It can sometimes be tough to find a great dining experience that is kid-friendly while also catering to adults, but there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants in Dallas if you know where to look. These spots have the best of both worlds — kid-approved meals alongside some equally delicious adult dining options, and in many cases, plenty of room for kids to run around and be kids.
Spending mealtime together has benefits for the entire family unit with kids learning from their parents about good eating habits, including portion size and table manners. So, if you’re looking to take advantage of all the benefits of family dining and expose your kids to some new foods and environments, keep reading for the 16 best family-friendly restaurants in Dallas.
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- Find The Best Restaurants in Dallas
- 16 Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Dallas
Find the Best Restaurants in Dallas
Apart from just following this guide to the best family-friendly restaurants in Dallas, you can discover some hidden culinary gems in other ways, too. For example, food tours in Dallas provide a great way to explore the dining scene, even as a local.
Follow along with a trained guide who knows the city inside and out as they show you around new eateries, family-owned bistros and hole-in-the-wall spots. The tours are often kid-friendly, which means it’s a great opportunity for the whole family to get out and get some fresh air and steps in while discovering the best restaurants in Dallas.
16 Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Dallas
1. Birdie’s Eastside
The sprawling patio and dedicated kids’ menu at Birdie’s Eastside make it an easy pick for the best family-friendly restaurant in Dallas. You can enjoy the warm weather while your kids run around before sharing a family meal together.
The Vibe
The desert-inspired décor makes this a relaxing place to kick back while the kids run around the spacious contained patio area. Colorful paintings of cacti add to the desert vibe and misting fans help keep you cool.
What to Order
The birria sliders or Eastside Cobb Salad are perfect for an adult palate. For even the pickiest little eaters, this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas offers staples like cheese quesadillas and chicken fingers.
Birdie’s Eastside | 6221 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75214 | $$
2. ArtPark Trinity Groves
While a beer garden may not sound like a place for kids, ArtPark Trinity Groves welcomes kids (and pets) with open arms. Order via a QR code right at your table for maximum convenience. This family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is the ideal spot to catch a Cowboy’s game on one of the 30 outdoor TVs and enjoy quality time together.
The Vibe
Bursting with bright colors, street art and some pretty cool statues, this open-air space is usually full of kids and dogs running around on the turf. ArtPark is also constantly pairing with new local artists to display their work, and if you fall in love with a piece, you can buy it.
What to Order
Order up local favorite Hoffman Hotdogs with sweet potato fries for kids or adults. However, keep an eye out for the ever-changing list of vendors at this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas, allowing you to try something different with each visit.
ArtPark Trinity Groves | 331 Singleton Blvd., Dallas, TX 75212| $$
3. Loro
Not all family-friendly restaurants in Dallas serve exclusively American cuisine like chicken fingers and burgers. If your family enjoys a range of cuisines, Loro is a great place to dine. Featuring Asian-fusion smokehouse dishes, which pair Texas barbecue with Asian flavors and preparations, the eatery offers a unique and delicious dining experience for all ages.
The Vibe
Inside you’ll find sleek, simplistic décor and a large seating area. The addition of covered outdoor patios and no reservations keep this place feeling casual, not to mention that it’s dog as well as kid-friendly!
What to Order
Ordering from the sharing plates section of the menu is a great way to get your kids to try new ingredients and flavors. The chicken karaage, a Japanese-style fried chicken, doesn’t skimp on flavor and is always a crowd-pleaser. The oak-grilled edamame and sweet corn fritters are also winners for kids and adults at this unique family-friendly restaurant in Dallas.
Loro | Multiple Locations | $$
4. B-Side Coffee
Newly-opened B-Side Coffee is a perfect family-friendly restaurant in Dallas for an easy and delicious bite. The owners are parents themselves and crafted their local small business with little ones in mind, which includes offering plenty of high chairs and a kid-friendly menu. Everything here is local as well, from the coffee beans to the ingredients on your breakfast sandwich or burger.
