For family dinners beyond the drive-thru, everyone can find a seat at the table at these local eateries that are, in one way or another, especially tailored to families. These reader-selected restaurants from DFWChild’s Best for Families survey kept little kids in mind when crafting their menus and designing their amenities and entertainment. See parents’ favorites around Dallas County and beyond below.
Looking for more kid-friendly places to eat around Dallas-Fort Worth?
Reader-Favorite Family Dining Spots
Dining out with kids can be an adventure—especially when one only eats chicken tenders and another can’t sit still for more than five minutes. The right restaurant makes all the difference. Thanks to kid-friendly menus to built-in play spaces, these spots make it easier for everyone to relax and enjoy a meal out of the house.
Dream Café, Dallas
Cloud cakes and cinnamon snails (it’s like a cinnamon roll—but better) are just some of the kid-approved menu items at this Uptown staple. We love that there’s even a kids beverage menu with fairy soda, dragon soda, smoothies and of course chocolatey milk.
Runner-up: Flower Child, Addison, Dallas and more
Best Restaurant with a Play Area in Dallas County
TIE: Hat Creek Burger Company, Walnut Hill/Dallas, Coppell, Richardson, Rowlett and more
Hat Creek is the kind of place where family meals happen, with playgrounds for the kids, happy hours for the parents and quality ingredients families would be proud to serve on their own tables. From all-natural burgers to fresh salads and bowls and gluten-free sides, Hat Creek has something for everyone—and room to run for kiddos.
TIE: Little Joy Café, Oak Cliff
Maybe you can actually drink your coffee in peace? This family-friendly Elmwood coffee shop serves up flavorful brews and yummy desserts, but perhaps the best part (for parents, at least) is the dedicated children’s play area with toys, costumes and coloring books.
Runner-up: Birdie’s Eastside, Dallas
Best Themed Restaurant in DFW
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Dallas
Dinner in a castle? Yes, please! You can cheer on knights as they joust, watch real sword fights and see horses charge through the arena, all while eating a four-course meal with your hands (which kids think is the best part). Families love how over-the-top it is—the costumes, the crowd cheering for “your” knight, and the full-on show that runs the whole time.
Runner-up: Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Garland and more
RELATED: See all the Best for Families winners across DFW here