Dining out with kids can be an adventure, to say the least! As parents, my husband and I know firsthand how quickly a fun dinner out can turn into a stressful experience if the restaurant isn’t quite right for the little ones. Gone are the days of spontaneously choosing a restaurant based purely on our cravings. Now, the big question is: will the kids survive (and maybe even enjoy) the meal without a major meltdown? 🤪
Over the years, we’ve explored the Cleveland restaurant scene and discovered some truly fantastic places that cater to families. These spots not only have delicious menus that adults will love but also offer welcoming environments for kids. We’re excited to share our growing list of favorite family-friendly restaurants in Cleveland, and we’ll keep adding more as we find them, so be sure to check back often!
Top Family-Friendly Restaurant Picks in Cleveland
Navigating the restaurant scene with kids in tow doesn’t have to be daunting. We’ve rounded up some of our go-to spots that make dining out with the whole family a pleasure.
Bourbon Street Barrel Room – New Orleans Flavor for the Whole Family
2393 Professor Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 (See it on Instagram)
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Cleveland with Bourbon Street Barrel Room Featured
First on our list is a personal favorite: The Bourbon Street Barrel Room. I’m a huge fan of New Orleans cuisine and the vibrant, fun decor of this place really transports you. The kids absolutely loved the atmosphere too, especially when we got to sit upstairs – they thought that was extra special!
Bourbon Street Barrel Room boasts an incredible happy hour, featuring some of my favorite menu items like jambalaya and hush puppies. We usually aim to arrive around 5 pm to get ahead of the dinner rush as it tends to get quite busy.
And let’s talk about the kids’ menu – it’s a winner! For just $8.95, kids get an entree, a side, a drink, AND beignets! What’s not to love? This spot is perfect if you are looking for Family Restaurants Near Me with a unique and fun atmosphere.
Dewey’s Pizza – Pizza and Entertainment for Kids
18516 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44107 (SEE IT ON INSTAGRAM)
Interactive Chefs at Dewey's Pizza Lakewood, a Family Restaurant near Cleveland
Dewey’s Pizza has been our reliable go-to family restaurant near me since our kids were tiny. What makes Dewey’s so special for families? It’s definitely the chefs! They are consistently amazing with kids, always engaging and interactive.
During our last visit, a chef was playing tic-tac-toe with all the kids through the kitchen window! It was such a sweet and entertaining touch that kept them happily occupied.
Beyond the entertainment, Dewey’s Pizza also caters to dietary needs with gluten-free and dairy-free options. And for pizza lovers, like myself, you have to try the Edgar Allan Poe – it’s my absolute favorite.
To top it off, we indulged in their cheesecake for dessert, which was absolutely delicious. I appreciate that they source their desserts from local bakeries, supporting the community. If you are searching for family restaurants near me that offer great pizza in a relaxed and fun setting, Dewey’s Pizza is a must-try. They have three locations in Northeast Ohio: Cleveland Heights, Lakewood, and Fairlawn.
PJ McIntyre’s Pub – Surprisingly Kid-Friendly Pub Grub
17119 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
Family-Friendly Atmosphere at PJ McIntyre's Pub in Cleveland
A pub might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think “family restaurants near me,” but PJ McIntyre’s Pub is a fantastic exception! Honestly, they might have our favorite kids’ menu in town. At just $3.99 per kid, it’s incredibly affordable, and the food is actually really good and generously portioned.
My son declared his burger the “best burger ever,” and my daughter, who can be picky, devoured her nuggets and fries. That’s high praise coming from her!
For the adults, I enjoyed the wings, and my husband went for a burger. We were both impressed with our meals, especially the house-made potato chips – so addictive! 😋
The pub itself is quite spacious, so we had no problem finding seating even when it was a bit busy. We appreciate the pub atmosphere because it tends to be a bit louder, which is perfect when you’re dining with kids – you don’t feel as self-conscious if they get a little noisy. 😆
They also provide paper kids’ menus and crayons to keep the little ones entertained. The interior of the pub is really interesting, and the kids enjoyed looking at the mural on the wall. Plus, they have a fireplace, which is a cozy bonus during colder months. For a relaxed and budget-friendly option among family restaurants near me, PJ McIntyre’s Pub is a great choice.
Cozumel Mexican Restaurant – Speedy and Welcoming Mexican for Families
16512 DETROIT AVE, LAKEWOOD, OH 44107 ([SEE IT ON INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/p/CrhdgDvgecY/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D))*
Delicious Mexican Food at Cozumel Restaurant, a Family Restaurant Option in Lakewood
While my kids aren’t huge fans of Mexican food in general, Cozumel Mexican Restaurant is still a regular spot for our family because they have kid-friendly staples like chicken fingers and burgers that my children love. My husband, who is more adventurous, enjoys exploring their extensive Mexican menu and is always happy with his choices. Cozumel is definitely a winner for us when we are looking for family restaurants near me.
Here are a few reasons why Cozumel works well for families:
- Complimentary chips and salsa: They arrive instantly, keeping hungry kids happy while we wait for our meals. And their salsa is genuinely delicious! ✔️
- Spacious seating: With six locations, each Cozumel restaurant is quite large, and we’re usually seated immediately. ✔️
- Fast and fresh food: We all know kids’ patience at restaurants is limited (or is that just mine? 🤣). The speed of service here is a huge plus. ✔️
- Kid-friendly amenities: Kids menu with crayons 🖍️ ✔️, high chairs ✔️, and a louder atmosphere so you don’t have to worry about noise levels. ✔️
- Affordable kids’ meals: Kids’ meals are only $5.99 💰. ✔️
Enjoy Family Dining in Cleveland!
That’s our current list of favorite family restaurants near me in Cleveland! We hope you discover some new spots to enjoy with your family and have some delicious meals in our great city.
P.S. Do you know a fantastic kid-friendly restaurant that we should try? Let us know! Email us your recommendations at [email protected]!
