39 Family Friendly Restaurants & Places To Eat in Raleigh [And Where Kids Eat Free]

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When it comes to finding places to eat, often the biggest challenge is finding a place that suits every member of the family. We know how it is dealing with fussy eaters, tiny stomachs, and kids who can’t sit still, which is why we’ve prepared this guide to the best family friendly restaurants in Raleigh so you can go out and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with the whole family.

We’ve chosen these places that we personally have been to and enjoy visiting with our two daughters, and have included not only kid-friendly restaurants, but bakeries, cafes, and places to pick up a sweet treat, so we’ve really got all the bases covered!

Whether you have a tiny tot or a preteen, here are our hand-picked establishments offering kid-friendly menus and entertainment, so you can dine with your tiny humans without stress.

1. Morgan Street Food Hall

Morgan Street Food Hall
Morgan Street Food Hall

The best place for families to eat is undoubtedly Morgan Street Food Hall, which has something for every family member to enjoy.

Because it’s a food court, you can find any cuisine and dish, from Pad Thai to pasta to sushi to Southern American cuisine.

If your family are all craving something different, you can each choose a dish from one of the 22 different food vendors, and eat together in the central dining space.

A close up of ice cream in a bowl

It’s also a great way of supporting local eateries and getting involved in the local community. Better yet, you don’t need reservations, there’s indoor and outdoor seating, and when you need entertainment you can try your hand at axe throwing (if your kids are older).

Our favorite vendor in Morgan Street Food Hall is Raleigh Rolls, a concept of making fresh ice cream on a frozen surface which they encountered in Thailand.

2. Transfer Co Food Hall

people eating on patio of transfer co food hall

Another food hall we love to visit with the kids is Transfer Co Food Hall, which is located inside a historic Carolina Coach Garage and has been renovated into a community hub.

Like Morgan Street Food Hall, you can take your pick from the 13 vendors inside and then enjoy your meal together at one of the picnic-style benches inside, or on the huge back patio outside.

In terms of entertainment, it doesn’t have much to keep kids entertained, but at least there is a variety of food options for them to choose from. Located right next door is Burial Brewery, one of the most family-friendly breweries in Raleigh.

3. Big Ed’s Restaurant

A group of people sitting at a table in a restaurant

If you’re looking for family-friendly places for breakfast, then you won’t find better than Big Ed’s! There are three restaurants across Wake County, but our favorite spot is in downtown Raleigh in City Market on Wolfe Street.

Here you will find classic Southern breakfast options using family recipes that have gone back for generations. Legend has it that Big Ed is using the same recipe his great-grandfather used – what a great way to teach your kids about legacy and family traditions?

Located in the historic City Market, it’s a restaurant that the locals love and we come back here time and time again.

The GIANT pancakes are famous here in Raleigh, and they even have a competition where if you eat it all in 45 minutes or less you get a free t-shirt! Kids may want to share these pancakes – our two daughters share a plate. This is “country cookin’ at its best”. Read our review of Big Ed’s here. 

Video: Big Ed’s Raleigh

4. MoJoe’s Burgers

MoJoe's Burger with a side of tater tots

MoJoe’s has one of the best burgers in Raleigh! While the restaurant itself doesn’t have anything unique for kids, it does have a “build your own burger” on the menu, which is great for kids who are funny about what ingredients they like (aka want a plain burger without any greens in it!).

The french fries are delicious and not too oily, which is always a concern for me when I take my kids out for fast food. I especially like the sweet potato fries.

This is a quintessential old Raleigh style restaurant, with a diverse crowd and a fun atmosphere – it’s always busy and a great place to take your kids for a quick bite to eat for a tasty treat. It has comfortable indoor seating plus a nice outdoor covered patio.

5. Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery

large chocolate cake

This cafe is a real throwback to a classic diner! It’s like dining in a piece of history. From the black and white checkered flooring to the movie memorabilia on the walls, everywhere you look there is something whimsical and fascinating to look at.

Our kids love the cake selection, and the homemade chocolate cake always goes down well in our family. It’s a classic Raleigh staple where loyal fans flock for their HUGE and delicious cakes!

6. State Farmers Market Restaurant

woman sitting at state farmers market restaurant table eating breakfast

Another good old country breakfast place is State Farmers Market Restaurant, which has a huge, open space indoor seating area that’s popular for families.

