Summer is the perfect time to explore Philadelphia with the whole family, and that often means finding a restaurant everyone will enjoy. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between attractions or settling in for dinner after a day of sightseeing, these family-friendly spots offer crowd-pleasing menus, kid-approved meals and a welcoming atmosphere that makes dining out easy.
The Fishtown noodle bar is known for a modern take on pho, ramen, and bao buns with Asian comfort food staples that pair with familiar family favorites. The Kid KFC Bao ($7) is a crispy fried chicken cutlet tucked into a steamed bao bun, served with a side of fries. The Kid Cheeseburger Bao ($8) is a similar offering, featuring a beef patty topped with melted American cheese, served with fries. The kids’ menu also offers Dark Soy Noodles ($9), tossed in a sweet-and-savory soy sauce, Chibi Ramen ($10), Mecha's take on a classic chicken noodle soup, and Baby Pho ($10) with beef broth and rice noodles.
1700 N. Front Street, mechanoodlebar.com
Located on the ground level of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, the American upbeat kitchen welcomes younger guests with breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials. The kids breakfast ($12) includes two eggs, choice of toast, and potatoes or fruit. A single pancake or French toast ($6) can be ordered plain, topped with fresh mixed berries, or sprinkled with chocolate chips (+$1), and a fruit cup ($4). A variety of classics can be found for lunch and dinner, including grilled cheese with fries ($8), grilled chicken with roasted potatoes and asparagus ($13), chicken quesadilla with fries ($10), and a hamburger with fries ($10), with the option to add cheese.
121 S. 17th Street, square1682.com
Philly’s Southern-inspired contemporary American restaurant, bar, and live music in Headhouse Square has all of the kid classics. Pick from chicken tenders and French fries ($14), creamy mac and cheese ($14), or grilled cheese and French fries ($14). Each entrée includes soda or juice.
509 S. 2nd Street, thetwistedtail.com
The steakhouse’s kid-friendly offerings reflect the same farm-to-table philosophy as the rest of the menu. Created by Executive Chef Sonny Ingui, highlights include a cheddar bacon omelet ($10) served with crispy potatoes, farmer steak ($16), farm smash burger ($12), and chicken strips ($12). Each entrée is served with a choice of steamed vegetables, a side salad, or farm fries.
1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, urbanfarmersteakhouse.com
This kitchen and bar is located just steps from Independence Hall in Old City, so it’s a perfect stop when you’re exploring Philly’s historic sites. The kids’ breakfast menu, served until 11 a.m., includes the two eggs breakfast ($12) with eggs, potatoes, and bacon, with the option to substitute a side of fruit (+$4), or a pancake meal ($10) that comes drizzled with maple syrup and butter. After 11 a.m., the lunch and dinner options for kids are each served with fries or a side salad — try the crispy chicken tenders ($13), a cheeseburger ($12), grilled chicken ($12), or kids pasta ($10), made with butter and Parmesan cheese or topped with Bolognese sauce.
433 Chestnut Street, redowltavern.com
The Bucks County restaurant, located within the Ghost Light Inn, offers kid-friendly favorites that are ideal for family weekend brunches. Available Fridays through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the children’s brunch menu features a cheeseburger ($12) and chicken fingers ($12), both served with French fries. For a sweeter dish, the lemon ricotta pancake ($10) is topped with pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, and whipped butter, but can be customized with blueberries, strawberries, or both.
50 S. Main Street, New Hope, stellanewhope.com
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