Finding a restaurant that caters to both kids and adults can be a challenge. But fear not, Bustleton parents! This guide highlights the top 13 kid-friendly restaurants in the Bustleton, Philadelphia area, ensuring your family dining experience is enjoyable for everyone. We've considered factors like kid-specific menus, atmosphere, amenities, and overall family-friendliness.
Kid-Friendly Restaurant Criteria: What We Looked For
Before diving into our top picks, let's clarify what makes a restaurant truly kid-friendly in our book. We prioritized restaurants that:
- Offer a dedicated kids' menu: This is crucial for picky eaters and ensures a selection beyond the usual adult fare.
- Provide a welcoming atmosphere: A relaxed, non-pretentious environment makes families feel comfortable.
- Have family-friendly amenities: High chairs, booster seats, and perhaps even a play area are major pluses.
- Serve food that kids will actually eat: While adventurous palates are appreciated, classic kid favorites are essential.
- Maintain reasonable prices: Family meals can get expensive, so affordability is a key factor.
Top 13 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Bustleton
This list isn't ranked, as each restaurant excels in different ways. The best choice for your family will depend on your specific preferences and needs.
1. Pizza Palace: A Bustleton institution, Pizza Palace is a classic choice for family dining. Their extensive menu includes all the pizza favorites kids crave, plus pasta dishes and appetizers. They also usually have a specials board with kid-friendly options that rotate seasonally. High chairs are readily available.
2. The Family Diner: This diner embodies the classic American family dining experience. Friendly staff, generous portions, and a menu featuring kid favorites like burgers, fries, and grilled cheese make this a reliable option. They are known for their incredibly fast service, perfect when you have hungry kids.
3. Luigi's Italian Restaurant: Luigi's offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with attentive service that makes families feel welcome. Their kid's menu features smaller portions of pasta dishes and pizzas, ensuring there's no food waste.
4. The Corner Bakery: This bakery boasts delicious pastries and sandwiches, along with a kid-friendly selection of cookies and milk. While not a full-service restaurant, it's perfect for a quick and easy lunch or a sweet treat after a busy day.
5. The Grill on Bustleton: Known for its casual atmosphere and delicious grilled options, The Grill on Bustleton provides a family-friendly environment. Their burgers and chicken tenders are always a hit with kids.
6. Maria's Mexican Restaurant: Maria's brings vibrant flavors to your family meal. Their kid’s menu features kid-sized portions of tacos, quesadillas and chicken tenders. The lively atmosphere is usually enjoyable for kids too.
7. The Seafood Shack: While seafood might not be every kid's favorite, The Seafood Shack often offers kid-friendly options like fish and chips or chicken tenders, alongside their more adventurous seafood selections for the adults.
8. John's American Bar & Grill: This restaurant is a bit more upscale than some others on this list, but they make an effort to accommodate families. Their kid's menu is limited, but the high-quality food and comfortable atmosphere might make it worth it for special occasions.
9. Big Bowl Asian Bistro: Big Bowl offers a fun atmosphere and kid-sized portions of their popular Asian dishes. They have options for even the pickiest eaters, and frequently offer smaller portions of kid-friendly dishes.
10. The Local Pizzeria: A neighborhood favorite, The Local Pizzeria provides a cozy ambiance with a menu of delicious and reasonably-priced pizzas, alongside some other kid-friendly Italian-American options.
11. The Burger Joint: As the name suggests, this place focuses on delicious, juicy burgers. They offer a selection of smaller burgers and sides designed for kids, catering to those who love a good burger.
12. Sweet Surrender Ice Cream Parlor: While not a full meal restaurant, Sweet Surrender is the perfect place to end a family outing with a delicious ice cream treat! Their wide variety of flavors is guaranteed to please everyone.
13. The Breakfast Place: Start your day off right with a trip to this friendly breakfast spot. They offer kid-friendly breakfast staples, like pancakes, French toast, and eggs, in smaller portions.
Tips for Dining Out with Kids in Bustleton
- Call ahead: Check if the restaurant has high chairs, booster seats, or a kids' menu.
- Bring entertainment: Pack books, crayons, or small toys to keep kids occupied.
- Plan for picky eaters: Choose a restaurant with a varied menu.
- Be patient: Dining out with kids can be unpredictable.
This guide provides a starting point for your family's dining adventures in Bustleton. Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on menus, hours, and specials. Enjoy your meals!