There’s a smorgasbord of choices of traditional Southern breakfast and lunch favorites, plus they have large portions at a good price. We often get a few things and share, because one plate is too much! There’s also outdoor seating, which is perfect for a hot day.

7. Parkside Restaurant

a chicken sandwich and a burger on a plate

Located in Raleigh’s Warehouse District, Parkside Restaurant is another retro-industrial style South American restaurant that serves traditional comfort food the locals love!

Filling Southern dishes, variety of choices to suit all taste buds, and prices hard to beat for the quality. We love their biscuits and chicken and waffles.

They do have kids options, but they are not listed on the main menu (kids burger and kids mac n cheese), so you do need to ask the server for kids options. Older children may find an adult entree they like too. It’s one of our favorite brunch spots in Raleigh.

8. Irregardless Cafe

People dining outside a cafe with plants growing over the building.

Another old school Raleigh classic is Irregardless Cafe! We love it not just because they have great food but the vibe is also on point – there’s live music every night, but it’s slow jazz music, and not in a way that feels rowdy and raucous.

The menu is very kid-friendly, and they offer great vegetarian food, but also meat and seafood dishes – something for the whole family!

9. Char-Grill

a hand holding up a burger

It doesn’t get more Raleigh than Char-Grill, a classic burger joint. Think local version of Shake Shack. It’s one of our go-to places to eat with our kids when we need to grab a quick burger, and our kids love their shakes and fries! The steak sandwich is also delicious and they do great hot dogs.

10. Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza

family sitting at outside table of Vic's Italian Restaurant, Raleigh

We love Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza, their garlic knots are to die for! This is a quaint, local and family-owned restaurant by an Italian family living in Raleigh, serving authentic Italian cuisine and New York style pizza.

Great prices in healthy portions, with a kid’s menu for the little ones. And it’s also a short walk away from the Marbles Kids Museum, one of our favorite museums in Raleigh for kids! Vic’s Italian now also has Vic’s Pizzeria on Glenwood Ave – same delicious pizza but with a more casual grab and go vibe.

11. Wilson’s Eatery

Another great restaurant with a kids menu and a family-friendly atmosphere is Wilson’s Eatery, which has scratch made sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and awesome fries!

The vibe is casual counter service with a huge outdoor seating area, that’s also dog friendly, so even the furry members of your family can enjoy it here. We love to eat outside in the beer garden attached to Lynnwood Brewing. 

12. Sam Jones BBQ

teen at table eating Sam Jones, BBQ

Raleigh is not short of authentic BBQ restaurants, but our favorite to go to with our kids is Sam Jones BBQ. They have a kid’s menu that’s reasonably priced and offers good portion sizes, and our kids love their Mac N Cheese and chicken wings.

They are famous for their chopped BBQ, fried chicken and baked flat cornbread, making it one of the best BBQ joints in Raleigh. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, though we prefer outside on the picnic benches. There’s also a full bar with beers on tap for mom and dad. Picky toddlers will enjoy the side of Macaroni and Cheese.

13. Tupelo Honey

girl with hot chocolate

Tupelo Honey is quite a sheek and modern restaurant, but they have these nice little booths where you can dine as a family with a bit more privacy!

They have an all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist. They have a great kids menu with lots of options, and the main menu has something for everyone.

It’s another popular brunch spot, but you could easily come here for lunch or dinner. They also have high chairs for small kids, but you should call ahead and reserve one.

14. Scratch Kitchen

an outside restaurant
Scratch outdoor seating in Apex

Okay, not exactly in Raleigh, but the Scratch Kitchen is one of our favorite family-friendly places to eat so we couldn’t miss it off this list. They have a branch in both Cary and Apex, but we prefer the downtown Apex branch because it has a nice outdoor seating area.

All their dishes are made from scratch, so you know your kids are eating something delicious and fresh. They have a focus on providing a place to enjoy a great meal with family and friends with a side helping of good old Southern hospitality. They also have a kids menu.

