Top Restaurants in Austin for Families and Kids
Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city with a diverse food scene that caters to all ages. From casual cafes to bustling restaurants, Austin offers a wide range of dining options that are not only enjoyable for adults but also perfect for families with kids. This article aims to guide you through the best places to dine in Austin, ensuring that both parents and children have an enjoyable experience.
Popular Options for Kid-Friendly Dining in Austin
Central Market, located on Lamar Boulevard, is a popular choice for families. This upscale supermarket offers a diverse range of dining options, including ample outdoor seating where kids can play safely while parents enjoy their meals. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, making it an ideal spot for a casual lunch or picnic-style dining.
Another must-visit spot is Round Rock Donuts, known for its delectable pastries and fresh donuts. The warm and inviting ambiance, along with its outdoor seating, makes it a great place for families to enjoy breakfast or brunch.
WISELIFT Recommendations for Kid-Friendly Dining
WISELIFT suggests Galaxie Cafe, which is one of their favorites. Located on West Lynn, this cafe offers a relaxed and comfortable setting with excellent service. The food is both tasty and kid-friendly, and the menu caters to a variety of taste preferences. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Galaxie Cafe is a perfect place for families to relax and enjoy each other's company.
Outdoor and Playful Dining
For those who enjoy outdoor dining, Santa Rita and Jorges are highly recommended. These restaurants have large decks and open areas that are great for milder weather. They also provide decent children's menus, ensuring that kids have plenty of choices. A visit to Kerbey Lane Central before 5:30 is another excellent choice, as it tends to be quieter and more accommodating of families.
Newly Minted Attractions
The newly opened Hat Creek Burgers on Bee Caves Road offers kids a great play yard, combining food and fun. Meanwhile, Mandolas, just around the corner, has replaced their bocce court with a play area, where kids can enjoy their pasta during happy hour at incredibly affordable prices. Although the loss of bocce is a bit disappointing, the play area is a wonderful addition and offers kids a fun, engaging experience.
Traditional Kids-Friendly Options
Central Market on Bee Caves Road is a fantastic venue for outdoor dining with a large playscape and delicious food. For a more picnic-style dining experience, WISELIFT recommends Central Market on Lamar, combine both music and outdoor play for a memorable family meal.
Yummy and Healthy Choices
In the realm of family-friendly and healthy restaurants, several options are worth mentioning. Churches, Maudies, and Santa Rita are highly recommended Mexican restaurants that are both loud enough to mask any crying babies and highly kid-friendly. Central Market's outdoor patio provides a perfect balance of fun and sustenance for little ones and parents.
Considerations for Younger Families
For families with younger children, some options include Ski Shores, which offers a beautiful setting by the water. While the food may not be the stars, it is still manageable, and the large playscape keeps kids entertained. Amys Ice Cream and Burger on Burnet features a large playground and yummy food. Central Market on Lamar, with its music and large playscape, accommodates a wide range of families and offers a healthy and social experience.
Beyond these, other notable spots like Boathouse Grill, Rudys on 360 South, and the hippie-yoga-ish shady grove on Barton Springs also offer great experiences for families. Each location comes with its own unique features and catering to different family needs, making them the perfect choices for a family outing in Austin.