Located in Affton, the state’s first food truck park features different food trucks at lunch and dinner, plus live music and outdoor movie screenings. In the winter, the garden closes, but The Canteen, a drafthouse, remains open. 9375 Gravois, 314-390-2806.
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The usual Mexican offerings, including excellent fajitas, are crowd pleasers for everyone. Parents will enjoy a trip here because it’s one of the best margarita spots in town. Sit on the rear patio. 120 W. Jefferson, 314-821-0877.
AJ’s is the only Mexican restaurant we know of that’s just as known for its broasted fried chicken (habanero-brined or regular) as its shrimp dishes, margaritas, and superior chips and salsa. Fried chicken and tacos? That’s a win-win for the kiddos. 5901 Southwest, 314-645-1995.
There’s no way to get bored at Baileys’. You can watch the burgers get made and the ketchup, pickles, and burger buns put in place. Add to that 22 flavors of ice cream and sorbet, and it’s the best-tasting show in town. 4175 Shaw, 314-262-4000.
It looks like the Taos Pueblo outside. Inside are burgers the size of your head, barbecue, pizzas, and nachos. For parents, the bar is comfy, and the terrace is spacious, with attractive fire pits. 131 W. Argonne, 314-984-8000.
If you thought Billy G’s was a family-ready eatery, check out this iteration of the local favorite. A diner on steroids, over-the-top and classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner options include dreamy shakes, craveable pancakes, and smash burgers, all set to a colorful and eclectic atmosphere. 1772 Clarkson, Chesterfield. 636-778-9120.
There’s plenty to keep kids busy at this St. Louis landmark. They can play games (including those embedded in the tabletops), or maybe they’d rather just gawk at the décor. 6504 Delmar, 314-727-4444.
Temporarily closed for renovations
This iconic gathering place for lunch and brunch overlooks Forest Park’s Post-Dispatch Lake. Kids can feed the fish and ducks, and the sprawling patio is pet-friendly. The menu features favorites from Cyrano’s, Hi-Pointe Drive-In, and Sugarfire Smoke House. 6101 Government, 314-367-2224.
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 toasted ravs. There’s penny candy, too. 505 S. Hanley, 314-863-5695.
Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar
What better way to treat your little Cardinals fan than by visiting Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar? Located in Ballpark Village, this casual eatery is open year-round and hosts Family Night every Wednesday during the Major League Baseball offseason. Kids eat free per each adult meal purchased during Family Night, and they can even meet Fredbird on select nights leading up to the season opener. 601 Clark, 314-345-9880.
Nothing screams hamburger stand louder 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 a drumstick. 9033 Manchester, 314-961-9652.
The Sugarfire/Hi-Pointe group serves up fast-casual broasted chicken inside Enterprise Center. Kids can order the Lil’ Peeps chicken strip meal; adults cluck about the spicy fried chicken sandwich. The murals are fun for all. 1401 Clark.
Give your chicken nugget fanatic an elevated option at Chicken Scratch. With locations in Glendale and City Foundry, this eatery features unbeatable fried and rotisserie chicken dishes. 3730 Forest Park, City Foundry. 9900 Manchester, Glendale.
Kids of all ages will love the assortment of creative cookies and sweets—not to mention eggs, sandwiches, bowls, and soups—in the “spot under the dot.” 7337 Forsyth, 314-727-8427.
READ MORE: St. Louis spots where kids eat for free
The fact that the kids’ menu (including fish sticks and chicken rings) is placed directly across from the side dishes (fries, more fries, chips, tots, more tots, onion rings, coleslaw, veggies) was likely by design. Of note is that the Corner has one of the most extensive gluten-free menus in town. Three metro area locations.
A corner shop to take you back to the good old days, Crown Candy is a St. Louis treasure, known for its chocolate candy, 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.
Perhaps the notion of a fresh-chopped salad isn’t your child’s idea of nirvana, but the $8 cheese pizza will be. The kids will also cheer ordering at the counter and having the pizza served within minutes. Multiple area locations.
If it’s a great-tasting dessert you want, look no further than Cyrano’s. It’s famous for fun desserts, like the legendary, bet-you-can’t-finish-it Cleopatra. 603 E. Lockwood, 314-963-3232.
Kids order their pizza and then watch it being tossed, topped, and baked while the adults look on from a distance, sipping pints. Multiple locations.
Play and dine at Dogwood Social House, an interactive arcade bar and entertainment destination offering bowling, darts, axe-throwing, and a full menu of casual favorite dishes. Not to mention, on Wednesdays, kids eat free when you buy a $10 game card. Multiple locations.
Located in Belleville, Illinois, Eckert’s Country Restaurant is a longstanding favorite known for its savory and satisfying menu. Whether you’re visiting to pick apples, attend a seasonal event, or simply grab a meal, bring your young ones out on Thursdays, when they can eat for free with the purchase of an adult entree. 951 S Green Mt, 618-233-0513.
