5 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in the City, Pt. 2
Ready for another round of easy and fun dining spots for the whole family? Whether you’re looking for outdoor dining, special holiday events, or a restaurant with the best view in the city for kids, I’ve got you covered.
Here are five dining spots to visit this month (or any month!) with your family.
— by Megan Ariail, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind The West End Mom. Follow her @thewestendmom!)
By the way, here’s Pt. 1, if you missed it or need a refresher!
Brambly Park
Opening in 2020, this urban winery is the perfect spot to visit for live music, wine, and special celebrations. Brambly Park is our go-to local winery because it has a really good restaurant and a beautiful park. Bari, the restaurant, has an elegant interior dining area and a covered pavilion, or you can choose to eat in the outdoor space. It’s on a two-acre park, filled with picnic tables, open green space, yard games, and a small garden. They also host family-friendly brunches like their Santa brunch and Mother’s Day brunch.
Why we love it: I love it just as much as my kids do because it has something for everyone — open space to run, kid-friendly food, and special adult options like wine. Even if you choose to dine inside, you can walk your kiddos around outside while you wait for your meal. The entire property is also stroller-friendly. Don’t miss this year’s Santa Visits Brambly Park brunch on Saturday, December 17, from noon to 2:30 pm.
Hours: Found here
Nearby: The Science Museum of Virginia is a six-minute drive away.
Location: 1708 Belleville St (Scott’s Addition)
Casa Del Barco
Open since 2014, Casa Del Barco serves authentic Mexican cuisine in an innovative yet kid-friendly way. Their location on along the Canal Walk is my favorite — it’s in the restored Reynolds Italianate Building. The atmosphere is fun and festive with Papel Picado banners across the restaurant, colorful glass bottles hanging from the ceiling, and even an upside-down Christmas tree decorated for seasonal holidays like Day of the Dead.
Why we love it: Most importantly, they have a kids menu that my picky eaters love. Both inside and outside dining are perfect when you’re with the kiddos, too. The festive atmosphere inside keeps mine entertained, and the spot also has TVs around the restaurant showing sporting events. Outside, you have views of the canal, and my children love watching the dog-walkers and joggers.
Hours: Found here
Location: 320 S 12th St (Downtown)
Nearby: It’s on the Canal Walk, and it’s walking distance from Brown’s Island.
The Continental
This neighborhood restaurant is a go-to for locals, college students, and families. It has inside seating, a covered patio, and sidewalk seating with heaters. The casual and lively atmosphere will keep your kiddos happy, and the American fare is perfect for picky eaters. The Continental also decorates for each season and holiday, so it’s a festive dining experience all year.
Why we love it: If you’ve never dined out with your baby, try this one first. It’s the first restaurant I tried solo with two kids under two. There’s so much going on inside the dining room and on the patio that you won’t have to worry about the noises your little ones make. Also, the menu has a little bit of everything, so you’ll definitely be able to find something for everyone in your family to eat.
Hours: Found here
Location: 5704 Grove Ave (Westhampton) and 609 Hull St (Manchester)
Nearby: Libbie Playground is less than a five-minute walk from the Westhampton location, and Belle Isle is a six-minute drive away from the Manchester location.
Bottoms Up Pizza
Located less than a block from Main Street Station, Bottoms Up Pizza is a family-friendly restaurant with inside seating and a patio next to the railroad tracks. Trains come through frequently, so you are almost guaranteed to see one during your meal — a huge plus when dining with kids. This pizza joint also serves Italian food, burgers, and brisket, including vegan and gluten-free options. It has a casual environment with quick service, even if you’re dining with a crowd.
Why we love it: This is my children’s favorite place to eat because it has their two favorite things: pizza and trains. It’s the only spot in the city where you can watch trains and have dinner! The warm atmosphere, family-friendly food, and constant excitement for the trains to pass by makes it an easy spot to din with the whole crew.
Hours: Found here
Location: 1700 Dock St (Shockoe Bottom)
Nearby: Great Shiplock Park and the Virginia Capital Trail Richmond Trailhead are each less than a five-minute drive away.
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
This locally owned restaurant serves up slow-smoked BBQ, spiced-up Southern sides, and homemade desserts. The relaxed, warm atmosphere is very easy with kids, and with country music playing inside and out, you won’t make a scene while dining with your whole crew. The large patio with over-sized tables is perfect for large families or a gathering with friends.
Why we love it: I love this restaurant’s cafeteria-like style — you wait in line for your food, pick it out, and seat yourself. All of the food is served on trays, and the individual helpings are generous. It’s easy to get my kids to try new-to-them foods. The biggest hit, though, is the sink in the middle of the restaurant. My kids are always excited to wash their hands there before and after we eat.
Hours: Found here
Location: 3201 W Moore St (Scott’s Addition)
Nearby: Park 365 is about a five-minute drive away.
For more family-friendly fun:
