Family-Friendly Eats

Family Dining in Seattle Southside

We often brag on our incredible international dining scene here in Seattle Southside, but what about when you need to please an all-ages audience?

Thankfully we have restaurants that'll appease both the picky eaters and those with more expanded palates. So if you can't dine around the world, you can at least dine comfortably with your family.

Bullwinkle’s Restaurant

The Old Spaghetti Factory

Bahama Breeze

Red Robin

Wally’s Chowder House

Claim Jumper

Famous Dave's BBQ

Moctezuma's Cocina & Tequila

The Cheesecake Factory

Azteca Mexican Restaurant

Honorable Mentions

Bullwinkle’s Restaurant

Don't let the fact that this is in the Family Fun Center make you think you won't enjoy the food too, grown-ups. While kids at Bullwinkle's Restaurant can enjoy pizza, chicken nuggets, or mini corn dogs, the adults can enjoy a chicken caesar wrap, sourdough cheeseburger, or taco salad. Plus you can get the kids' energy out by having them run around this incredible attraction that includes rides, arcade games, laser tag, go-karts, even batting cages! It's so much fun even the adults will feel like kids again.

The Old Spaghetti Factory

If it isn’t broke…The Old Spaghetti Factory has been a family favorite in the Seattle area for half a century and for good reason. The charming atmosphere of the restaurant is awe-inspiring for kids (try to get seated in the trolley!) and the classic Italian flavors never seem to get old. Kids will love their signature mizithra cheese and browned butter pasta and a side of some delicious Sicilian garlic cheese bread. To end your meal on a high note, everyone gets a scoop of chocolate or colorful spumoni ice cream.

Bahama Breeze

An island paradise awaits in Bahama Breeze! At least, that’s what it feels like. Bring the family for an evening of tropical spices and flavors, vibrant drinks and maybe even some live island music! The best part is that while there's plenty on the kid's menu that's great for picky eaters, like bow tie mac n' cheese and chicken tenders, the grownups can enjoy more adult flavors, like blackened mahi tacos or seafood paella. Plus, the Bahamarita is a great way to help mom or dad unwind after a stressful day of parenting!

Red Robin

Most of us are familiar enough with Red Robin know that it’s a go-to restaurant to bring the family. There just so happen to be two of them in Seattle Southside (one in Tukwila and the other in Des Moines), so you’ve always got a safe choice nearby. With bottomless fries, balloons and activity sheets for the kids, and a foolproof menu, you know you're going to have a happy family at the end of the night no matter how picky your picky eaters are.

Wally’s Chowder House

TripAdvisor’s #1 restaurant in Des Moines is a must-try for seafood lovers. Wally’s Chowder House also happens to be another example of a place where the picky eaters can be kept happy while the more adventurous get to enjoy delectable seafood. Even if your kids don’t like fish and chips or crab cakes, there’s a great little kid’s menu featuring hamburgers, PB&J’s, grilled cheese, and more. Plus, they have scrumptious root beer floats that everyone can get on board with.

Claim Jumper

The menu at Claim Jumper is a sure crowd-pleaser, with hearty, rib-sticking fare for all palates. While the grown-ups will enjoy their steaks or their delectable chicken pot pie, the kids can enjoy mac n' cheese, mini corn dogs, spaghetti, and more!

Famous Dave's BBQ

One of the great things about Famous Dave's BBQ is that they not only have kid's menu classics on their menu, like chicken tenders, mac n' cheese, and burgers, but they also offer kid-sized portions of their more grown-up offerings, like their chopped pork sandwich and hickory-smoked ribs. So if you have one picky eater and one more adventurous eater, you can satisfy them both without a huge amount of leftovers!

Moctezuma's Cocina & Tequila

Moctezuma's is a Mexican restaurant made famous for their flaming fajitas and flaming cheese dip, both of which are delicious but might prove a little too adventurous for the little ones. But if they like quesadillas, nachos, burritos, or tacos, their Lil' Amigos menu will have something to please them. And parents, if you need a drink at the end of your long day with the kiddos, the tequila menu here is incredible, and their handcrafted margaritas out of this world.

The Cheesecake Factory

With a menu as famously huge as the Cheesecake Factory's, you're sure to find something that'll please even the very pickiest of eaters. With a kid's menu specifically designed to please little ones and a main menu that has cuisines ranging from Mexican to Korean to Italian, the globe-trotting options will make picky adults happy too!

Azteca Mexican Restaurant

Traditional Mexican fare can sometimes be intimidating for the little ones, but the menu at Azteca Mexican Restaurant has been tailored with kids in mind, even the most picky. In addition to kid-sized portions of Mexican food, you can get chicken tenders, cheese pizza, or even Kraft Mac & Cheese! And the adults in the party, meanwhile, can enjoy their ceviche and carnitas in relative peace as the kids munch away.

Honorable Mentions

While the Des Moines Dog House might not have an extensive kid's menu, their options are still very family friendly thanks to being a hot dog-centric menu. Plus, you can even bring the furry family members here! Similarly, via Marina might not have a kid's menu, but as a pizza and and pasta restaurant, many kids will find their options appealing. Another great option for dealing with picky eaters is to visit the Westfield Southcenter Food Court, where the many restaurant options ensure there will be something for everyone, regardless of tastes.

Another fantastic option for picky eaters is to take them to a breakfast place. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and even having breakfast for lunch can make a tough mealtime fun for picky eaters. Consider local favorites like the Pancake Chef or Patty's Eggnest, which make classic breakfasts that everyone's sure to love. None of these suggestions hitting the right notes? You can find a list of all our local restaurants that offer kids' menus here.