The Embarcadero, with its stunning waterfront views and bustling atmosphere, might seem intimidating for families with young children. But fear not! San Francisco's Embarcadero boasts a surprising number of restaurants that cater to both parents and their little ones. This guide highlights fifteen of the best, ensuring your family dining experience is smooth sailing.
Finding the Perfect Kid-Friendly Spot on the Embarcadero
Choosing the right restaurant for a family outing requires careful consideration. Factors such as location, ambiance, menu options, and kid-specific amenities all play a role. We've considered these factors to provide you with a diverse list of options, catering to various preferences and budgets. Remember to always check restaurant websites or call ahead for current hours, reservation policies, and any special kid-friendly promotions.
Top 15 Kid-Friendly Embarcadero Restaurants: A Diverse Selection
This list offers a range of cuisines and atmospheres, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Casual Dining with Waterfront Views
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Scoma's: A San Francisco institution, Scoma's offers stunning waterfront views and a menu that includes kid-friendly classics like fish and chips, alongside more sophisticated seafood options for adults. Their outdoor patio is perfect for people-watching.
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Pier 23 Cafe: Known for its laid-back atmosphere and fresh seafood, Pier 23 Cafe is a great option for a casual family meal. They offer a kids menu and outdoor seating with beautiful views of the bay.
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Waterbar: While upscale, Waterbar surprisingly offers a kid-friendly vibe, particularly during off-peak hours. Their beautiful waterfront location and stunning views make it a memorable experience. The staff is generally accommodating to families.
Family-Friendly Options with Diverse Cuisines
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The Cheesecake Factory (Embarcadero Center): A reliable choice, The Cheesecake Factory provides a vast menu with plenty of options for even the pickiest eaters. Kids will love the extensive dessert options!
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Gary Danko: Known for its exceptional seafood, Gary Danko might seem formal, but they are known for being welcoming to families, especially during lunch.
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In-N-Out Burger (various locations near Embarcadero): Although not directly on the Embarcadero, In-N-Out is a quick and easy option for a casual, budget-friendly meal.
Restaurants with Play Areas or Entertainment
- Exploratorium: While primarily a museum, the Exploratorium has a cafe that’s perfect for a family meal after exploring the exhibits. The interactive exhibits within the museum itself provide plenty of entertainment for kids.
Upscale Options with Accommodating Staff
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EPIC Steak: While more upscale, EPIC Steak has a reputation for being accommodating to families and offers stunning views from its location in the Hotel Nikko.
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Blue Bottle Coffee (various locations near Embarcadero): Although primarily a coffee shop, many Blue Bottle locations offer light snacks and pastries, making it a great option for a quick and easy family stop.
Unique Dining Experiences
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Ferry Building Marketplace: This isn't a single restaurant, but a collection of vendors offering various cuisines. You can find something for everyone in your family, from artisanal cheese to fresh oysters.
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Foreign Cinema: While more of an adult-oriented venue, Foreign Cinema has a charming outdoor patio area where children are often welcome.
Budget-Friendly Choices
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Super Duper Burgers (various locations near Embarcadero): A San Francisco favorite, Super Duper Burgers provides delicious, affordable burgers and fries.
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Tacolicious (various locations near Embarcadero): Excellent and affordable tacos that are a hit with both adults and children.
Quick Bites & Cafes
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Starbucks (various locations near Embarcadero): A ubiquitous option for a quick coffee and pastry.
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Peet's Coffee & Tea (various locations near Embarcadero): Similar to Starbucks, Peet's offers coffee, tea, and some light snacks.
Tips for Dining Out with Kids on the Embarcadero
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Reservations: Making reservations, especially during peak hours or weekends, is highly recommended, particularly for the more popular restaurants.
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High chairs & booster seats: Most restaurants will provide these, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm.
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Kids menus: Many restaurants offer specialized kids menus with smaller portions and familiar favorites.
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Pack snacks and drinks: Having snacks and drinks on hand can help prevent meltdowns if your little ones get hungry between courses.
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Plan for activity: The Embarcadero offers many activities beyond dining. Consider a walk along the waterfront, a visit to Pier 39 to see the sea lions, or a ride on a ferry.
By utilizing this guide and implementing these helpful tips, you can transform your family dining experience on the Embarcadero from a potential source of stress into a memorable and enjoyable adventure. Enjoy your meal!
