Kid Friendly Restaurants
Here is a great list of Family Friendly Restaurants other than the typical fast food joints, that offer great amenities for the kiddos. If you've got any additions, opinions, remarks or other suggestions, please let me know.
Beefy’s Backyard: 25900 US Highway 281 N, San Antonio (830) 980-7002
www.beefysburger.com
Their website appears to be down. Here's Beefy's Facebook Page.
What’s great about it? If you are a true Texan, Beefy's Backyard is what you are looking for. It’s the perfect place to kick-back, listen to live music, have some great food and a safe place for the kids to run around. The inside has the rustic feel of an old Texas house that we love. As their name says, Beefy’s has a huge backyard! There is a huge covered wooden deck with plenty of tables then down in the lawn even more covered picnic tables. All surrounded by a huge open grassy area for the kids to burn off some steam including a big playscape.
Beto's Comida Latina: 8412 Broadway (210) 930-9393
http://betosinfo.com
What’s great about it? A few steps behind the inside dining area, the restaurant opens up into an outside patio, with rows of picnic tables and a jungle gym with plenty of room to climb and play. Weekday evenings from 3-6 p.m., families get a free "Betito's Meal" (main item with chips, carrot sticks, gelatin and a soft drink) with each purchase of an adult meal. Friday nights bring live music.
Big’z Burger Joint: 2303 N. Loop 1604 W. between Huebner and Bitters (210) 408-2029
http://bigz-burgerjoint.com
What’s great about it? We’ve been going to Big’z since they first opened a few years ago. Not to mention this is one of our favorite places. Big’z has outstanding burgers and the playground is amazing. It is an enclosed area with padded turf in every square inch for the little ones to run around. There is giant chalk board and plenty of soccer and footballs around. Grown-Ups can relax on one of the several decks and kick back and watch the kiddos while having a cool beverage.
Clear Springs Restaurant: 606 W. Afton Oaks Blvd. (210) 403-3474 or in New Braunfels: 1692 Hwy. 46 South (830) 629-3775
http://www.clearspringscafe.com
We need to make a trip to check it out again. It’s been quite some time since we were there last.
The Cove: 606 W. Cypress St. (210) 227-2683
http://thecove.us
What’s great about it? The Cove is a one of a kind place. They have a laundrymat, carwash, restaurant, and icecream parlor all on the same property. They offer indoor and outdoor dining, all smoke-free. There's also seating near the large playscape area, which allows parents to keep an eye on their kids while they are still within earshot of the live music inside most nights.
Double Dave’s Pizzaworks: Several locations. We’ve been to the Stone Oak location several times and love it. 19186 Blanco Road #103 (210) 932-DAVE (3283)
http://www.doubledaves.com
What’s great about it? The Daily Buffet! Which runs 11am-2pm & 5:30-9pm everyday. This location has a large game area and a nice deck out back. It used to have a decent sized sand box but we’re not sure if it’s still there. Overall, it’s a great place for great pizza, salads, pasta and a good time for the kids.
Joe’s Crab Shack 255 E. Basse Rd. #1400 (210) 930-1736
I know there’s several other locations around. We’ve only been to the Basse location and know that they have a great playscape. We'll run by soon and give an update. Let us know about the other locations if you’ve been.
http://www.joescrabshack.com
www.beefysburger.com
Their website appears to be down. Here's Beefy's Facebook Page.
What’s great about it? If you are a true Texan, Beefy's Backyard is what you are looking for. It’s the perfect place to kick-back, listen to live music, have some great food and a safe place for the kids to run around. The inside has the rustic feel of an old Texas house that we love. As their name says, Beefy’s has a huge backyard! There is a huge covered wooden deck with plenty of tables then down in the lawn even more covered picnic tables. All surrounded by a huge open grassy area for the kids to burn off some steam including a big playscape.
Beto's Comida Latina: 8412 Broadway (210) 930-9393
http://betosinfo.com
What’s great about it? A few steps behind the inside dining area, the restaurant opens up into an outside patio, with rows of picnic tables and a jungle gym with plenty of room to climb and play. Weekday evenings from 3-6 p.m., families get a free "Betito's Meal" (main item with chips, carrot sticks, gelatin and a soft drink) with each purchase of an adult meal. Friday nights bring live music.