15. Gringo a Go Go

Four plates of Mexican food in a restaurant called Gringo A Go Go

Gringo A Go Go is a low-key Mexican cantina dishing up classic fare and vegan alternatives in funky digs. We loved a Sunday brunch here, which is a relatively new offering. While there isn’t a kids menu, there are plenty of options on the a la carte menu that they will enjoy, and if you have two kids, the quesadillas is big enough for them to share. Out kids devour the French Toast. They also have a lovely outdoor sitting area.

Read our full review of Gringo a Go Go brunch and see more Mexican restaurants to love in Raleigh.

16. Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen

family at table on patio of Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar
Taverna Agora

Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen is probably more a place you would go on a special occasion. There isn’t a kids menu, entertainment for kids, no crayons, toys, or playground…

So why do I recommend them? The staff! They are so kind and friendly towards the kids, you can tell this is a restaurant that truly values family and the owners love kids.

The whole Greek atmosphere and vibe fills you with family love, and we especially love dining on the lovely rooftop and enjoy lunch and dinner, or Sunday brunch. Our kids love their sticky buns and donuts, and I quite like their soups and salads. Read our review of taverna Agora. 

17. Snoopy’s Hot Dogs 

tray of hot dogs

Another eatery that’s a little out of the downtown area is Snoopy’s Hot Dogs, which served old-fashioned hot dogs, burgers and BBQ sandwiches, plus floats. 

This is a quirky and old school American food shack that’s more of a drive by and pick something up to takeaway kind of place (there’s no seating), but our kids love taking pictures on the giant chair outside! Snoopy’s ranked highly with our Facebook community for best chicken salad in Raleigh.

18. Pit Authentic Barbecue

Exterior of a brick building that is a bbq restaurant.

Another great BBQ restaurant we love to visit with our kids is Pit Authentic Barbecue, which has fantastic kerb-side bbq dishes and a “metro diner” vibe. I love the BBQ chicken and Carolina ribs. They also have delicious side dishes like okra and brussel sprouts.

They have indoor and outdoor seating, and a kids menu for the little ones.

19. Yellowdog Bakery

Bread sticks on display at Yellow Dog Bakery
Yellow Dog Bakery

Yellowdog Bakery is a hit with our kids! It’s a modern, simple bakery with a large variety of savory and sweet baked goods, and a lovely outdoor seating area. If your kids love all things pastries and baked goods, see our post on the best bakeries in Raleigh. 

20. East Cut Sandwiches

person holding open faced sandwich

East Cut Sandwiches in the Iron Works District is a fantastic destination for families seeking delicious, high-quality sandwiches in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

We dined here with my Mum and our teen girls and found creative and hearty sandwiches that caters to all ages, with options sure to please even the pickiest eaters. They have a kid-specific sandwich menu as well.

The industrial-chic decor and spacious seating make it an inviting spot for families to enjoy a relaxed meal together. The friendly staff and commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensure a dining experience that both parents and kids will love. And across the road is Andia’s ice cream for when you’ve finished and around the corner is a giant slide.

21. Burger Village

Burger + Fries + Soda.

Burger Village on Glenwood Avenue is a must-visit for families in search of a great burger joint with a kid-friendly vibe.

Specializing in organic and all-natural ingredients, Burger Village offers a diverse menu that includes a variety of burgers, from classic beef to vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

The casual, laid-back environment and friendly service make it an ideal spot for a family meal.

Kids will especially enjoy the fun atmosphere and the delicious milkshakes and sides that perfectly complement the gourmet burgers. We love that their sodas are all-natural and free from nasties – and delicious!

Read more about the Burger Village Difference and our review of Burger Village in Downtown Raleigh.

22. Raleigh Times Bar

burger and beer on rooftop at Raleigh Times Bar

A local’s favorite on E Hargett St in Downtown Raleigh is the Raleigh Times Bar.

This historic venue also offers a family-friendly environment with a menu that includes plenty of affordable kid-friendly choices ($6) and a la carte menu for mom and dad, offering easy picking food such as nachos, burgers, wings. The outdoor seating area is great for families.

23. Coquette Brassiere

Family of four having lunch in a restaurant
Coquette in Midtown

Don’t worry about the expense of taking the kids to Paris to indulge in one of the world’s finest cuisines. You can do that right here in North Hills Raleigh. Coquette Brassiere is one of our top picks for family-friendly restaurants for older kids, especially when we’re missing Europe.