Farotto’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
A legendary St. Louis pizzeria, Farotto’s serves up a thin-crust pizza and toasted ravioli, plus Italian classics for grown-ups. 9525 Manchester, 314-962-0048.
Wax nostalgic about root beer floats and burgers topped with Kitchen Sauce. Kids can counter with items such as the Big Bird (a float made with Fitz’s Cardinal Cream soda), as well as watch sodas being bottled. 6605 Delmar, 314-726-9555; 5244 S. Lindbergh, 314-626-1777.
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. 8125 Maryland, 314-720-4350.
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.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Adults prefer the signature spicy chicken, whereas kids gravitate toward the less spicy chicken fingers. The kids’ menu also offers wings, legs, and grilled cheese. 7434 Manchester, 314-899-9899.
READ MORE: 5 early-morning dining spots for parents in St. Louis
This local chain has become the go-to spot for shakes and burgers. The Kirkwood location boasts a petite play camper, and The District location offers parents the ability to grab a beer at 4 Hands Brewing at the same time as their kids nosh. Multiple locations.
This chicken lover’s 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.
Honey Bee’s Biscuits and Good Eats
A longtime favorite at the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market, this downtown Kirkwood brick-and-mortar was highly anticipated, and for good reason. Honey-glazed, maple bacon, and chocolate chip biscuits are the stunner here, as well as a variety of biscuit and gravy options. 200 N. Kirkwood, Kirkwood. 314-650-0762.
With its low-cost, modern furniture, varied decorations, and countless useful accessories, this Swedish superstore is a phenomenon for a reason. While it’s an excellent experience for young ones, thanks to its winding layout filled featuring life-size galleries, IKEA also features a cafeteria in its bottom level where you can receive not one but two kids’ entrees on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult entree. 1 Ikea Way, 888-888-4532.
Jilly’s Cupcake Bar, Café, & Ice Cream Bar
Jilly’s crazy array of award-winning cupcakes, featured on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, come in regular and mini sizes. There are also soups, salads, sandwiches, a kids’ menu, and a homemade ice cream bar inspired by cupcake flavors. 8509 Delmar, 314-993-5455.
With modern interiors, sprawling patios, and fresh ingredients, all Katie’s locations are undeniably hip and family-friendly. The kids’ menu includes 7-inch pizzas and generous portions of pasta. And to keep tykes entertained, Katie’s offers balls of dough. Bonus: The popular restaurant now offers frozen pies with elevated ingredients, and its Ballpark Village location is the perfect place to grab a bite with the fam before a Cards game. 9568 Manchester, 314-942-6555; 14171 Clayton, 636-220-3238; 751 Clark, Ballpark Village, 314-942-2416.
From the owners of Herbie’s, this chess-themed diner is several steps above other spots. The second-floor terrace is the best perch for enjoying blue-plate specials, breakfast, or a double griddle burger with cheese fries. 236 N. Euclid, 314-454-3957; 8025 Bonhomme, 314-230-9020.
Chesterfield’s popular entertainment hot spot, Main Event, keeps families coming back for more thanks to its Kids Eat Free event every Tuesday. To enjoy a full night of laser tag, virtual reality, mini golf, and other fun at the destination, just order something from the menu at $11.99 or more. 17027 N Outer 40, 636-536-9999.
Duffy’s is a classic neighborhood sports bar, with sandwiches, wings, pizza, and TVs everywhere. Myriad burger varieties are available on the “Burger Heaven” menu. Multiple locations.
The specialties are house-made corn tortillas and authentic Mexican street food reminiscent of the offerings in San Francisco’s Mission District. Carne asada fries and brisket birria are also notable. For parents, Session Taco is a great spot for a handcrafted cocktail. For kids, the Kirkwood location has an arcade. Multiple locations.
The popular Webster Groves spot offers a constantly changing menu of light snacks and full meals, including the perfect butterscotch pot de crème, as well as inventive mixed drinks. Make this the kiddos’ first fancy restaurant experience. The kids’ menu is a clever color-on $10 prix-fixe with lots of choices. Or, for a more relaxed vibe, visit neighboring Perennial on Lockwood (216 W Lockwood, Unit B, 314-682-3823) where Mom and Dad can enjoy beer brewed on site and Junior will be happy with the kids’ menu. 216 W. Lockwood, 314-736-1370.
The OPH might have the best pancakes in town, which is the only reason needed to take your kids there. 8817 Ladue, 314-932-1340; 17000 Chesterfield Airport, 636-536-4044.
Reimagined in Webster Groves, the iconic restaurant serves up kids’ favorites such as burgers, grilled cheese, and 55 flavors of Sno-Balls. 220 W. Lockwood, 314-938-5554.
A St. Louis institution since 1974, The Pasta House offers iconic Italian dishes paired with a family-friendly atmosphere, with favorites including manicotti, chicken parmigiano, and roast beef. Even better, kids under 12 eat free on Sundays, making it an ideal restaurant pick to start the upcoming week off right. Multiple locations.