Big’z Burger Joint: 2303 N. Loop 1604 W. between Huebner and Bitters (210) 408-2029
http://bigz-burgerjoint.com
What’s great about it? We’ve been going to Big’z since they first opened a few years ago. Not to mention this is one of our favorite places. Big’z has outstanding burgers and the playground is amazing. It is an enclosed area with padded turf in every square inch for the little ones to run around. There is giant chalk board and plenty of soccer and footballs around. Grown-Ups can relax on one of the several decks and kick back and watch the kiddos while having a cool beverage.
Clear Springs Restaurant: 606 W. Afton Oaks Blvd. (210) 403-3474 or in New Braunfels: 1692 Hwy. 46 South (830) 629-3775
http://www.clearspringscafe.com
We need to make a trip to check it out again. It’s been quite some time since we were there last.
The Cove: 606 W. Cypress St. (210) 227-2683
http://thecove.us
What’s great about it? The Cove is a one of a kind place. They have a laundrymat, carwash, restaurant, and icecream parlor all on the same property. They offer indoor and outdoor dining, all smoke-free. There's also seating near the large playscape area, which allows parents to keep an eye on their kids while they are still within earshot of the live music inside most nights.
Double Dave’s Pizzaworks: Several locations. We’ve been to the Stone Oak location several times and love it. 19186 Blanco Road #103 (210) 932-DAVE (3283)
http://www.doubledaves.com
What’s great about it? The Daily Buffet! Which runs 11am-2pm & 5:30-9pm everyday. This location has a large game area and a nice deck out back. It used to have a decent sized sand box but we’re not sure if it’s still there. Overall, it’s a great place for great pizza, salads, pasta and a good time for the kids.
Joe’s Crab Shack 255 E. Basse Rd. #1400 (210) 930-1736
I know there’s several other locations around. We’ve only been to the Basse location and know that they have a great playscape. We'll run by soon and give an update. Let us know about the other locations if you’ve been.
http://www.joescrabshack.com
Longhorn Café: The Original Location: 17625 Blanco Rd Ste 1 (210) 492-0301 & 23775 W. IH-10 (210) 698-7766 Plus 3 Other locations but we’re not sure how kid friendly they are.
http://www.thelonghorncafe.com
What’s great about it? We just love Longhorn Café! The original location on Blanco is great. There is both inside and outside seating. The outside area has plenty of picnic tables and a great playscape for the kids to climb on. The location on IH-10 has a great Texas feel to it and is decorated as such. There is a very small outside area out back but, also a great game room. There is also often a balloonist roaming around to make the kids some great balloon animals. As for the food, it’s all great. We’ve had their burgers for as long as we can remember.
http://www.thelonghorncafe.com
What’s great about it? We just love Longhorn Café! The original location on Blanco is great. There is both inside and outside seating. The outside area has plenty of picnic tables and a great playscape for the kids to climb on. The location on IH-10 has a great Texas feel to it and is decorated as such. There is a very small outside area out back but, also a great game room. There is also often a balloonist roaming around to make the kids some great balloon animals. As for the food, it’s all great. We’ve had their burgers for as long as we can remember.
MoMak's Backyard Malts & Burgers: 13838 Jones Maltsberger Road (210) 481-3600
http://www.momaks.com
What’s great about it? It's no accident that MoMak's has made the winner's list from both readers and critics as best kid-friendly restaurant in the Express-News Readers' Choice poll. An 8,000-square-foot fenced-in and secured sports field covered in artificial turf and a 14 foot treehouse are big draws here, as are the mini burgers, which are perfect for kid-size appetites. Soccer is big here and if you don't bring a ball with you, MoMak's will loan you one. By the way, ever wonder about the name? Owners Cheryl and John Warlow combined their daughters' names, Morgan and Makenzie, to come up with MoMak's.
