What makes a restaurant truly kid-friendly? We’re talking patios built for play instead of cramped dining rooms; tables with views of planes, trains, and even parrots; and date-night spots thoughtful enough to offer a solid kids’ menu, too.
Whether the babysitter bailed or you’re planning a family outing that feels special for everyone, these Atlanta restaurants strike the right balance between grown-up flavor and kid-approved fun.
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill
This quirky Buckhead mainstay has long been known for late-night hours that are definitely past the kids’ bedtimes, but bring them in the morning for sandwiches, omelettes, and junior-sized smoothies from the kids’ menu–our favorite is the “Madonna” with kefir, banana, and vanilla. We’d also be remiss not to mention the mini-sanctuary of live tropical birds by the doors. 1812 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, rthomasdeluxegrill.net
Star Provisions
Located next to Michelin-starred Bacchanalia, Star Provisions is equal parts unpretentious and Instagram-worthy—a counter-service café and market stocked with artisanal jams, trendy tinned fish, and gourmet pantry finds. On a sandwich menu mostly fit for grown-up tastes—hello, yellowfin tuna—the fluffernutter stands out as a way to treat the little ones. Its peanut butter and marshmallow combo on griddled white bread brings to mind cafeteria lunchtimes of our youth. 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. NW, Atlanta, starprovisions.com
Orient Express
The train-loving kid in your family will love sitting inside a converted train car atop old railroad tracks at this Vinings restaurant. Each of the three themed rooms serve up different dishes from a long menu of Chinese, sushi, and hibachi-grilled favorites. And the koi pond out front beats a trip to the Georgia Aquarium for kids who are still too young to know the difference. 2921 Paces Ferry Rd. SE, Atlanta, orientexpressatl.com
Wood’s Chapel BBQ
Kids under 10 get to enjoy the traditional wood-fired greatness of Wood’s Chapel in their own way, with turkey, brisket, or pulled pork available over their choice of a grilled cheese or cheese quesadilla. They’re also sure to love the expansive outdoor patio and game room kitted out with shufflepuck and foosball. Plus, the restaurant’s prime location in Summerhill means after-dinner ice cream at Big Softie is just down the street. 85 Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta, woodschapelbbq.com
Pielands Sub and Slice
Parents come to Pielands, ostensibly, for the food, while kids make a beeline to its Pac-Man machine. When they’ve tired themselves out, they’ll love the restaurant’s best-selling Noni Pizza, a thin-crusted grandma-style pie with chunky housemade marinara sauce and freshly-pulled mozzarella cheese. 1021 Virginia Ave. NE, Atlanta, pielands.com
Chai Pani
It’s never too early to develop great taste, so start ‘em young at Michelin-recommended Chai Pani in Decatur. The Indian restaurant’s dedicated kids’ menu features smaller portions of their most-loved dishes, like uttapam with cheese and sweet yogurt, and a flaky mozzarella paratha. For dessert, share the gulab jamun—bite size dumplings soaked in a rose-cardamom syrup. 406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, chaipani.com
Sun in My Belly
This cozy Kirkwood diner is a neighborhood favorite for creative sandwiches and brunch staples. Lucky for the kids, they also get their own lineup of chicken tenders, grilled cheese, or classic PB&J—always served with Goldfish crackers, apple juice, and fruit. 2161 College Ave. NE, Atlanta, suninmybelly.com
Double Zero
Though this intimate Italian spot in Emory Village is great for date night, kids are always welcome to tag along, too. The kids’ menu of spaghetti, chicken alfredo, and pint-sized pizza lets them feel as sophisticated as the grown-ups, who get to enjoy elegant small plates and a killer cocktail list. 1577 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta, doublezeroatl.com
El Tesoro
The lines are always long at Edgewood’s beloved El Tesoro, making the patio space littered with toys and games perfect for antsy kids who need to let off some steam before eating. On warm days, playing under the restaurant’s string lights is sort of the main event—delicious Mexican food just a bonus. 1374 Arkwright Pl. SE, Atlanta, eltesoroatl.com
Downwind Restaurant and Lounge
Located inside the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, Downwind Restaurant is the dream of any aviation lover. Its upstairs position right above the runway provides the perfect vantage point for watching planes take off while digging into a mix of seafood, classic American fare, and Greek specialties. 2000 Airport Rd. #201, Atlanta