The Vibe
Casual and accessible, you can just as easily carry out a delicious meal as you could settle in for a relaxing morning or afternoon at this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas. Cool tones and a massive communal table are great for kicking back while the kids enjoy the play area.
What to Order
Homemade biscuits and gravy will hit the spot every time, made better by the handmade buttermilk biscuits. The fruit-stuffed French toast also appeals greatly to kids and the grown-ups can choose from an extensive coffee menu for a much-needed caffeine fix.
B-Side Coffee | 2105 S. Edgefield Ave., Dallas, TX 75224 | $$
5. Dallas Grilled Cheese Co.
A grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate kid and adult pleaser and it doesn’t get much better than those served at Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. This family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is fuss-free, offering the tastiest and cheesiest sandwiches around town. From classics to sandwiches that are a little out-of-the-box, you'll have lots of tasty options for all the family when dining here.
The Vibe
This family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is a cool and laid-back place to be. With a full bar set up and plenty of dining tables to boot, this place would best be described as ‘chill,’ with something for adults and kids of all ages. Keep your eyes peeled for the brand’s food truck around town as well.
What to Order
The Buffalo chicken and macaroni and cheese grilled cheeses are raved about. Of course, you can also get a regular grilled cheese at this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas for picky eaters or lovers of the original. You can’t go wrong with a bowl of tomato soup alongside your sandwich either.
Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. | 5319 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75206 | $$
6. Thunderbird Pies
What food is more family-friendly than pizza? Thunderbird Pies serves up Detroit-style pizza in a laid-back way. This family-friendly restaurant in Dallas was named among the best new restaurants in town by Texas Monthly and the Dallas Observer.
The Vibe
Ultra-casual, take a seat and enjoy the show as you watch your pizza being made in front of your eyes. There is also a wall of arcade games at this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas to entertain the kids. plus plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
What to Order
The Honey Bastard is one of their most well-known pies, featuring hot soppressata salami, bacon jam and a hearty drizzle of habanero honey. For the kids, the S&P 5000 includes pepperoni and sausage atop plenty of cheese and homemade tomato sauce. There’s also a cheese pizza for pickier eaters and you can get individual pizzas or large ones to share between you.
Thunderbird Pies | 7328 Gaston Ave., Dallas, TX 75214 | $$
7. Eddie’s Tex Mex Cocina
This family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is all about fresh, from-scratch Tex-Mex cooking. From refreshing spicy margaritas to simple dishes for the youngest family members, such as a cheesy quesadilla, there is something for everyone at Eddie’s Tex Mex Cocina.
The Vibe
An open-air and brightly colored patio gives this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas a laid-back vibe. There’s also indoor seating, with highchairs available, and plenty of room for the kids to run around.
What to Order
Start with the loaded queso before ordering up sizzling plates of fajitas with a side of signature salsa. Save room for dessert as well — creamy flan or cinnamon-coated churros always hit the spot!
Eddie’s Tex Mex Cocina | 2018 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206 | $$
8. Palmer’s Hot Chicken
Palmer’s Hot Chicken serves up crispy hot chicken, catfish and shrimp that’s so tasty it earned them a feature on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” This family-friendly restaurant in Dallas has super-spicy chicken for those who love the heat as well as plenty of mild dishes, including chicken fingers and mac and cheese, for the little ones.
The Vibe
The interior of this fun family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is spacious with plenty of booth seating and exposed brick walls. There’s also an outdoor patio that is perfectly contained with garage doors that open up and giant fans to keep things cool.
What to Order
For the adults, the Motherclucker Hot Chicken Sandwich is award-winning and pairs perfectly with a frozen rosé slushy on a hot day. Little ones or adults who don’t want something super spicy can opt for the novice heat level on jumbo chicken tenders or your choice of a dark or light meat platter. Don’t forget the sides like mac and cheese and finish with dreamy banana pudding — a favorite for all ages at this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas.