The Rainforest Café: 110 E. Crockett St., (210) 277-6300
http://www.rainforestcafe.com
What’s great about it? The Rainforest Café is located on one of the busiest sections of the River Walk, is arguably San Antonio’s most kid-pleasing restaurant. In fact, calling it a restaurant is less precise than calling it a theme park with food. The three-story venue includes a number of animatronic animals at various strategic places, and on cue, every half-hour, a simulated rainstorm envelops the entire restaurant in dramatic thunder and lightning (but, happily, no actual rain.) The food is also surprisingly good considering it’s part of a national chain and the obvious emphasis on atmosphere. Needless to say, the Rainforest Café also has a gift shop.
Scenic Loop Café: 25615 Boerne Stage Road (210) 687-1818
http://www.scenicloopcafe.com
What’s great about it? Everone will just love the Sceinic Loop Café. As many or our favorites, the Texas atmosphere is in full force here. There is tons of indoor seating with the feel of home while seated by the huge fireplace. Plus there are several huge outdoor patio areas. There is a large playground area with a treehouse as well as a large area where kids can play while parents watch and relax nearby. Live Texas music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. The chicken fried steak and garlic mashed potatoes are the best around! If you haven’t been, it’s a must.
Spechts Store, Restaurant and Saloon: 112 Specht Road (830) 980-7121
http://www.spechts.com
What’s great about it? If you love Texas, you are sure to love Specht's and it’s down home feel. Specht’s Store is a 117-year-old general store turned restaurant. There is a smaller inside area with some booths and a wood burning stove and Texas history all around you. Out back a huge patio area was added on with several large picnic tables. Live music flows every night along with cold beer and great Texas homecooking. There is a huge fenced in grassy area surrounding the covered outdoor eating area for the kids to run around. Many times there are curious horses or cattle peeking over the back fence.
Two Bros. BBQ Market: 12656 West Ave. (210) 496-0222
http://www.twobrosbbqmarket.com
What’s great about it? First of all the food! It is just plain outstanding. You can get large family orders of barbecue and feed everyone without breaking the bank. Second, there's a huge playscape where your little ones can keep occupied. There are even has kid-sized tables where kids can eat on their own. Everything is in a laid back safe atmosphere where everyone can have a great evening.
Tycoon Flats: 2926 N St Marys (210) 320-0819
http://www.flatsisback.com
What’s great about it? This fun burger joint has been in San Antonio forever! A large patio and an eclectic selection of live entertainment is a winning combination that draws varied crowds. Great food and fun for the whole family! You will see many families with young kids in the early evenings. The large covered patio is great open space to let children roam. They also have a fenced in play area. Later in the evenings brings in college aged groups and singles.
Willie’s Grill & Icehouse: Several Locations: We’ve been to the San Pedro and Loop 1604 Locations. Both are great. 15801 San Pedro Ave (210) 490-9220 & 4051 N Loop 1604 W (210) 493-4333. There’s also a new location out on IH-10 out in Leon Springs 24200 W IH 10 (210) 698-5337
http://www.williesrestaurants.com
What’s great about it? We love the Texas country atmosphere. You have the feel of being in an old barn. Burgers are great and the staff is very quick and helpful. Both of these locations have a pretty big game room for the kiddos.
The Yacht Club: 4553 N. Loop 1604 W, Suite 1133 (210) 479-7245
http://www.sayachtclub.com
What’s great about it? Well, we have to be honest. We haven’t been there yet. However, we live close by and can see the gigantic outside play area for the kids. There is a covered seating area for the parents to watch and it looks like the entire area is covered with turf. There is a giant play structure. The food looks great on the website with several seafood options and specials. Please let us know more if you have been there. Hopefully, we’ll get out there soon.
Please let us know of other Kid Friendly eateries. We'll list 'em for everyone.
http://www.momaks.com
What’s great about it? It's no accident that MoMak's has made the winner's list from both readers and critics as best kid-friendly restaurant in the Express-News Readers' Choice poll. An 8,000-square-foot fenced-in and secured sports field covered in artificial turf and a 14 foot treehouse are big draws here, as are the mini burgers, which are perfect for kid-size appetites. Soccer is big here and if you don't bring a ball with you, MoMak's will loan you one. By the way, ever wonder about the name? Owners Cheryl and John Warlow combined their daughters' names, Morgan and Makenzie, to come up with MoMak's.
