A lot of unforgettable memories are made over meals, but let’s face it; cooking can be a chore. Sometimes, you just want a change of pace: a nice atmosphere, delicious food, and great service. Restaurant dates are fun for everyone, but it can be hard to know which restaurants will be appropriate for the whole family. As a Boston family photographer, I get to hear all about their favorite spots in the city. So here’s my list of some wonderful kid-friendly restaurants in Boston.
Take The Stress Out Of Eating Out At These Delicious Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Boston
Joe’s Waterfront
100 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02110
For fresh seafood bursting with flavor, look no further than Joe’s Waterfront. Featuring a beautiful view of Boston Harbor, Joe’s is a perfect restaurant for a casual kid-friendly ambiance. They do have a kids menu with classics like chicken tenders and popcorn shrimp; all kids’ orders include a choice of drink as well as a special kids sundae. Adults, meanwhile, can look forward to Joe’s seasonal alcohol and cocktail selections. Joe’s does have vegan and gluten free options.
Life Alive
Multiple locations in Boston
Life Alive Organic Café and restaurant has been serving up delicious and nutritious kid-friendly food in Boston since 2004. Their goal is to provide healthy, energizing meals so that you can not only feel good about what you eat but feel great eating it. They’re known for their grain bowls, salads, noodle dishes, and more. As a café, their drinks are not to be missed, ranging from hearty smoothies to brightly colored lattes. Life Alive can accommodate many types of dietary restrictions. Best of all, their colorful plating and bold flavors make eating your veggies fun! That’s something that all parents can get behind.
The Paramount
Beacon Hill location: 44 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114
South Boston location: 667 East Broadway, Boston, MA, 02127
Open for brunch and dinner, The Paramount is a Boston favorite for a reason. Dive into their decadent, syrup-drizzled french toast at brunch or sample one of their loaded burgers at dinner. Your family certainly won’t be leaving this kid-friendly Boston restaurant hungry! While the brunch menu will certainly appeal to all, The Paramount also offers a kid’s dinner menu, which includes one side and one drink. While the menu does not strictly flag dishes suitable for dietary restrictions, their wide menu has something for everyone, and The Paramount encourages you to talk to your server about any allergies.
Stockyard Restaurant
135 Market Street, Brighton, MA, 02135
With its red leather booths and wood-paneled walls, head on over to the Stockyard Restaurant for a taste of old-school charm. Stockyard’s main showcase is its meat dishes: split one of their U.S.D.A steaks and chops or try their hickory-smoked baby back ribs. They also offer a fully stocked brunch on weekends. Although The Stockyard doesn’t have a specific kids menu, its friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for families wanting steakhouse flavor without the babysitter. Vegans and vegetarians will have fairly limited options here.
Granary Tavern
170 Milk Street, Boston, MA, 02109
For a dose of rustic style and drool-worthy kid-friendly eats, head on over to Granary Tavern and restaurant in Boston. Open every day from morning until night, Granary Tavern is the perfect spot no matter when your kids decide that they’re hungry. Granary’s brunch, lunch, and dinner menus all feature classic, quality flavors as well as some unique twists— think frosted flake crusted french toast sticks or a chicken and waffle combo coated in chive butter, syrup, and fresh honey. Granary Tavern has a special kids menu, as well as plenty of choices for folks with dietary restrictions.
The Independent
75 Union Square, Somerville, MA, 02143
The Independent offers the fun of refined flavors and a seasonal menu in a relaxed pub setting that’s perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re craving a classic sandwich or brunch, The Independent has you covered. Adults can enjoy their ever-changing list of craft beers while the kids get to chow down on The Independent’s sizable kids’ menu. There are vegetarian options available.
Mothership Alewife
Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge MA, 02140
Mothership Alewife is all about warmth, hospitality, and good old-fashioned funk. Their stylish Boston restaurant is a fantastic kid-friendly place to enjoy an afternoon appetizer or filling dinner, with their menus perfectly coordinated so that you aren’t overwhelmed but have plenty of choices. Dietary restrictions like vegan and gluten-free are clearly marked, and there’s something for everyone. Kids get their own special menu at Mothership Alewife, filled with fun puzzles to compliment Mothership Alewife’s scrumptious food.
City Tap House
10 Boston Wharf Rd, Boston MA, 02210
City Tap House is an American staple, boasting six locations throughout the country. They serve weekend brunch alongside a more regular lunch and dinner. Their menu has everything a diner could want; whether you’re craving a sandwich, seafood jambalaya, or just a killer slice of key lime pie, City Tap will make your tastebuds happy. Though City Tap doesn’t have a specific kids menu, they do offer special gluten free options.
OTTO Portland
Multiple locations in Boston
OTTO Portland’s pizza is so good that there was no way it could remain a secret. Founded in Portland, Maine, it’s since become a New England mainstay, with many locations in the Boston area. The star of OTTO’s menu is naturally pizza, and they offer a wide variety of flavors, including vegan and gluten-free. They even sell an 8-inch cheese pizza for kids 12 and under! OTTO’s also offers a variety of incredible salads and appetizers to add to your meal, and I recommend picking up a slice of house-made tiramisu for dessert, too.
Everyone Will Love These Special Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Boston
We’re lucky to live in a city like Boston with such an amazing food scene. Amidst all that excellence, it can sometimes get a little bit overwhelming to figure out where to take the family. Hopefully, these kid-friendly restaurants in Boston give you some good ideas for your next night out. Bon appétit!
A lot of unforgettable memories are made over meals. Sometimes, though, it can be nice to have a tangible reminder of those wonderful moments. As a Boston family photographer, I love to help families take the perfect snapshots that will stay with them for years. If you’re interested in a photoshoot, send me a message today.
