27 Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Austin, TX in 2024
Looking for fun, family-friendly restaurants in Austin? This city boasts a diverse population and a vibrant music scene, offering a wide range of options for food enthusiasts to explore its culture and cuisine. With plenty of activities and sights to enjoy, there's no shortage of family-friendly restaurants in Austin that make dining out with the whole family an exciting experience.
From classic American dishes to global culinary creations, Austin's food landscape has something for everyone. Here, we present 27 of the best family-friendly restaurants in Austin for you to enjoy with your loved ones.
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- Discover the Most Family-Friendly Restaurants in Austin
- The 27 Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in Austin
Discover the Most Family-Friendly Restaurants in Austin
Austin offers many options for diners to explore its rich culinary landscape. Food tours are a unique way to discover hidden gems within the city’s expansive food scene. The best part is that many of these tours are kid friendly, perfect for discovering family-friendly restaurants in Austin. Explore food tours in Austin to find what’s trending and plan your next adventure with your favorite people.
The 27 Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in Austin
1. Kerbey Lane Café
Find something for your picky eaters at Kerbey Lane Café. This family-friendly restaurant in Austin focuses on comfort foods made from scratch. It’s kid and parent-approved, and kids under 12 eat free all day.
The Vibe
The location is spacious with vast seating and plenty of large booths, perfect for big families. It has a playground for the littles to enjoy while parents indulge in great food.
What to Order
One popular dish for parents to enjoy at this family-friendly Austin restaurant is the chicken fried chicken platter. Children will love the pancakes from the kids menu.
Kerbey Lane Café | Multiple Location | $$
2. The Salt Lick
Another family-friendly restaurant in Austin that’s a great choice for families to visit is The Salt Lick. The simple, no-frills barbeque concept allows for a relaxed dining experience for parents who bring their children along for the fun.
The Vibe
Down to earth, fun and perfect to bring rambunctious small people. Prized as offering some of the best BBQ in Austin, this family-friendly Austin restaurant has live music playing and boasts a fun playground for kids to work off their meal.
What to Order
Guests love the Family Style Meal which comes with all-you-can-eat beef brisket, sausage, pork ribs, potato salad, coleslaw and beans.
The Salt Lick | Multiple Location | $$
3. Mama Betty's Tex-Mex y Cantina
A family-friendly restaurant in Austin ideal for an authentic Mexican dining experience is Mama Betty’s. It serves options for kid-friendly eats which makes it one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Austin to dine together.
The Vibe
Warm, welcoming and clean. There’s usually live music playing and guests can sit out on the patio while the kids play.
What to Order
The chicken tortilla soup and Nancy's enchiladas del mar are excellent choices that adults love. For the kids, Alaina’s grilled cheese and Carly’s al carbon fajitas are favored options.
Mama Betty’s Tex-Mex y Cantina | 9900 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 220, Austin, TX 78717 | $$
4. Rudy's Texas Bar-B-Q
A beloved barbeque chain in Texas is Rudy's Texas Bar-B-Q, complete with a playground, rock walls and a patio. This family-friendly restaurant in Austin is a go-to spot for families because of its finger-licking tasty menu and entertainment for kids.
The Vibe
When you walk into Rudy’s, you’ll smell the oak wood fire. Its atmosphere radiates a low-key ambiance. Guests describe it as a chill place to eat good food and enjoy good company, making it one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Austin.
What to Order
If you pop into this family-friendly restaurant in Austin, be sure to order the pulled pork. There’s a unanimous love for it among everyone who tastes it. Also, try the peach cobbler for dessert.
Rudy’s Texas Bar-B-Q | Multiple Locations | $$
5. Little Deli & Pizzeria
This locally owned joint is a great family-friendly restaurant in Austin. Breads are baked fresh and all the meat used is premium cut. Offering you the best of both worlds, Little Deli & Pizzeria prides itself on delivering some of the best sandwiches and pizza in town.
The Vibe
Guests describe this family-style deli as immaculately clean and simple. It’s a place you go to enjoy great food in a cozy environment with friendly service.
What to Order
Customer favorites at this family-friendly Austin restaurant include the Reuben sandwich and the white pizza. Kids love the pepperoni and cheese pizzas.
Little Deli & Pizzeria | Multiple Locations | $$
6. Ramen Tatsu-ya
Picky eaters will enjoy being playful with a big bowl of noodles from Ramen Tatsu-ya. Both chefs who own the place started as DJs in the Austin music scene and brought their love for cuisine together to bring Austin authentic Japanese dining.
