Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Charlotte
Where to dine with your kids without sacrificing your meal
Finding a restaurant in Charlotte that keeps both kids and adults happy can feel like a tall order. These spots serve up reliably good eats in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Viva Chicken
Multiple locations
Rotisserie chicken, fab sides, and tangy sauces make this a go-to dinner spot. Start with a piece of Peruvian marinated chicken, then pile on the sides with Peruvian fried rice, chicken soup, cilantro rice, French fries, fresh fruit, plantains, yuca, green beans, house salad, canary beans, solterito sweet potato fries, or white rice. The kids menu gives the littlest eaters great choices, like the Kids Chaufa (Jasmine rice, pulled rotisserie chicken, egg, and soy sauce), Kids Pulled Chicken (chicken and choice of side), or Kids Rotisserie Chicken (bone-in chicken and choice of side). Family meals include a build-your-own-bowl Taco Tray or large Rotisserie Chicken with three family sides.
Bad Daddy’s
Multiple locations
This burger spot has all the kid favorites, plus tater tots that will make you give up fries for good.
Big View Diner
16637 Lancaster Highway
This retro diner has all-day breakfast and a counter of homemade desserts on display.
Grilled cheese sandwiches from Papi Queso. Photo by Peter Taylor
Papi Queso
1115 N. Brevard St.
Expect all the staples from the popular food truck, along with new grilled cheeses, mac and cheese, and melts from this brick-and-mortar location in Optimist Hall.
Aliño Pizzeria
500 S. Main St., Ste. 401, Mooresville
The wood-fired pies at this spacious Mooresville spot are all 16 inches, so it’s best to share with friends at the long, family-style tables.
Burtons Grill & Bar
Multiple locations
If you or your child is gluten-free, this is the place to go for consistently good burgers, salads, steaks, and seafood.
Cabo Fish Taco
Multiple locations
Both Charlotte-area locations have ample patio dining, kids’ artwork on display, lively music, outdoor games, and award-winning margaritas.
The Cowfish
4310 Sharon Road
Kids can chow down on their own bento boxes while parents get their sushi fix.
Kid Cashew
1608 East Blvd.
Enjoy Mediterranean fare on the family- and dog-friendly patio.
Legion Brewing Southpark
5610 Carnegie Blvd
Upscale pub grub, craft beer, and ample outdoor space make this a fun night out for parents and kids.
Corn dogs and waffle fries from Pinky’s Westside Grill. Photo by Peter Taylor
Pinky’s Westside Grill
Multiple locations
Guy Fieri loved the Corn Dog Shrimp and Viking Corn Dog on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” and so will the little ones.
Providence Road Sundries
1522 Providence Road
Classic bar food and friendly service have made this a popular neighborhood hangout for generations.
Multiple locations
This burger joint serves a tight menu of burgers, fries, and shakes.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Multiple locations
Get signature arepas, empanadas, and nachos at this popular local chain.
Mac’s Speed Shop
Multiple locations
Enjoy barbecue any day of the week, but come on Tuesday nights for $2.50 kids meals, $2 off pints for parents, and 25% off for teachers from 5 p.m. to close.
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille
911 E. Morehead St.
This wood-paneled, two-level sports bar is the place to take your family for no-frills burgers, wings, and beers on game day.
Piedmont Social House
2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Ste. C
Play a few rounds of pool, foosball, or yard Yahtzee, then celebrate your win with some Pulled Pork Sliders or Southwest Eggrolls.
The Suffolk Punch
Multiple locations
This brewery and taphouse has food, beer, cocktails, wine, coffee, and plenty of stroller parking.