Join the Pastaria Kids Club the next time you’re out for dinner, and your little diner will get a Pastaria swag bag, a free kids meal on their birthday (we recommend the creamy mac and cheese), and a wooden gelato coin to exchange for their choice of a kid’s gelato scoop or birthday cake at the end of their meal. In other excellent pasta-related news, during Family Happy Hour, which is every day between 4–5:30 p.m., kids meals are half-off with the purchase of adult entree. 7734 Forsyth, 314-773-7755.
P’sghetti’s Pasta and Sandwiches
If nothing else, the kids will 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. Join the Kids’ Birthday eClub for special deals. Multiple locations.
The simple, yet interesting cafe menu will appeal to taste buds of all ages. It helps, too, that there are several items geared toward (and portioned for) children under 12 years old, including the chicken rings, the egg, bacon and toast plate, the turkey and cheese sandwich, macaroni and cheese, and the grilled cheese sandwich. 210 N Kirkwood, 313-394-1677.
The rock ‘n’ roll–themed restaurant serves scratch-made American fare. The dog-friendly, 120-seat conservatory includes a play area for kids. 17258 Chesterfield Airport, 636-536-2739.
When the forecast is sunny with a side of warm, head over to Francis Park for wood-fired pizza, beer (for the adults), and park play time all in one fun area. The garden hosts seasonal markets and festivities, but make sure to check its social media pages before you head out for possible weather-related closures. 5300 Donovan, Francis Park, 314-788-4849.
At the South Grand location, enjoy breakfast, lunch, and brunch either in a unique three-tiered dining room (featuring rooster art from a third-grade class) or on a large patio with picnic tables. 1025 Washington, 314-241-8118; 3150 S. Grand, 314-772-3447; 176 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, 314-557-5557.
St. Louis-style barbecue is always a good idea, especially with a kids’ menu that matches the adult-friendly options. Kids will adore the sandwiches and burgers made for smaller hands, as well as the can’t-miss heavenly white cracker mac. Multiple locations.
Kids (and their parents) “Sharpie-ing” their names on the walls, kids (and their parents) traipsing around the restaurant with paper crowns on their heads, non-alcoholic cereal shakes that kids (and their parents) enjoy equally… It’s all great fun at the breakfast and lunch place that’s been a SLM A-List Reader’s Choice winner for several years running. (By the way, the food is fabulous, the menu’s a hoot, and the gluten-free options are extensive.) Five metro area locations.
There are enough ice cream, fudge, and sprinkles here to sugar-jack an entire elementary school. Griddled burgers, tuna melts, and other sandwiches make for a post-wheel repast. 201 S. 18th, 314-923-3939.
This local favorite deserves to be at the top of your hot dog tour of St. Louis. With a pop-up location even inside of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, you can bet kids will go crazy for their hot dog and fries selections. Better yet, every Monday, kids can eat for just $2.99. Multiple locations.
For more than 40 years, Syberg’s has treated locals and visitors alike to bar bites like its famous wings, St. Louis-style pizza, and seafood. From 5–8 p.m. every Thursday, enjoy Family Night with a special Kids Eat Free promotion. And, with plenty of locations throughout the metro area, you’ll have no shortage of options from which to choose in order to be home by bed time. Multiple locations.
The chef-driven menu is small but focused, with tacos, apps, quesadillas, sides, and muchas bebidas. All items are gluten-free except the flour tortillas. Guests can experience the fun at a discount on Taco Tuesdays. 7405 Pershing, 314-502-9951. 11111 Manchester, 314-502-9951.
The menu includes upscale pub grub for the family. Children can also pick from a kid’s menu featuring chicken strips, butter pasta, grilled cheese, and more. Multiple locations.
Treehouse’s acclaimed vegetarian and vegan dishes feature a range of global favors. An assortment of snacks and shareables a great for the table, ranging from krab rangoon to queso fundido, while familiar and fusion entrees are crowd-pleasers, and specialty cocktails are an added bonus for the parents. 3177 S Grand, 314-696-2100.
Delectable Mediterranean favorites of falafel, tabbouleh, shawarma and more join menu items with unique fusion touches, like Lebanese Nachos and housemade fries with Mediterranean spices. The fresh juice bar and dessert options (with a baklava to remember) complete the meal. 3171 S Grand, 314-776-0991.
If you want to enjoy an old favorite, go for a regular hot dog or customize your own at Woofie’s. Attention, adults: A Chicago-style dog (or several) is mandatory. 1919 Woodson, 314-426-6291.
Located near Faust Park, this upscale restaurant treats kids to a Euro-inspired touch of class. Stop by the toy box at the hostess stand before the kids dig into their complimentary desserts. 15601 Olive, 636-537-9991.
Call ahead, or check social media to confirm current service methods and hours of operation. Restaurants in these listings are chosen by the editorial staff on the basis of family-friendliness. The magazine accepts no advertising or other consideration in exchange for listings.