Palmer’s Hot Chicken | 6465 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75214 | $$
9. Shady’s Burgers and Brewhaha
Started by five friends who banded together to bring DFW the best burgers in a casual environment, Shady’s Burgers and Brewhaha is a family-friendly restaurant around Dallas that’s perfect for a laid-back meal. The focus is on delicious, scratch-made burgers and locally brewed beer on tap in a relaxed, accessible place for all.
The Vibe
This family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is the kind of place you want to hang out at, whether on a beautiful summer night or a chilly winter afternoon. There’s lots of room for kids to roam and explore around the massive live oak tree right in the back or you can kick back in the sports bar-style interior.
What to Order
They’re known for their Holy Guacamole Burger, a juicy burger patty topped with homemade guacamole, bacon, garlic aioli and Swiss cheese, but any of the burger options will impress. The kids’ menu features classics like mini burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers and grilled cheese.
Shady’s Burgers and Brewhaha | Multiple Locations | $$
10. Benihana
A favorite amongst children and adults, Benihana is a tried and true family-friendly restaurant in Dallas. It’s all about dinner and a show here, with their classically trained hibachi chefs delivering every time. Bring your appetite because course after course of Japanese teppanyaki meat, veggies and rice is just as mouthwatering on bite 10 as it is on the first bite.
The Vibe
It’s almost always busy at Benihana, especially if you want the classic table with the massive griddle in the center. The aroma is intense but mouthwatering with authentic Japanese décor all throughout, adding a touch of authenticity. You’ll want to make a reservation ahead of time to guarantee seats together at your own grill-top table.
What to Order
Whatever your preferred protein is, from surf and turf to chicken or all veggies, it’s guaranteed to be delicious. The green tea ice cream served after the meal is a perfect way to end an eventful evening and will allow your kids to taste something a little different from the usual chocolate or vanilla.
Benihana | 7775 Banner Drive, Dallas, TX 75251 | $$
11. Magic Time Machine
This family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is specifically geared toward kids, with its eclectic décor and staff dressed up as pop culture icons of the past and present. Magic Time Machine first opened its doors in San Antonio in 1973 and after immediate popularity, opened a DFW location in 1979. It’s pure entertainment for young kids and adults alike, and the food is pretty darn good as well.
The Vibe
Each dining room at this fun and exciting family-friendly restaurant in Dallas has a unique style, with options like the sweetheart table or the refrigerator where, you guessed it, you can dine inside a giant fridge! The staff dresses up as pop culture icons and characters as well, from famous singers to pirates, so you never know who could be waiting on your table.
What to Order
The menu offers a variety of classic dishes in a supper club style. Adults can indulge in prime rib while kids have their choice of six dishes, including chopped steak, pizza and chicken fingers.
Magic Time Machine | 5003 Beltline Road, Dallas, TX 75254 | $$
12. Smoky Rose
While there are lots of cuisines available around the city, enjoying classic Texas dishes at a family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is sometimes what you’re after. Smoky Rose is the perfect palace for this and features a massive smoker on-site where they carefully smoke a variety of meats to tender perfection. Best of all, if you’re looking for things to do in Dallas with family, this eatery is right next to the Dallas Arboretum, so you can explore that famous attraction before or after your meal.
The Vibe
This chef-driven smokehouse is built to be a relaxing and enjoyable go-to spot for the whole family. Kids can run around the big grass area on the patio while you relax under the sun. The indoor dining area is super cozy as well, complete with leather booth seating and warm lighting. This is the ideal family-friendly restaurant in Dallas for a meal no matter the weather.
What to Order
Start with an order of queso, loaded with bites of tender brisket, followed by the smoked turkey or one of the burger options. The list of choices for kids is also pretty extensive with dishes like grilled cheese and chicken fingers on offer. Check out the brunch menu as well if you're visiting earlier in the day.