You’ll find many kid-versions of French dishes such as Le Hamburger, Nouilles au beurre, and pain perdu on their regular and Sunday brunch menu. And what kid would not love a macaron or profiteroles dripping in chocolate sauce?

Profiteroles dessert on a plate with chocolate sauce

It’s decor and vibe is very Parisian, which our kids discovered on our trip to Paris last year. Brunch at Coquettes was a fantastic way for us to get them excited about their trip. Read our full review of Coquette Brassiere in North Hills and see more restaurants in North Hills to love and international restaurants in Raleigh to love.

24. Cowfish Sushi

Girl holding chopsticks with sushi

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in North Hills is known for its fun and eclectic menu that combines sushi and burgers. No need to wrestle over your decisions any more!

This restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with a dedicated kids’ menu and engaging aquarium decor. The giant fish tank is loved by all kids!

25. Gravy

Cute courtyard at Gravy Restaurant, Raleigh, NC

If you love Italian food, Gravy is one of the best Italian restaurants in Raleigh. Gravy in downtown Raleigh is a top choice for families looking for a welcoming, kid-friendly Italian dining experience.

This cozy restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a menu that features classic Italian dishes made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

Gravy is also a standout restaurant for families with kid for their super cozy and cute family-friendly courtyard with their neighbor, Sitti (Lebanese restaurant).

Families can enjoy a variety of options, from hearty pasta dishes to delicious pizzas, ensuring that even the youngest diners find something they love from the kid’s menu.

26. Two Roosters

A girl smiling at the camera with an ice cream cone
Two Roosters

Founded by an NC State University alum, Two Roosters is the best place to get ice cream in Raleigh! Our kids love going back here and trying a different flavor each time.

Their popular handcrafted ice cream features unusual creations with seasonal and permanent flavors – often inspired by local events and restaurants.  It was listed a the best ice cream in North Carolina by Food & Wine Magazine in 2021.

27. Howling Cow Ice Cream

A group of people sitting at a picnic table

With a 329-acre dairy farm and a nationally recognized food science program, NC State’s Howling Cow makes delicious ice cream on the NC State University Campus.

The milk and cream come directly from over 300 NC State cows on their farm in Raleigh. It doesn’t get more local than this. They have a cool porch area too! To earn that ice cream, take the short 1-mile trail around Yates Mill Park across the road.

28. FRESH. Local Ice Cream

FRESH local ice cream in a waffle

Locally owned and operated with a huge variety of 15+ signature flavors, FRESH. Local ice cream is another hit with our kids! Located in Cary, Apex and on Glenwood Ave, this ice cream store is very popular with the locals.  Get your flavor of choice in a cup, homemade waffle cone, or cake cone. 

29. Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream

Andia's Homemade Ice cream in a waffle cone

One of the most popular places to get ice cream is Andia’s, which serves up award-winning ice cream! They also support family-owned dairy farms and feature traditional and classic flavors, plus unique flavors.

Don’t miss their MONSTER shakes! This is a special treat for your kids… They now have a location in the new Iron Works District.

30. Bakers Dozen Donut Shop

trays filled with Bakers Dozen Donuts

Bakers Dozen is a hole-in-the-wall donut shop that’s very popular with the locals. They have a variety of flavors made fresh every day, and a popular favorite are their apple fritters. Get there early for a dozen donuts for $10. They have recently changed locations from Cary to Apex.

  • Address: 1232 W Williams St, Apex, NC, United States, North Carolina

31. Duck Donuts

Duck Donuts, Raleigh

Duck Donuts are one of the most famous donut shops in North Carolina, and they have a branch here in Raleigh. Duck Donuts originated in Duck in the Outer Banks. As they like to say, they have a Duckzillion flavors and endless combinations to try, plus build our own orders!

32. Krispy Kreme

box of donuts
2nd original Krispy Kreme

In case you don’t know, Krispy Kreme was born in North Carolina, and Raleigh is home to the second original store on N Person Street. While they are a chain store and are often overlooked because of it, my kids still rate their doughnuts over any other in Raleigh. 

33. The Cupcake & Bakery Shoppe

a girl sitting at a table with a cupcake

If your kids have a sweet tooth and are looking for tasty cupcakes in Raleigh, look no further than the Cupcake Shoppe Bakery in Glenwood South.

