Dining out with kids can sometimes feel less like a treat and more like a tightrope walk. Parents often juggle between wanting to enjoy a meal and ensuring their children are entertained and happy. Fortunately, Austin understands this parental balancing act and offers a fantastic array of family-friendly restaurants. For those seeking a relaxed dining experience where kids can be kids, Austin boasts numerous eateries equipped with play areas right on their patios. Let’s explore some of the best family-friendly restaurants Austin has to offer, where you can savor your meal while the little ones burn off energy in designated play spaces.
Food Trailer Parks & Casual Outdoor Spots
Burnet Rd. Food Park: Located at 5000 Burnet Rd., this food park provides a delightful and diverse dining experience. With a variety of food trailers offering everything from savory meals to sweet desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving. A key feature for families is the small, enclosed playground, allowing children to play safely while parents relax. Operating seven days a week, though hours vary by trailer due to their family-run nature, it’s best to check their website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedules.
Bouldin Acres: With two locations, both Bouldin Acres spots are designed with families in mind. The South Lamar location is famed for its neighborhood block party vibe, complete with lawn games, pickleball courts, and a playground. The newer Braker Lane location has also added a playset, enhancing its family appeal. Known for their welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere, Bouldin Acres serves up delicious food and drinks, making it a perfect spot for a family outing where everyone, including furry members, are welcome. Find more details on their offerings at Bouldin Acres.
Camp Out at Yard Bar: Situated in the Allandale neighborhood, Camp Out is an outdoor eatery and patio bar nestled within Yard Bar. This spot emphasizes a relaxed, community-focused dining experience. While details are still emerging, Camp Out promises to be a family-friendly destination with upcoming events and a casual dining atmosphere. Keep an eye on their page for more information as they develop.
Pizza, Burgers, and American Classics
Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse – North Location: Located on Parmer Lane, Aviator Pizza offers more than just great pizza. Their expansive 7,500 sq. ft. beer garden is a major draw, featuring an updated playscape, covered seating, and beer garden tables. With over 30 years in operation, Aviator prides itself on fresh, daily-made pizza dough and an impressive selection of 50+ Texas-brewed beers and wines on tap. It’s a perfect blend for parents looking for quality food and drink while keeping the kids entertained. Visit Aviator Pizza for menus and more.
Hat Creek Burger Company: A true Austin staple for families, Hat Creek Burger Company boasts play yards at all of their locations. Their menu is designed to please all ages, featuring burgers, chicken, sweet potato fries, milkshakes, and even breakfast tacos and pancakes. The enclosed play areas allow parents to relax and socialize while kids play safely. Hat Creek is the quintessential family-friendly burger joint in Austin. Check out their menu and locations.
Phil’s Ice House (Burnet Road Location): Phil’s Ice House is synonymous with family fun in Austin. Partnered with Amy’s Ice Creams at all three locations (Burnet Rd, South Lamar, and North Austin on 183), Phil’s on Burnet Road offers a classic menu of kid-friendly favorites like burgers, fries, corn dogs, and chicken tenders. Their “Parents’ Recess” happy hour, Monday to Friday from 3-5:30 pm, offers discounted beer and wine. The real highlight is the vibrant playground, ensuring kids have a blast while parents enjoy comfort food and drinks. Explore their menu and plan your visit.
Tex-Mex and Global Flavors
El Mercado: For Tex-Mex in a relaxed setting, El Mercado in South Austin offers a garden-style patio lit with party lights and a small playscape. This laid-back restaurant provides a comfortable environment for families to enjoy classic Tex-Mex dishes while kids have a space to play. Visit El Mercado for more details.
Flores Mexican Restaurant: With four locations across Austin, Flores Mexican Restaurants are all excellent choices for families, each featuring playgrounds. The location at 4625 West Cannon Drive is particularly popular, offering weekend brunch, daily lunch specials, and dinner favorites like fajitas and tacos. Parents can unwind with a margarita while keeping an eye on their children playing in the playground. Find out more at Flores Mexican Restaurant.
Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant: Located in North Austin, Mesa Rosa offers a spacious environment with a playscape, a large lawn, and an outdoor patio. Spanning over 3 acres, it’s easy to find space and relax while kids play. Adults can enjoy margaritas and Mexican cuisine on the patio, making it a great spot for family gatherings. Learn more about Mesa Rosa at Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant.
Unique Cafes and Specialty Dining
Brentwood Social House: This North/Central Austin cafe offers a cozy, home-like atmosphere. With multiple rooms, a back patio, and a front porch, there are many spots to settle in. They also feature a family room equipped with toys and games. The backyard boasts a pirate ship playground, adding a unique charm for children. Brentwood Social House is perfect for a relaxed family outing. See more at Brentwood Social House.
Pirate ship playground at Brentwood Social House in Austin
Central Market – North Lamar: Central Market North Lamar isn’t just a grocery store; it’s a destination for family dining. The Central Market Cafe offers a diverse menu from Asian salmon salad to fish tacos, ensuring healthy and delicious options. The outdoor area includes a playscape, a large yard, and a pond, providing ample space for kids to explore while parents relax. The added convenience of grocery shopping makes it a practical choice for busy families. Explore their menu and plan your visit.
