Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants In The City
City Tavern
138 S. Second St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-1443
www.citytavern.com
City Tavern is about more than historic ales and Colonial furnishings. Throughout the course of a meal, the costumed waitstaff delights patrons with interesting information that will capture the imagination of young history buffs. City Tavern also has a full kid's menu that includes Turkey Pot Pie, Fish & Chips and other kid-approved meals. While you enjoy the Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale, the kids can enjoy their own special drinks, like root beer & apple cider.
Nifty Fifty's
2491 Grant Ave. at Roosevelt Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(215) 676-1950
www.niftyfiftys.com
Nifty Fifty's is a Philadelphia staple for family fun. Kids can decorate their own paper hat while they anxiously await their burger and fries. This eatery's claim to family-friendly fame, however, lies in their possession of the "World's Largest Soda Fountain," with over 100 flavors to mix and match.
Max Brenner
1500 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 344-8150
www.maxbrenner.com
Max Brenner's is a chocolate heaven for everyone--young and old. While there's "regular" food (the kids' menu offers pasta, burgers, etc.), it's all about the dessert here. Desserts for kids even feature a Chocolate Syringe made for squirting chocolate right into your mouth!
Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse
7500 State Rd.
Philadelphia, PA 19136
(215) 331-3112
www.sweetlucys.com
Taste some of Philly's best barbecue in a family-friendly environment. Order a "Pig Out" for the whole family to share, or get the kids their own separate "Piglet Meals". Better yet? Come on Mondays for the buffet: children under 10 are half price and kids under 5 are free! Just make sure to BYOB.
Tacconelli's Pizzeria
2604 E. Somerset St.
Philadelphia, PA 19134
(215) 425-4983
www.tacconellispizzeria.com
It's a heated debate, but many will say that Tacconelli's has the best pizza in Philly. While you do have to call in advance to reserve your pizza dough, once the family arrives, the attitude is decidedly unfussy. This pizza joint's paper plates and paper cups will fit right in with the kids' crayons and coloring books, and you'll still get to enjoy some of Philly's best. BYOB.
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
1901 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19176
(215) 525-3233
www.chima.cc
If you've always wanted to try a Brazilian Steakhouse but have been waiting for a babysitter, think again. The friendly staff at Chima welcomes children and doesn't charge for little ones to nosh on their parents' meals. There's also the entertainment factor: kids will get a kick out of the gauchos carving meat at the table, and you're sure to hear a Portuguese rendition of the happy birthday song as well.
Dave & Buster's
325 N. Columbus Blvd.
Philadlephia, PA 19106
(215) 413-1951
www.daveandbusters.com
Dave & Buster's is like a Chuck E. Cheese for the whole family. Everyone can enjoy lunch or dinner together in the restaurant, which offers everything from sandwiches, salads and burgers to seafood and steak dinners. There's even an "Eat & Play Combo" deal, where select meal options come with a $10 game card that's ready for use at the arcade., which will keep any family occupied for hours with a smorgasbord of games, tickets and prizes.
Bay Staley is a Philly area mom and writer. She also blogs at her personal site www.QueenMotherBlog.com about her foibles as a stay-at-home mom.