This Raleigh bakery whipps up bespoke cakes & cupcakes using fresh, local ingredients. Plus pastries and confections like cookies, croissants, cinnamon rolls, muffins, brownies and scones. 

34. Videri Chocolate Factory

young girls at Videri Chocolate Factory, Raleigh

Chocolates lovers rejoice! At Videri Chocolate Factory, you not only get to try delicious artisan chocolate, but can also get a behind the scenes look at the chocolate-making process from knowledgeable staff.

Afterwards, choose from high quality hand-made chocolate made with organic and fair trade ingredients – vegan and allergy friendly options available. We love their bean to bar ethos, and they also do a decent soft serve ice cream (though I admit it’s quite expensive for what it is).

35. Lucettegrace

close up of macaroons

Lucettegrace is a contemporary patisserie that specializes in sweet and savory breakfast pastries, and French inspired desserts. Their macarons and dessert pastries are a hit with the locals and our kids love the intricately designed pastries (if only to snap photos to share on their Instas!).

36. Once in a Blue Moon Bakery & Cafe

Located in downtown Cary, the Once in a Blue Moon Bakery has been serving the Triangle tasty cupcakes, cookies and pastries for 20 years. They even have gluten free and vegan cupcakes. The Red Velvet is my favorite! 

The building itself has been decorated in a huge street art mural, which if you love artsy things, is sure to impress. Check out more gluten free restaurants in Raleigh.

37. Bestow Baked Goods

tray of cupcakes

This is another made-from-scratch bakery, located outside Raleigh in Holly Springs. It specializes in cakes, cookies and pastries.

Some of our favorites are the Double Chocolate and Very Vanilla cakes, plus they have other amazing flavors like Sweet Ootato and Banana Fosters cupcakes. 

38. Gonza Tacos Y Tequila (Cary, Wake Forest, Raleigh)

Family of 4 eating lunch in a Mexican restaurant

Featuring Colombian-Mexican cuisine, this place has a fun, upbeat atmosphere and laid-back vibe. As you enter your attention quickly pans to the cool decor of lanterns that make for a unique ambiance, with murals of famous icons – our kids really enjoy it here too! 

Our girls love the Nachos Gabachos, fajitas, burritos, and tacos, and moms will love the Margaritas. Don’t sleep on their desserts. Our kids love the Churros and the Talega de Platano ice cream dessert, but it is phenomenal.

Plate of Mexican food
Colorful and tasty food!
Family of 4 eating lunch in a Mexican restaurant
Lunch at their Cary location

They have three locations in total, including an awesome location in Cary (Waverly Place) that is open for lunch and has a kids playground out the front – perfect for mom and dad who want to sit outside and have a Margarita as the kids play!

39. Tap Station

Aerial photo of a two story restaurant

You might not think it, but this brewery is the perfect spot for a family dinner.

Tap Station is located in a converted garage in Apex, with lots of great antique decor on both levels, ample patio seating and a kids play area adds a nice touch for families! Food is your typical pub fare; burgers, hot dogs, tater tots – the stuff kids go wild for but mom and dad have a guilty pleasure for.

Where to find kid’s dinner deals in Raleigh?

The above restaurants are based on our personal recommendations and are places that we have dined at ourselves.

However, there are many more restaurants that cater to families with kids, and have special deals!

So, here are some places in Raleigh and Wake County that have dinner deals that may appeal to families. Note that kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal:

Map of family-friendly places to eat in Raleigh

Now that you have discovered the best places to eat with your family in Raleigh, you can start planning which ones to go to first! To help you out, here are all these places listed on this helpful map.

More guides for families

If you’re looking for more idea for things to do, places to go, and places to eat as a family in Raleigh, check out:

As hard as we try, it’s impossible for us to know all the family friendly places to eat in Raleigh, so if you think we’ve missed any please tell us in the comments what you like and why it’s kid-friendly! And if you visit any of our recommendations, come back and tell us what you thought!

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1 thought on “39 Family Friendly Restaurants & Places To Eat in Raleigh [And Where Kids Eat Free]”

  1. Melinda Sipes

    I love this list of family-friendly restaurants in Raleigh! It’s great to have more options for dining out with the kids. Can’t wait to try a few of these spots!

    Reply

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