The Vibe
This family-friendly restaurant in Austin is cozy but buzzing. Due to limited seating, it’s best to come during off hours if you want to score a booth. It’s beautifully decorated and the service is fast.
What to Order
The most popular bowls at this family-friendly restaurant in Austin are the miso hot and the classic tonkotsu. For the children, the pork dumplings are a great choice and for the picky eaters, ask for a half-bowl of plain ramen noodles.
Ramen Tatsu-ya | Multiple Locations | $$
7. Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar
When looking for a more upscale pick for family-friendly restaurants in Austin, Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar serves up elevated pub food and craft beer.
The Vibe
This popular family-friendly restaurant in Austin has a large interior, making it a comfortable place to bring the entire family. Its patio overlooks a large playscape and the walls are lined with large TVs so you can catch the next big game.
What to Order
Oasthouse makes the most delicious burgers. It also has an impressive $10 kids menu.
Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar | Multiple Locations | $$
8. Culinary Dropout
Don’t let the name fool you! Culinary Dropout is an exceptional family-friendly restaurant in Austin that delivers value, flavor and entertainment. Focused on bringing food, music and families together, this is a place to raise your glass and relax.
The Vibe
This family-friendly restaurant in Austin typically has live music playing and the ambiance feels playful and fun with indoor and outdoor seating.
What to Order
Some popular choices on the menu are the chicken Cobb salad and the delightful fish and chip platter. For the kids, try macaroni and cheese or chicken tenders.
Culinary Dropout | 11721 Rock Rose, Ste. 100 Austin, TX 78758 | $$
9. Mangieri's Pizza Café
Known around town for its thin-crust pizza, Mangieri’s Pizza Café is a family-friendly restaurant in Austin that parents love for the enclosed playground. Little people can run and play while parents dine.
The Vibe
This family-friendly restaurant in Austin has ample indoor seating, covered outdoor seating and a playground for kids to roam. It’s casual and laid back with quick and friendly service.
What to Order
The rave reviews at this family-friendly restaurant in Austin are about its lasagna and spinach dip. Kids love Mangieri’s chicken alfredo and the kid’s pizza.
Mangieri’s Pizza Café | 5900 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78749 | $$
10. Brentwood Social House
An exciting café and family-friendly restaurant in Austin, Brentwood Social House operates on counter service and features a room full of toys for the kids to play with while you enjoy coffee, pastries and conversation with loved ones.
The Vibe
Laid back and casual. It has a clean, country-house feel with several small rooms to work or study, a backyard pirate ship playscape and picnic benches outdoors, making it a great kid-friendly restaurant in Austin.
What to Order
A scrumptious breakfast option would be the spinach and feta quiche. Being one of the most family-friendly Austin restaurants, there is also a delectable selection of baked goods for the kids including croissants and blueberry tarts.
Brentwood Social House | 1601 W. Koenig Lane, Austin, TX 78756 | $$
11. Hank's
With an awesome $5 kids menu, Hank’s is an affordable option for those seeking family-friendly restaurants in Austin. They serve up comfort food and make everything fresh, in-house.
The Vibe
It strives to be a neighborhood restaurant where guests can stop and stay a while. The modern minimalist interior features floor-to-ceiling windows, communal seating and greenery. It also has a shaded patio and offers crayons for the kids to color.
What to Order
Make sure to try the pork schnitzel that comes with arugula, mac and cheese and mustard cream. Whilst there isn’t a dedicated kid's menu, kids will enjoy a bowl of mac and cheese or one of their tasty burger options.
Hank’s | 5811 Berkman Drive, Ste. 100 Austin, TX 78723 | $$
12. Central Market
A cross between a grocery store and a diner, Central Market is described as a hidden gem and culinary adventure. On Tuesday, kids eat free and every day is playday on the impressive playscape.
The Vibe
This family-friendly restaurant in Austin is a wonderful place to explore the freshest Austin foods that typically can’t be found everywhere. It’s usually busy, with live music and kids laughing and going crazy on their playground.
What to Order
Fans love the Margherita pizza and the blackberry gelato. If you’re craving something sweet to go with your coffee, try the tiramisu.
Central Market | 4001 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756 | $$
13. Hat Creek Burger Company
A local post-soccer dinner spot that has been a beloved family-friendly restaurant near Austin since 2008 is Hat Creek Burger Company, serving up the best burgers in town with a side of community and connection.