Smoky Rose | 8602 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218 | $$
13. Bonchon
Introduce your kids to the world of Asian cuisine with this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas that’s doing fusion right. Bonchon brings Korean comfort food to DFW, specializing in crispy, crunchy Korean fried chicken.
The Vibe
Bonchon is essentially fast-food, so you can count on a simple but welcoming interior with the option to hit the drive-thru.
What to Order
The menu at this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is pretty straightforward, starting with the chicken. Whether you’re into chicken fingers or drumsticks, you will get meat with a wonderfully crispy exterior and a hand-crafted sauce carefully painted on. As a side, try a platter of bulgogi fries, featuring a bed of French fries topped with thinly sliced, marinated beef, green onions, mozzarella cheese and spicy mayonnaise.
Bonchon | 4980 Belt Line Road, Ste. 140, Dallas, TX 75254 | $$
14. Bubbles Eat & Play
Founded by a mom of three who knows about the challenge of dining out with little ones, Bubbles Eat & Play is catered towards kids and features a sprawling play area as well as great food for the adults to enjoy while relaxing a little. This kid-friendly restaurant in Dallas also hosts some cool events, such as mommy and me yoga and storytime sessions. When it comes to fun restaurants in Dallas for young kids, this is as good as it gets.
The Vibe
Light, bright and fun! You’ll walk into a mostly white room with floor-to-ceiling windows and funky bubble-shaped chandeliers. The play area at this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is decorated in pleasing pastels, from the ball pit to the tiny cloud-shaped kid seats.
What to Order
Breakfast is served all day at this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas and the Benedicts, including salmon and turkey options, are highly popular. Ultra-fluffy and sweet pancakes for the adults or a mini stack for kids always hits the spot as well.
Bubbles Eat & Play | 201 Town Pl., Fairview, TX 75069 | $$
15. Pie Tap Pizza Workshop
This family-friendly restaurant in Dallas does pizza like nobody else, with each dish featuring carefully sourced ingredients. Pie Tap Pizza Workshop also offers salads and pasta dishes, plus a dedicated kids’ menu, meaning there’s really something for everyone here.
The Vibe
Elevated but casual, this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas is always bustling, so no need to worry about keeping the kids quiet. Enjoy comfortable indoor or outdoor seating and take in the mouthwatering aromas from the wood-fired ovens.
What to Order
Their classic pizzas like pepperoni or sausage are the move whether you’re six or 60. They have a wonderful selection of appetizers and side dishes as well, including arancini, meatballs and a housemade Caesar salad.
Pie Tap Pizza Workshop | Multiple Locations | $$
16. Norma’s Café
Take a trip back in time with this family-friendly restaurant in Dallas. Kids love the retro décor and the menu is straightforward and delicious. Norma’s Café first opened its doors in 1956 in Oak Hill and today is owned and operated in four DFW locations.
The Vibe
Take a step back in time the minute you walk through the doors at this retro family-friendly restaurant in Dallas. Grab a seat at the bar on red vinyl bar stools overlooking the kitchen or enjoy a seat in the cozy booths.
What to Order
Kids have a selection of classics at this popular family-friendly restaurant in Dallas, such as grilled cheese, and adults go crazy for comforting dishes like fried chicken and meatloaf. If you’re on the hunt for the best breakfast in Dallas, Norma’s is also one of the top eateries in the city for hearty breakfast plates that will keep you full all day long. Options range from pancakes and waffles to chilaquiles and country-style breakfasts.
Norma’s Café | Multiple Locations | $$
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Just because you’re dining as a family doesn’t mean you can’t all enjoy great food and fantastic ambiance. Kid-friendly dining shouldn’t mean the adults have to opt for sub-par dining and the spots on this list of family-friendly restaurants in Dallas are doing it right. Now you just have to decide which fun and delicious eatery you’ll head to with your kids first!
For even more fun ways to explore Dallas and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
