5 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in the City
Dining out with kids can be intimidating, especially when they are really little! I’m always thinking about the atmosphere, the food, and the location. Is there parking nearby? Is there kid-friendly food? Will we still have fun? Well, the answer is YES to all of these questions, because Richmond is filled with the best restaurants, making it easy to bring your kiddos along, too.
Here are five restaurants to try around the city with your crew.
— by Megan Ariail, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind The West End Mom. Follow her @thewestendmom!)
Barrio Taqueria + Tequila
This neighborhood taqueria serves family-friendly fare, including brunch! We love the retro vibe — it’s casual and easy with kids, and the kitchen is in an Airstream trailer. Barrio has inside and outside seating with garage doors opening to the patio. While reservations are encouraged, you can usually drop in for an early dinner to miss the crowd and more easily find parking.
Why we love it: They have a special kids’ menu, so the food is really approachable. We also love the happy hour deals that feature drinks and appetizers, appealing to Mom and Dad and the little ones! Visit Monday through Friday between 4 pm and 6:30 pm to grab chips and salsa, queso, and guacamole — each for under $4 — and a list of drink options for under $6. Also, while not on the happy hour menu, the soft-serve margarita is a can’t-miss!
Hours: Found here
Location: 2229 W Main St (The Fan)
Nearby: Byrd Park is fewer than three minutes away.
Boulevard Burger & Brews
Boulevard Burger & Brews has a retro diner vibe and serves all-American eats. It’s casual and fun for the entire family. They offer inside dining and a patio (with the bonus of a heated tent on colder days). What makes this spot extra special is that you’re dining in history! The building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was originally Kelly’s Jet Burger System in the 1950s, a burger chain that was in Richmond before McDonald’s.
Why we love it: The menu is a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters: all-American classics and shakes. The kids’ menu includes a shake, and each option will cost you around $6. I also love that they serve vegan and veggie options, including a delicious black bean burger.
Hours: Found here
Location: 1300 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard (Scott’s Addition)
Nearby: The Play 60 Obstacle Course is fewer than three minutes away.
Garnett’s Cafe
Garnett’s Cafe on Park Ave is a sandwich shop, but the menu includes much more — soups, salads, and desserts, too. They also serve vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The historic 1908 building is charming, and it’s filled with bits of Virginia history, cafe-style seating, and a vintage bar. Garnett’s Cafe even packs box lunches, so you can grab your food and head out for a picnic!
Why we love it: The cozy atmosphere is not too overwhelming for babies and toddlers. With the park across the street, it’s easy to take a fussy baby out quickly and still enjoy your surroundings. Garnett’s Cafe also has quick service, and the menu is very approachable for kids while offering delicious options for adults. The spot offers a special menu just for little ones, including a grilled cheese, PB&AB, and ham and cheese sandwiches.
Hours: Found here
Location: 2001 Park Ave (The Fan)
Nearby: Meadow Park is across the street.
Island Shrimp Co.
With expansive river views, Island Shrimp Co. is a bright and vibrant place to eat. It has a subtle, tropical vibe, and the river is put on full display with the floor-to-ceiling windows. While they serve American food here, including seafood, Island Shrimp Co. puts an island twist on everything, like the Island BBQ wings, the Kalua Pork Plate, and the Mochiko Chicken.
Why we love it: We visit Island Shrimp Co. for the atmosphere and view. The large outdoor patio is relaxing, and my kids love seeing the boats (especially the radio-controlled ones that will race across the water), the wildlife, and the city skyline. And the kids’ menu is perfect for picky eaters — it’s got all the basics.
Hours: Found here
Location: 11 Orleans St (Rocketts Landing)
Nearby: The Virginia Capital Trail runs in front of the restaurant.
Little Nickel
This tropical diner has crowd-pleasing food, and a fun, festive atmosphere. You don’t need to worry about your little ones making too much noise, because there are so many spaces to dine and there are a lot of eye-catching things to see (raffia hanging from the ceiling and palm tree wall paper to name a couple). Beyond the entertaining decor, the menu is just really good, and Little Nickel offers vegan and gluten-free options, too.
Why we love it: Our favorite place to sit is on the side patio because raffia hangs from the ceiling — my kids love seeing this. The kids’ menu here is great for even the most particular eaters, offering spaghetti, a burger, beans and rice, and chicken tenders. We really appreciate the coloring menus and drawing supplies, too. And the large, family-style restrooms are really convenient with little kids.
Hours: Found here
Location: 4702 Forest Hill Ave (Forest Hill)
Nearby: Forest Hill Park is about three minutes away.
For more family-friendly fun:
