will endorse this choice. Kids can dine on PB&J or grilled cheese, with a fresh-baked cookie for dessert, then start shopping for something wonderful to take home. Also, don’t forget: Fried chicken is served on Tuesday nights. 7213 Delmar, 314-725-7559, winslowshome.com. $$
Woofies
If you want to enjoy an old favorite, rather than something new, go for a regular hot dog or customize your own at Woofies. Attention, adults: A Chicago-style dog (or several) is mandatory. 1919 Woodson, 314-426-6291. $
Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro
This upscale restaurant treats children to a Euro-inspired touch of class. Be sure to stop by the toy box at the hostess stand before the kids enjoy their complimentary desserts. There is even a menu for kids age 2 and under that includes “naked noodles.” Expectant mothers get a reserved parking spot. 15601 Olive, 636-537-9991, eatpbj.com. $$$–$$$$
Zoup! Fresh Soup Company
You’ve walked the mall, and stomachs are growling—and not for grease. Go for some Zoup! If your persnickety eater declines soup, there are sandwiches, too. West County Center, 314-800-0414; 810 N. New Ballas, 314-792-6060; zoup.com. $
For more information, including which restaurants offer games, birthday desserts, coloring books, and more, pick up the spring/summer 2014 issue of St. Louis Family.
BY KIM AUBUCHON, CARRIE EDELSTEIN, GEORGE MAHE, CHRISTY MARSHALL, AND JOELLE SCHOENHERR