The Vibe
This spot dedicates itself to being a place where families put away their devices and enjoy each other's company. This bustling kid-friendly restaurant in Austin has a large screened patio that overlooks a gigantic playscape where kids can be kids.
What to Order
Once you taste one burger, you’ll want to try all of them! Favorites at this family-friendly Austin restaurant include the grilled chicken sandwich and the Big Hat burger. Kids will enjoy tasting the crispy chicken nuggets and the Little Hat burger.
Hat Creek Burger Company | Multiple Locations | $$
14. Sour Duck Market
A bakery, burger joint and beer garden, Sour Duck Market has a simple kids menu and a playground. All the ingredients used are locally sourced from farmers and meats are smoked daily.
The Vibe
This family-friendly restaurant in Austin boasts ample indoor and outdoor seating with mist fans outside to keep everyone cool. It also has a great playlist for background music playing at a comfortable level.
What to Order
Fans have many good things to say about the flavor and the messiness of the waygu smash burger. From the kid's menu, choose a breakfast taco, quesadilla or cheeseburger.
Sour Duck Market | 1814 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Austin, TX 78702 | $$
15. Chuy’s
For the best Tex-Mex in town, visit Chuy’s. This family-friendly restaurant in Austin made the town famous for delicious Tex-Mex food in 1982. With multiple locations, this chain focuses on spreading love and giving back to the community.
The Vibe
This spot promises not to take anything seriously — except the food! Each restaurant has a fun, eclectic atmosphere with colorful decor that kids will admire. Decorated according to the communities they serve, the Austin location is decked-out Elvis style!
What to Order
The Fat Daddy flautas and the Chuychanga are some popular house specialties.
Chuy’s | Multiple Locations | $$
16. Cidercade
This family-friendly restaurant in Austin doubles as an arcade and a place for families to eat, let loose and have a blast together. With over 150 arcade games and unlimited plays, Cidercade has everything for everyone.
The Vibe
Loud and energizing with a retro-vintage vibe, tons of seating and an outdoor patio where you can view the boardwalk and river. This is your spot if you want fun things to do in Austin.
What to Order
Try the smoked Buffalo wings if you’re craving some spice. Your kids will be busy with sensory overload, so a cheese pizza they can quickly bite into is perfect.
Cidercade | 600 E. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704 | $$
17. Fresa's
A popular place to bring kids for authentic Mexican fare is Fresa's, one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Austin thanks to its large playground and chalkboard walk.
The Vibe
This family-friendly restaurant in Austin has a gentle ambiance with substantial indoor seating, soft lighting and beautiful outdoor seating graced with oak trees.
What to Order
Some popular dishes at this family-friendly restaurant in Austin include the ahi tuna tostada, shrimp tacos and grilled chicken. Kids can choose between tacos, queso or a quesadilla.
Fresa’s | Multiple Locations | $$
18. Phil's Icehouse
Started as a popular ice cream shop, Phil's Icehouse is a gathering spot for family and friends. Today, it also offers yummy hamburgers, hot dogs and pub food, and even has a playscape, hopscotch, shuffleboard, movies, music and more.
The Vibe
Phil’s is a phenomenal family-friendly restaurant near Austin for a laid-back evening. It has a shaded patio with a playground and a parent recess that includes discounts on draft beer between 3 P.M. and 5:30 P.M.
What to Order
If you’re hungry, try the Brentwood burger. It comes loaded so be wary — it's for strong appetites. The kids will love the corn dog with fries.
Phil’s Icehouse | Multiple Locations | $
19. Doc’s Backyard Grill
A frequented neighborhood bar and grill, Doc’s Backyard Grill features one of the largest selections of Texas beers, daily specials and signature cocktails for parents.
The Vibe
This family-friendly restaurant in Austin has a fun and casual vibe with an old campground feel and a huge playground for the kids to run around and play.
What to Order
The fish and chips come perfectly battered and cooked to a delicious crispiness and the nachos are loaded and loved dearly.
Doc’s Backyard Grill | 5207 Brodie Lane, Ste. 100, Sunset Valley, TX 78745 | $$
20. Mandola’s
Parents can’t go wrong with pasta, which is why families often visit Mandola’s. This family-friendly restaurant near Austin began 40 years ago and prides itself on providing warm Italian hospitality.
The Vibe
Mandola’s is warm and inviting for intimate family outings. It has a large patio that overlooks a playground where the kids can play while parents wait for their food.
What to Order
Try the Caesar salad and chicken focaccia sandwich. Children 12 and under will love the cheese ravioli and the spaghetti with meatballs.
