Every run into someone, and as you leave, you say, “Let’s do lunch?” Well, let’s do lunch and mean it. We will give you a list of lunch places around the area, and here is the bonus…these restaurants are suitable for kids too. Now since the start of Covid, a lot of play areas for children in restaurants still haven’t come back, and we know that can be a bummer. However, these choices are places that you may feel comfortable bringing your littles along. It may be the vibe, the children’s menu, or other amenities that make it easy to do lunch with everyone.
Here are our top 5 lunch spots. These are listed in alphabetical order. We trust that you can rank them yourself for what is your favorite lunch spot.
Boke Bowl is a great lunch spot if you are craving some ramen, dumplings, or steamed buns. They have a Bambino bowl just for kids, plus there are a ton of menu items that will be great for kids. In fact, there is a peanut butter and jelly steamed bun. This place is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and all the other days it opens at 11 am. Boke Bowl will delight the whole lunch party.
Ready for some of the best pizza of your life? Dimos Apizza offers New Haven-style pizzas, salads, and pasta. Dimos Apizza is not specifically for kids, but kids are welcome, and once again, it is a vibe that is comfortable for the entire family. There is not a bad pizza flavor. They open at 11 am. Dimos Apizza is also a wonderful place for groups. Check them out.
Grand Central honestly has such a vibe. Best bread around. Come on, that Como bread is delicious! Grand Central has several locations all around town, and its environment makes it easy to have your kids…no matter their ages. Hours vary, but it is open for lunch. Grand Central, with its baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and salads, make it the perfect easy-peasy lunch date spot.
Jam on Hawthorne is a great family lunch place. Their hours are 8 am-2 pm, so plan an earlier lunch (basically a brunch situation…they have won many best brunch awards). They have a great kid’s menu. Unfortunately, Jam had to get rid of its play area once they had to space out their tables. Be sure to grab their housemade jam that is available in jars to take home. Jam on Hawthorne has a sister restaurant in Belmont called the Cricket Cafe.
Por Qué No? Taqueria is a yummy lunch spot, and it is great for kids too. Their kid menu is mall but good, plus a lot of the food options are good for adventurous kids as well. There are so many great choices for all ages. They also have some amazing margaritas and wonderful horchata. Solid lunch spot that is sure to be busy but worth the wait.
We hope you have found some great places to lunch with your friends and kids. Here are some tips to make sure your lunch date is successful. Sometimes going out to each with children can be challenging. You want to make sure you plan ahead. Check out the restaurant’s menu online beforehand so that you are aware of the food options and can make an informed decision. Set your expectations with yourself and your lunch date. Explain to your kids what behavior is expected of them while dining out. Encourage them to use their best manners and to stay seated during the meal. Be sure to bring activities for your kids. Consider getting coloring books, small toys, or games to help keep your kids entertained while waiting for food to arrive. Be sure to be prepared. Bring wipes to clean up any spills or messes your kids may make. Also, have some snacks or light bites handy in case they get hungry outside the restaurant. Lastly, be sure to enjoy the experience. You want to make the most of your time together and enjoy your meal with your kids and your lunch date!
What are your favorite lunch spots around town? Any hidden gems out there? What did we miss? Tell us where you like to go to lunch!
Johanna is married with two kids, three dogs, three cats, one leopard gecko, several chickens, and a few fish. She has been in the Pacific Northwest since the dream was alive in the 90s but has Southern roots and hails from Arkansas. The family spends a lot of time at some sort of sporting event for the kids. Johanna likes to fast craft, garden, host parties, and bake. Johanna and her crew go hard traveling, DIY-ing, and are always up for a new adventure or challenge.
