Austin’s food scene is a vibrant mix of flavors, but finding spots catering to kids and adults can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of cuisines and settings perfect for family dining. Looking for Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Austin, We’ve got you covered, from BBQ joints with playgrounds to pizza places where kids can play with dough.
The best kid-friendly restaurants in Austin include Micklethwait Craft Meats for BBQ, Home Slice Pizza for pizza, and Hula Hut for outdoor dining with a view.
Top 15 Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Austin
Let’s take a look at the top 15 Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Austin that you can consider visiting this year.
Best Kid-Friendly BBQ restaurants in Austin
Austin is known for its BBQ; several spots are perfect for families. Here are our top picks for Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Austin:
Micklethwait Craft Meats
Micklethwait Craft Meats is a highly-rated BBQ joint in East Austin, known for its artisanal approach to barbecue. Their specialty dish is the brisket, which is slow-smoked to perfection, but they also offer a variety of other meats, including house-made sausages and ribs. 
The casual, relaxed ambiance with outdoor picnic seating is perfect for families.
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Their unique selling point is their commitment to quality, with all meats and sides made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients.
Rating: 4.7/5
Menu: Micklethwait Craft Meats
Address: 1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Phone: +1 512-791-5961
Visit: Micklethwait Craft Meats
Salt Lick
Salt Lick is a well-known BBQ joint located in Driftwood, just outside of Austin. It has a high rating for its traditional Texas barbecue, with the brisket and ribs being particularly popular.
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The ambiance is rustic and family-friendly, with outdoor seating and a playground for kids. The unique selling point of Salt Lick is its picturesque setting in the Texas Hill Country, making it an excellent spot for a family outing.
Rating: 3.9/5
Address: 3350 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
Phone: +1 512-530-2900
Visit: Salt Lick
Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q North Lamar
Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q on North Lamar is a favorite among Austin locals for its authentic Texas barbecue. The restaurant is known for its brisket and sausage, served in a no-frills, cafeteria-style setting. With indoor and outdoor seating available.
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The ambiance is casual and family-friendly. A unique aspect of Rudy’s is their “Sause Bar,” where visitors can taste a selection of their famous sauces.
Rating: 4.6/5
Menu: Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q North Lamar Menu
Address: 3914 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756, United States
Phone: +1 512-838-3337
Visit: Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q North Lamar
These places offer great food and a welcoming atmosphere for families.
Pizza Places Kids Love
Pizza is a surefire hit with kids, and Austin has some great spots that cater to the younger crowd. Check out these favorites:
Austin Pizza Garden
Austin Pizza Garden is a beloved spot for pizza lovers in Austin. It has a good rating for its classic, hand-tossed pizzas made with fresh ingredients. The ambiance is casual and family-friendly, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
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A unique feature of Austin Pizza Garden is its historic building, adding charm to the dining experience. Additionally, they offer a playscape for kids, making it an excellent choice for families.
Rating: 3.8/5
Address: 3601 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78749, United States
Phone: +1 512-717-8763
Visit: Austin Pizza Garden
Home Slice Pizza
Home Slice Pizza is one of the popular spots in Austin, known for its authentic New York-style pizza. It has a high rating for its delicious pies and friendly atmosphere.
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The ambiance is lively and casual, with both indoor and outdoor seating. A unique feature of Home Slice is that kids get pizza dough to play with, making it a hit with families.
Rating: 4.7/5
Menu: Home Slice Pizza Menu
Address: 1421 South Congress Ave, 501 East 53rd St, Austin
Phone: +1 512-444-7437
Visit: Home Slice Pizza
Both places offer a relaxed atmosphere where kids can be kids, making them perfect for family outings.
Outdoor and Scenic Spots
Austin has some fantastic options if you’re looking for a dining experience with a view. Here are a couple of places where you can enjoy good food and beautiful scenery:
Hula Hut
Hula Hut is a famous waterfront restaurant in Austin known for its Mexican-Hawaiian fusion cuisine. 
It has a good rating for its unique menu and beautiful lake views. The ambiance is fun and tropical, with outdoor seating perfect for enjoying the scenery.
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A standout feature of Hula Hut is its kid-friendly menu, making it a great choice for family dining.
Rating: 4.2/5
Menu: Hula Hut Menu
Address:3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, United States
Phone: +1 512-476-4852
Visit: Hula Hut
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters is a famous coffee shop in Austin known for its picturesque lakeside setting. It has a high rating for its quality coffee and beautiful outdoor seating area, offering stunning views of Lake Austin.
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The ambiance is relaxed and inviting, making it a welcoming spot for families to enjoy a cup of coffee or a light meal. A unique feature of Mozart’s is its seasonal light shows, adding to the location’s charm.
Rating: 4.5/5
Menu: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters Menu
Address: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, United States
Phone: +1 512-477-2900
Visit: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
These spots combine great food with a scenic backdrop, making them ideal for a relaxing family outing.
American Comfort Food
When it comes to comfort food, Austin has some great spots that cater to families. Here are a couple of places that serve up classic American fare:
Top Notch
Top Notch is a classic burger joint in Austin, celebrated for its old-school charm and delicious burgers cooked over a charcoal grill. It’s known for its retro vibe, having been featured in the film “Dazed and Confused.”