Mandola’s | Multiple Locations | $$
21. La Barbecue
For the best brisket and one of the most kid-friendly restaurants in Austin, head to La Barbecue. They source beef from a local farm, hormone-free and you’ll taste the difference.
The Vibe
The experience at La Barbecue is unique. One party goes in at a time, and the chefs team builds your platter in front of you. The line typically moves fast, so you won’t wait too long.
What to Order
The pork ribs are a must-try for flavorful, fall-off-the-bone goodness. Kids will appreciate these just as much as the parents!
La Barbecue | 2401 E. Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78702 | $$
22. Meanwhile
Essentially a large brewery and taproom, Meanwhile serves as a family-friendly restaurant in Austin because of its outdoor eating, large space for running and play and food trucks with a selection of options for the whole crowd.
The Vibe
Meanwhile has a soccer field, outdoor stage and private events venue so it’s a great spot to host birthday parties and get-togethers.
What to Order
At Meanwhile, you can choose from a selection of offerings from food trucks. Kids can enjoy the ice cream while parents sip on craft beer and cocktails like the frosé and spicy margarita.
Meanwhile | 3901 Promontory Point Drive, Austin, TX 78744 | $$
23. Littlefield's Tacos + Coffee
A food truck park that was specifically designed with little ones in mind, Littlefield’s Tacos + Coffee features a safe enclosure around the park and an eating area. The two trucks serve up tasty tacos and coffee.
The Vibe
When looking for fun restaurants in Austin, this is your spot. It has a shaded cover over the picnic and play area that’s lined with white picnic tables. It’s all fenced-in with small play structures for the tiny ones.
What to Order
Order the breakfast taco or the sausage and cheese biscuit to start their day. If you want something closer to lunch, try the El Tradicional.
Littlefield’s Tacos + Coffee | 2401 Winsted Lane, Austin, TX 78722 | $
24. Saddle Up
Serving beer, coffee and pastries, Saddle Up is a family-friendly restaurant in Austin with a gigantic backyard for kids to be silly and play.
The Vibe
Saddle Up has a slight diner feel — quaint and clean. It sports fun décor and lots of seating including picnic tables outside and super-friendly baristas.
What to Order
Guests claim that the kolaches are delightful. The team also makes the most amazing micheladas so be sure to try one.
Saddle Up | 1309 Rosewood Ave., Austin, TX 78702 | $
25. Radio Coffee & Beer
Another food truck park that serves as a family-friendly restaurant in Austin is Radio Coffee & Beer. It hosts live music events and everything is ordered online, so make sure you have your phone.
The Vibe
This establishment has some indoor seating as well as a large outdoor seating area that’s well-lit at night and shaded with trees during the day. It also allows dogs, perfect for family members with four legs!
What to Order
Stop by for a delicious latte with a cinnamon roll muffin. You won’t be disappointed!
Radio Coffee & Beer | 4204 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78704 | $
26. Cosmic Coffee And Beer Garden
This family-friendly restaurant in Austin is focused on maintaining a space where guests can relax and be enriched by connection, natural environments and warm hospitality. Similar to other beer gardens, Cosmic Coffee And Beer Garden has three food trucks outside for guests to indulge.
The Vibe
Patrons call it a hidden little gem where you can relax for an earthy evening. Its outdoor garden is beautiful with ample seating, waterfalls and greenery.
What to Order
If you’re a matcha fan, the one at Cosmic is highly recommended. The boozy coffee is also a customer favorite.
Cosmic | 121 Pickle Road, Ste. 111 Austin, TX 78704 | $$
27. ABGB.
A family-friendly restaurant in Austin serving some of the best pizza in the city, ABGB is a fun brewpub that’s kid-friendly. It’s nationally recognized as one of the best large brewpubs in the country and has live music on weekends.
The Vibe
Loud, energetic and perfect for families, this beer garden also loves to invite dogs for the fun. There’s ample indoor and outdoor seating with oak trees allowing for shade.
What to Order
Patron favorites include the pulled pork sliders and of course, all pizzas on the menu.
ABGB | 1305 W. Oltorf St., Austin, TX 78704 | $$
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The general vibe you’ll feel when exploring family-friendly restaurants in Austin is welcoming, warm and down-to-earth. Known as the music capital, you can always find somewhere to go in Austin that celebrates the togetherness that music brings. Add to this an array of spots in which to gather around the table, sharing common interests, meaningful conversations and of course, food, and a visit to one of Austin’s family-friendly restaurants is a must.
For even more ways to explore Austin and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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