The Rainforest Café: 110 E. Crockett St., (210) 277-6300
http://www.rainforestcafe.com
What’s great about it? The Rainforest Café is located on one of the busiest sections of the River Walk, is arguably San Antonio’s most kid-pleasing restaurant. In fact, calling it a restaurant is less precise than calling it a theme park with food. The three-story venue includes a number of animatronic animals at various strategic places, and on cue, every half-hour, a simulated rainstorm envelops the entire restaurant in dramatic thunder and lightning (but, happily, no actual rain.) The food is also surprisingly good considering it’s part of a national chain and the obvious emphasis on atmosphere. Needless to say, the Rainforest Café also has a gift shop.
Scenic Loop Café: 25615 Boerne Stage Road (210) 687-1818
http://www.scenicloopcafe.com
What’s great about it? Everone will just love the Sceinic Loop Café. As many or our favorites, the Texas atmosphere is in full force here. There is tons of indoor seating with the feel of home while seated by the huge fireplace. Plus there are several huge outdoor patio areas. There is a large playground area with a treehouse as well as a large area where kids can play while parents watch and relax nearby. Live Texas music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. The chicken fried steak and garlic mashed potatoes are the best around! If you haven’t been, it’s a must.
Spechts Store, Restaurant and Saloon: 112 Specht Road (830) 980-7121
http://www.spechts.com
What’s great about it? If you love Texas, you are sure to love Specht's and it’s down home feel. Specht’s Store is a 117-year-old general store turned restaurant. There is a smaller inside area with some booths and a wood burning stove and Texas history all around you. Out back a huge patio area was added on with several large picnic tables. Live music flows every night along with cold beer and great Texas homecooking. There is a huge fenced in grassy area surrounding the covered outdoor eating area for the kids to run around. Many times there are curious horses or cattle peeking over the back fence.
Two Bros. BBQ Market: 12656 West Ave. (210) 496-0222
http://www.twobrosbbqmarket.com
What’s great about it? First of all the food! It is just plain outstanding. You can get large family orders of barbecue and feed everyone without breaking the bank. Second, there's a huge playscape where your little ones can keep occupied. There are even has kid-sized tables where kids can eat on their own. Everything is in a laid back safe atmosphere where everyone can have a great evening.
Tycoon Flats: 2926 N St Marys (210) 320-0819
http://www.flatsisback.com
What’s great about it? This fun burger joint has been in San Antonio forever! A large patio and an eclectic selection of live entertainment is a winning combination that draws varied crowds. Great food and fun for the whole family! You will see many families with young kids in the early evenings. The large covered patio is great open space to let children roam. They also have a fenced in play area. Later in the evenings brings in college aged groups and singles.
Willie’s Grill & Icehouse: Several Locations: We’ve been to the San Pedro and Loop 1604 Locations. Both are great. 15801 San Pedro Ave (210) 490-9220 & 4051 N Loop 1604 W (210) 493-4333. There’s also a new location out on IH-10 out in Leon Springs 24200 W IH 10 (210) 698-5337
http://www.williesrestaurants.com
What’s great about it? We love the Texas country atmosphere. You have the feel of being in an old barn. Burgers are great and the staff is very quick and helpful. Both of these locations have a pretty big game room for the kiddos.
The Yacht Club: 4553 N. Loop 1604 W, Suite 1133 (210) 479-7245
http://www.sayachtclub.com
What’s great about it? Well, we have to be honest. We haven’t been there yet. However, we live close by and can see the gigantic outside play area for the kids. There is a covered seating area for the parents to watch and it looks like the entire area is covered with turf. There is a giant play structure. The food looks great on the website with several seafood options and specials. Please let us know more if you have been there. Hopefully, we’ll get out there soon.
Please let us know of other Kid Friendly eateries. We'll list 'em for everyone.
