Top family-friendly restaurants in St. Louis

9 Mile Garden

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. 

Amigos Cantina

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.

Amigo Joe’s

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. 6001 Southwest, 314-645-1995.

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 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; 4175 Shaw, 314-262-4000.

Billy G’s Kirkwood

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.

Blueberry Hill

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.

Boardwalk Waffles

Maplewood’s tiny ice cream and waffle shop moved into larger digs half a block away, which means more ice cream flavors, waffle cones and bowls, plus games, occasional live music, and colorful visuals. Multiple locations. 

The Boathouse–Forest Park

Reopening in February, this iconic gathering place for lunch, dinner, 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.

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 toasted ravs. There’s penny candy, too. 505 S. Hanley, 314-863-5695.

Carl’s Drive-In

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.

Chicken Out

The Sugarfire/Hi-Pointe group serves up fast-casual broasted chicken. Kids can order the Lil’ Peeps chicken strip meal; adults cluck about the spicy fried chicken sandwich. The murals are fun for all. 6197 Delmar, 314-384-1010; 10463 Manchester, 314-858-1021.

Colleen’s

Kids of all ages will love the assortment of creative cookies and sweets—and now eggs, sandwiches, bowls, and soups—in the “spot under the dot.” 7337 Forsyth, 314-727-8427. 

The Corner Pub & Grill

The fact that the kid's 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. 

Crown Candy Kitchen

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. 

Crushed Red

Perhaps the notion of a fresh-chopped salad isn’t your child’s idea of nirvana, but the $7 cheese pizza will be. The kids will also cheer ordering at the counter and having the pizza served within minutes. Multiple area locations.

Cyrano’s Café

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.

Dewey’s Pizza

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.

El Burro Loco

The colorful décor and mind-blowing array of Mexican pop icons alone are worth the trip. The namesake mural on one wall will be the, um, butt of many jokes. 313 N. Euclid, 314-224-5371; 1101 Lucas, 314-833-3211.

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.

Fitz’s

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

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 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.

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. 

Happy Joe's

A variety of pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches will keep the family happy. There's also a kid's menu featuring oven-baked spaghetti, small traditional pizzas, and a macaroni and cheese pizza. Don't forget ice cream for dessert. 905 Jungermann, St. Peters, 636-317-1134. 

Hodak’s Restaurant

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. 

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.

Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria

With modern interiors, sprawling patios, and fresh ingredients, both 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. 9568 Manchester, 314-942-6555; 14171 Clayton, 636-220-3238.

Kingside Diner

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.

Mike Duffy’s Pub and Grill

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.

Mission Taco Joint

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, Mission Taco is a great spot for a handcrafted cocktail. For kids, the Kirkwood location has an arcade. Multiple locations. 

Olive + Oak

After relocating to a larger space down the street, the popular Webster Groves spot continues to offer 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 nice restaurant experience. The kids’ menu is a clever color-on $8 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 Original Pancake House

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.

The Parkmoor

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.

Pastaria

Gerard Craft’s family-oriented Italian restaurant serves up house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and what might just be the best gelato around. The restaurant has an informal “town hall” feel. The popular eatery now takes reservations. 7734 Forsyth, 314-862-6603.

Pi Pizzeria

Who knew math could be so delicious? Pi’s thick cornmeal crust has won over many a convert, but the thin crust is great, too. Try the signature dessert: a cornmeal-crusted slice of apple “pi” a la mode. 400 N. Euclid, 314-367-4300.

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.

Pioneer Bakery Cafe

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 Kirkwood, 313-394-1677.

Rock & Brews

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.

Rooster

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.

Shack 

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 seven 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.  

The Soda Fountain

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.

Taco Buddha

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.    

Three Kings Public House

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. 

Urban Fort Play Café + Gather

Resembling a mini-children’s museum of sorts—replete with a tree fort, slides, train tables, and climbing walls—Urban Fort was a hit among children and parents. But the co-owners Megan King-Popp and Monica Croke wanted to expand the customer base, so they decided to open a sister café next door, Gather. Now, visitors with or without young children can relax in the quiet, airy café while sipping a Blueprint coffee, craft beer, or canned cocktail. 1854 Russell, 314-376-4235. 

Woofie’s

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. 

Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro

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. 

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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.