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.
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 to the pineapple-fueled Maui Wowee, 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 oysters on the half shell, prosciutto and date wood-fired pizza, a juicy wagyu burger, and the signature slow-cooked short rib, 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, chicken tenders, and macaroni and cheese. 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, littles can nosh on a pizza bagel 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, fried pork ribs, and a glass of wine or a margarita. A dedicated kids menu for 12 and under features items like grilled cheese, PB&J sandwich, and fried chicken tenders that come with complimentary cookies. 8217 Long Point Rd., Houston, TX, fegesbbq.com
The ‘401 Table and Tap
A neighborhood gem in Bellaire, the ‘401’s Mediterranean-inspired menu includes gyros, wood-stone pizzas, and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-friendly dishes like hot honey popcorn chicken and beef tenderloin fajita salad. 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
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 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, chicken breast strips, and spaghetti—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 from the adjacent Milk & Cookies walk-up window. Multiple locations, tinyboxwoods.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 and pitchers of frosé 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 or a classic soft-serve cone after their meal, and bask in the peaceful natural setting. 4400 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, betsysbellaire.com
Daily Gather
Like its sister concept, Dish Society, Daily Gather offers an elevated yet approachable dining experience. Think steak frites and burrata with citrus and avocado, and a kids’ “char-cute-rie” board 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
Long Weekend
A sprawling new Heights destination, Long Weekend was designed with families squarely in mind. The ranch-inspired restaurant pairs wood-fired comfort fare, like steaks, pizzas, and hearty Western plates, with one of the city’s most impressive kid-centric outdoor spaces. Parents can settle in with cocktails and dinner while little ones explore the fully fenced-in playground, wander along a small stream, or take in live music from the outdoor stage. With its relaxed indoor-outdoor layout and all-day café-to-dinner concept, Long Weekend makes for a true family hang. 2044 E. TC Jester Blvd., Houston, longweekendtx.com
Grace’s
A longtime Upper Kirby favorite from restaurateur Johnny Carrabba, Grace’s delivers Southern hospitality in a warm, homey setting that feels tailor-made for family dinners. The menu leans into made-from-scratch comfort dishes inspired by Carrabba’s grandmother—everything from hearty entrées to weekend brunch classics—served in a bungalow-style space. With generous portions, a lively atmosphere, and a menu that pleases grown-ups and younger diners alike, Grace’s remains a reliable choice for family meals in the heart of the city. 3111 Kirby Dr., Houston, gracesonkirby.com
Buttermilk Baby
At Buttermilk Baby at M-K-T Heights, nostalgia meets kid-approved comfort food. The candy-colored fast-casual diner channels the spirit of an old-school soda fountain, serving smashburgers and Carvel soft-serve ice cream. The playful design and sweet treats make it an instant hit among kiddos. 600 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, thebuttermilkbaby.com
The Pit Room – Memorial
The Pit Room’s Memorial location brings the beloved Houston barbecue brand to a larger, family-friendly setting with ample indoor seating and a covered patio. Known for Central Texas-style smoked meats—peppery brisket, house-made sausages, and ribs—the restaurant offers a relaxed counter-service format and even has a dessert counter where guests can create customizable ice cream sandwiches. 10301 Katy Fwy., Houston, thepitroombbq.com
Lankford’s – The Woodlands
A Houston burger legend since 1937, Lankford’s has long been a go-to for hearty comfort food—and its new Woodlands outpost continues that tradition with a family-friendly twist. The restaurant serves up the classic lineup of scratch-made burgers, fries, and milkshakes that made the original location famous, but the new Waterway spot adds playful extras like a dedicated milkshake bar and a self-serve beer wall for adults. 24 Waterway Ave., Ste. 160, The Woodlands, lankfordsburgers.com