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The casual and family-friendly ambiance makes it a great spot for a nostalgic dining experience.
Rating: 4.5/5
Menu: Top Notch Menu
Address: 7525 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757, United States
Phone: +1 512-452-2181
Visit: Top Notch
Phil’s Ice House
Phil’s Ice House is a family-friendly burger joint in Austin, offering a variety of burgers, each named after a different Austin neighborhood. The casual, colorful atmosphere is perfect for families, with a playground for kids and outdoor seating.
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They are known for their quality burgers, chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, and their partnership with Amy’s Ice Creams, providing delicious ice cream treats.
Rating: 4.5/5
Menu: Phil’s Ice House Menu
Address: 2901 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Phone: +1 512-707-8704
Visit: Phil’s Ice House
These places offer a casual and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a family meal everyone can enjoy.
International Cuisines to Discover
Austin’s food scene is diverse, offering a range of international cuisine perfect for families looking to explore different flavors. Here are two spots that stand out:
Tarka
Tarka is an Indian restaurant in Austin known for its fast-casual dining experience and great kids’ menu. 
The restaurant offers a variety of Indian dishes, including curries, biryanis, and kebabs, with options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
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The ambiance is modern and inviting, making it a great spot for family meals. You can visit their website or check out reviews online for more detailed information.
Rating:4.3/5
Menu: Tarka Menu
Address: 5207 Brodie Ln, Austin, TX 78745, United States
Phone: +1 512-892-2008
Visit: Tarka
Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen
Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen is a restaurant in Austin known for its wood-fired pizzas and California-inspired cuisine. The ambiance is casual and family-friendly, with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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In addition to pizzas, they offer a variety of pasta dishes, salads, and entrees.
Rating: 4.4/5
Address:1727 Texas Ave S, College Station, TX 77840, United States
Phone:+1 979-383-2500
Visit: Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen
These restaurants offer a chance for families to enjoy a global dining experience right in the heart of Austin.
Playgrounds and Play Areas
For families with young children, restaurants with playgrounds or play areas can be a game-changer. Here are a couple of spots in Austin that offer this feature:
Hat Creek Burger CompanyL
Hat Creek Burger Company is a family-friendly restaurant chain in Austin, offering a variety of burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items.
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Known for its casual atmosphere and playgrounds at many locations, it’s a popular choice for families.
Rating: 4.4/5
Menu: Hat Creek Burger CompanyL Menu
Address: 5300 Golden Triangle Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76244-4406
Phone: +1 817-840-7525
Visit: Hat Creek Burger CompanyL
Easy Tiger
Easy Tiger is a bakery and beer garden in Austin known for its artisanal breads, pastries, and a wide selection of beers. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
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It’s an excellent spot for families, as some locations offer kids a Little Tiger Den play area.
Rating: 4.4/5
Menu: Easy Tiger Menu
Address: 6406 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd #1100, Austin, TX 78752, United States
Phone: +1 512-494-4151
Visit: Easy Tiger
These places provide a space where kids can have fun, and parents can unwind, making them perfect for family outings and the best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Austin.
Unique Dining Experiences
Austin offers unique dining experiences perfect for families looking for something different. Here are two spots that stand out:
Central Market North Lamar
Central Market North Lamar is a gourmet grocery store in Austin that offers a unique dining experience. It has a high rating for its quality food and variety of options. With indoor and outdoor seating available, the ambiance is casual and family-friendly.
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A unique feature of Central Market is its live music events and a playground, making it a great spot for family outings.
Rating: 4.3/5
Address: Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705, United States
Phone: +1 512-206-1020
The Picnic
The Picnic is a popular food truck park in Austin, offering a variety of dining options from different food trucks. It has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy a meal outdoors.
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The park features picnic tables and is pet-friendly, adding to its appeal for a casual outing.
Rating: 4.3/5
Address:1720 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Visit: The Picnic
These unique dining experiences provide more than just a meal; they offer an adventure for the whole family.
FAQs
What are some kid-friendly activities in Austin?
Austin offers many family activities, including exploring Zilker Park, visiting the Austin Central Library, and enjoying outdoor dining at places like Hula Hut.
Are there any family-friendly BBQ spots in Austin?
Micklethwait Craft Meats and Salt Lick are great BBQ joints with child-friendly amenities and play areas.
Can you recommend kid-friendly pizza places in Austin?
Austin Pizza Garden and Home Slice Pizza are popular choices, offering play areas and interactive experiences like playing with pizza dough.
What are some healthy dining options for kids in Austin?
Tarka and Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen provides healthy options for kids, including balanced kids' menus and fresh ingredients.
Are there restaurants in Austin with play areas for children?
Yes, Hat Creek Burger Company and Easy Tiger feature playgrounds and play areas, making them ideal for dining with toddlers in Austin.
Conclusion
Austin’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, with plenty of options for families seeking kid-friendly restaurants in Austin, which enhance their dining experiences. There’s something for everyone, from BBQ joints with playgrounds to pizza places where kids can play with dough. Whether you’re looking for outdoor dining with a view, unique experiences, or classic comfort food, Austin has you covered. So gather the family and explore the city’s culinary delights that cater to both young and old.
I’m the proud owner and founder of Freddie’s Place, Austin. As a native of this vibrant city, I’m excited to share everything that Austin has to offer through my blog!