Ever felt like dining out with kids is more stressful than fun? Trust me, I’ve been there—sticky fingers, picky eaters, and the occasional meltdown in the middle of the restaurant. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way! Charlottesville has some amazing kid-friendly spots where family meals are actually enjoyable (yes, really!).
Being new in town I polled our local mom’s group to get the scoop on the Best Kid-Friendly Cville Restaurants and those mom’s delivered! I can’t wait to try some of these out while we are exploring Charlottesville.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Restaurant Kid-Friendly?
Ok so what really makes a restaurant kid-friendly? For me the bar was set 4 years ago. We were visiting VA Beach and stopped at this local eatery called Katie’s 33rd Street Cafe. The kids were 18 months, 6 and 7 at the time.
From the moment we sat down our waitress swooped in with a plate of cut up fruit for our youngest, then she brought the kids meals out first for us to cut up their pancakes and get them setup with syrup. Now sometimes this backfires and they bring the kids plates too early and then they are done eating when you get your food and it’s a hot mess. But not here, I barely had time to sip my Mimosa before my food was set in front of me nice and hot.
Plus when the kids were finishing up she brought out damp napkins to wipe down their sticky fingers, seriously she was like a grandma sent from Heaven! It was the most relaxing and enjoyable meal we’ve ever had with kids. While there was nothing kid oriented about the restaurant the top notch service made it kid friendly for us.
Outside of good service we love a restaurant that has entertainment for the kids. Things like hibachi where the kids like to watch the food get cooked to even something as simple as a fun menu to color on or even pieces of blank paper and crayons. A few times we’ve been to places with outdoor seating and playgrounds which is super awesome!
What makes a restaurant kid-friendly in your opinion? Leave a comment below!
Best Kid-Friendly Cville Restaurants
Mejicali
Locally own Mexican inspired California vibe restaurant and bar. At least 5 moms mentioned this Cville restaurant specifically as their family favorite!
- Enclosed Outdoor Area
- Playground
- Amazing Food and Spicy Margaritas
852 W Main St #110, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery
Beer-infused fare is served alongside creative cocktails in this chill brewpub with an outdoor patio.
- Great Kids’ Meals including Ice Cream
- Low Key Atmosphere
- IX Playground Nearby
520 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Brazos Tacos in Barracks
Local full-service family-friendly Texas style taqueria with large covered patio and outdoor kids area.
- Enclosed Outdoor Area
- Cornhole, Chalkboard & a Dinosaur to climb
- Coloring & Books
1133 Emmet St N, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Högwaller Brewing
- Kid’s Meal Specials on Tuesdays
- Heated Tent Outdoor Seating
- River Walk Nearby
1518 E High St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Brewing Tree Beer Company
A riverside brewery located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our beautiful property spans 5 acres with river access. Best for warmer weather and located in Nelson.
- Big Sandbox Area with Trucks
- Large Open Field Right by the River
- Lawn Games and Hammocks/chairs/picnic tables
- When it’s warm kids can splash in the river
Tips for Dining Out with Kids in Charlottesville
I’ve been a mom now for 12 years and I have 3 kiddos so I’ve got a bit of experience dining out with littles. Here are some tips that can make the experience more enjoyable for all!
1. Go Early (Seriously, Just Do It)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that kids and crowds don’t mix. Heading out for an early dinner or late lunch means less wait time, fewer stares when your toddler gets loud, and quicker service. Plus, you’re more likely to snag a booth—perfect for keeping kiddos corralled.
2. Call Ahead Like a Pro
I can’t count how many times we’ve shown up somewhere only to realize we should have made a reservation. A quick call ahead saves so much hassle! Ask about kid-friendly options like booster seats, kids’ menus, or outdoor seating (a lifesaver on nice days).
3. Pack the Distraction Arsenal
Crayons, coloring books, mini puzzles—whatever keeps those tiny hands busy. Yes, sometimes the tablet makes an appearance. No judgment here—it’s survival mode! As my kids have gotten older we love playing Heads Up with each other on my phone. It’s a bit like charades where you have to guess the word and everyone is trying to help you figure it out with clues. This only works for very kid friendly restaurants as sometimes my competitors can get a little loud!
4. Know Before You Go
Before we head out, I always check the menu online. If they don’t have mac and cheese or chicken tenders (or both), it’s probably not worth the meltdown. Bonus tip: If they offer bread or chips before the meal, that’s a huge win for my hangry crew.
5. Start Small and Casual
Don’t dive straight into fancy dining if your kids are still figuring out restaurant behavior. Start at casual, family-friendly spots where the noise level works in your favor. It’s like training wheels for eating out!
6. Bribery? I Call It Positive Reinforcement
Want a stress-free meal? Promise dessert or a fun outing afterward if the kids follow the “restaurant rules.” It doesn’t have to be fancy—a scoop of ice cream or a trip to the playground works like magic in my house.
7. Sit Outside When You Can
Whenever the weather is nice, outdoor dining is a no-brainer. The kids have a little more freedom to wiggle without feeling trapped, and I can relax knowing the noise won’t bother anyone. I listed a few options for Charlottesville restaurants with outdoor seating above.
8. Have an Escape Plan
Sometimes, even the best-laid plans go sideways. Sit near the door in case you need to make a quick exit (been there, done that), and don’t be afraid to ask for the check early if things get a little chaotic. Bonus tip: Always have snacks in your bag for backup!
9. Support Kid-Friendly Spots
I love finding Cville restaurants that really “get it” when it comes to families. Places with kids’ menus, changing tables, and maybe even a little play area are worth their weight in gold. Plus, supporting family-friendly businesses helps keep them around for all of us!
Enjoy Family Dining at Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Cville
It can be overwhelming to start taking your babies and then your kids out to dinner at a restaurant. I remember wanting to ditch the stress of cooking but finding that braving a restaurant was just as stressful at times. If you follow my tips and check out some of the amazing Charlottesville restaurants I listed above you’ll find that things can be stress-free low-stress. I’m not going to lie to you there will be some stress!
There are a lot of lessons that can be learned for kids to dine out with their parents. We are in such an instant gratification society that just the act of learning patience while waiting for their food will be such a good life lesson!
Have a favorite kid-friendly Cville restaurant? Let us know in the comments.
If you liked this post then we think you’ll love:
Grow Your Family With a Top Charlottesville Fertility Clinic!
5 Tips for Easy Photo Sessions with Kids
Melissa Arlena is an award winning lifestyle newborn photographer in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia who has earned her Master Photographer Certification from NAPCP in maternity, newborn and family photography. Her natural and simple work has been featured in magazines and online blogs worldwide. She has been named Best Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA in 2024.