Easy Tiger – South Lamar: The South Lamar location of Easy Tiger features a dedicated “Kids’ Zone,” a shaded play area on their patio. Parents can enjoy the full Beer Garden menu while kids play in a safe and fun environment. Easy Tiger is known for its delicious baked goods, sandwiches, and beer selection, making it a hit for both adults and children.
FairLane Cocktails and Coffee: Located in Dripping Springs, FairLane Cocktails and Coffee is a newer spot designed for family enjoyment. It offers top-quality coffee, beer, wine, and food, creating a relaxed gathering place. The outdoor playground ensures kids have plenty of space to play. With a variety of food trucks on-site, including options from Oro Bianco, Quack’s Bakery, and A.T. Eatz, there’s something for everyone. Discover more at FairLane Cocktails and Coffee.
Outdoor playground at FairLane Cocktails and Coffee in Dripping Springs, Austin
Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster: For a taste of New England in North Austin, Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster offers a unique dining experience. With a menu featuring lobster rolls, a raw bar, soups, and salads, plus a fantastic kids’ menu, it caters to diverse tastes. The outdoor area includes patio dining, a playscape, and Connor’s Creamery soft-serve ice cream truck, making it a delightful spot for families. Visit Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster for details.
Home Slice Pizza – North Loop: The North Loop location of Home Slice offers an outdoor patio with a children’s play area. This charming space is perfect for kids to run around while parents enjoy award-winning pizza. Like the South location, they offer kids dough to play with at the table. This location also features a full bar and unique menu items like Sicilian-style pie and Buffalo wings. Explore their menu and plan a visit.
Outdoor play area at Home Slice Pizza North Loop in Austin
Kerbey Lane Cafe – Round Rock & Westlake: A beloved Austin classic, Kerbey Lane Cafe is known for its extensive menu with options for even the pickiest eaters, including vegan choices. Two locations, in Westlake and Round Rock, feature playscapes. The Mueller location is also conveniently close to Mueller Lake Park. Kids eat free on Tuesdays (ages 12 and under with adult entrée purchase), making it an even more family-friendly option. Visit Kerbey Lane Cafe for locations and menus.
Littlefield’s Tacos & Coffee: Littlefield’s offers a relaxed, outdoor patio where families can enjoy tacos from Veracruz, coffee from Fleet Coffee Co., and shaved ice from SnoRide. The large patio provides plenty of space for kids to play in a casual atmosphere, making it ideal for meetups with friends and family. Check out Littlefield’s Tacos & Coffee for more info.
Mandola’s Italian – Cedar Park: Mandola’s in Cedar Park brings Italian culture to a casual, family-friendly environment. Serving classic Italian dishes like chicken piccata and baked ziti, they also have a playground adjacent to the outdoor seating. It’s a great spot to enjoy a meal while kids are entertained. Visit Mandola’s Italian for details.
Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ – 620: Located at 7709 Ranch Rd. 620, Rudy’s offers more than just BBQ; it has an outdoor playground with a rock-climbing wall and slides connected to the patio. Rudy’s is a fantastic place to enjoy BBQ and let the kids play in a fun, outdoor setting. Explore their menu and plan a visit.
Salt Lick – Round Rock: The Round Rock location of Salt Lick is perfect for a relaxed evening with BBQ and family fun. Offering plates for the whole family or BBQ by the pound, Salt Lick also features live music and a playground with ample space for kids to run around. It’s a true Texas BBQ experience with family entertainment. Visit Salt Lick BBQ for more information.
The Triangle: The Triangle Park, surrounded by various restaurants including Hopdoddy’s Burger Bar and Mandola’s Italian Market, offers a convenient option for families. After dining at one of the nearby restaurants, families can easily access the park and playground, making it a versatile destination for dining and play. Learn more about The Triangle at The Triangle.
Waterloo Ice House: A long-standing Austin favorite since 1976, Waterloo Ice House offers a vast menu of salads, burgers, sandwiches, and Tex-Mex. Three locations (360/N. Capital of TX Hwy, Southpark Meadows, Slaughter Lane & Escarpment Blvd.) feature outdoor play areas, including playscapes and sandpits. With both outdoor and indoor seating and plenty of shaded tables, Waterloo Ice House is well-equipped for families. Explore their menu and locations.
Play area at Waterloo Ice House South Park Meadows in Austin
Finding Your Family-Friendly Restaurant in Austin
Austin truly caters to families looking to dine out without sacrificing relaxation or fun for the kids. These restaurants with play areas offer a fantastic solution, allowing parents to enjoy a meal while children are happily entertained. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, burgers, Tex-Mex, or something more unique, Austin’s family-friendly dining scene has something for everyone. Explore these options and discover your new favorite family-friendly restaurant in Austin!
