What makes a place kid-friendly these days? To us, it’s the availability of menu items suitable for youngsters, at least a few high chairs … and food and drinks that make the parents happy, too. Nashville is full of restaurants that fit the bill—here are our favorites.
Nashville’s Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Nicky’s Coal Fired
Nicky’s Coal Fired is a great dinner spot for families with kids. Stop by on Mondays for Family Night—kids pizzas and pastas are free with any purchase of an adult dinner. Plus drink specials for parents!
- Neighborhood: The Nations
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Elliston Place Soda Shop
Elliston Place Soda Shop knows how to soothe a sweet tooth with options like ice cream floats, sundaes, and classic ice cream. But before the kids get hopped up on sugar, be sure to enjoy their all-day breakfast menu or one of their tasty options from the lunch/dinner menu. You can’t go wrong with a grilled cheese sandwich or the Signature Soda Shop Burger.
- Neighborhood: Elliston Place
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
bartaco
Adults can sip margaritas and chow down on tacos while the kids color and munch on Oaxaca cheese snacks at this hotspot in 12 South and East Nashville. Wear sunscreen if you plan to sit on either of bartaco’s popular patio (and enjoy the heaters and blankets when it’s chilly).
- Neighborhood: 12 South and East Nashville
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes (see it here)
Pastaria
This hip west side eatery is a popular spot amongst the kiddos. Crayons are available for scribbling on Pastaria’s butcher paper-covered tables and there’s an outdoor area with a bocce court with room to roam. The kids menu includes spaghetti with meat or tomato sauce, cheese pizza, butter noodles, and more.
Mafiaoza’s
You might teach your kids not to play with their food, but it’s highly encouraged at Mafiaoza’s. If they visit this Italian eatery’s main counter, they can get hands-on with their own dough while taking in a dazzling show from the pizza throwers. Who knew a family meal could be such a fun, interactive, and educational experience?
BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse
BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse is every parent’s dream—spacious closed-in playground, two outdoor patios, delicious pizza, and refreshing cold beer. This East Nashville hot spot is great for larger groups.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Edley’s is family-owned and, not coincidentally, family-friendly. The kids menu reflects the regular menu, with smaller-portion (and wallet-friendly) BBQ sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and corn dogs.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville, 12 South, Sylvan Park
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Fat Bottom Brewing
Three words many parents love to hear: family-friendly brewery. Fat Bottom’s expanded location in The Nations has a selection of kid-approved dishes and a menu that doubles as a coloring sheet with games and activities. There’s also a patio and garden area with room for children, adults, and dogs to play.
- Neighborhood: The Nations
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Burger Up
This popular burger joint gets extra credit for placing its kids menus inside children’s books. At Burger Up, finger-friendly items like sliders, PB&J, and grilled cheese are served with French fries and apples.
- Neighborhoods: 12 South
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: Yes
East Nashville Beer Works
East Nashville Beer Works is one of Nashville’s most family-friendly breweries. In 2021, East Nashville Beer Works expanded its beer garden to include a playground so parents can kick back and let their kids play. Fur babies are also allowed!
- Neighborhoods: East Nashville
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Hattie B’s
All of Hattie B’s Nashville locations are kid-friendly, but the Melrose location takes the cake. Families can expect a spacious outdoor patio that is fun for kids and great for parents. The Lil’ Uns Kid’s Plate is a big hit!
- Neighborhood: Melrose, Downtown, Sylvan Park, Midtown
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Five Points Pizza
Five Points Pizza’s East Nashville and West Nashville locations are both family-friendly and kid-friendly. A cheese slice and garlic knots can go a long way with keeping your kiddos happy and full.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville | Sylvan Park
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Rosepepper Cantina
Well-priced children’s menu? Check. Crayons and activity placemats for the little ones? Check. The best margaritas this side of the Cumberland? Check! All are available at Rosepepper Cantina.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Butcher & Bee
The diverse menu at Butcher & Bee is full of fresh tapas and small plates—is there a better way to teach children how to share? Also on hand for family-friendly dining—spacious booths and a table that seats 12.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: Yes
The Pharmacy
When the weather’s nice, The Pharmacy’s outdoor picnic tables are the perfect setup for a family meal. The burger joint and beer garden also provide games to kids in need of a little entertainment.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes (see it here)
Bakersfield
This popular Mexican chain has a kids menu with quesadillas and tacos, plus games like tic-tac-toe to play before chowing down. Bakersfield also offers killer margaritas and craft cocktails for parents.
- Neighborhood: SoBro
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Fido
There’s plenty of room for the whole family at this sprawling Bongo Java–owned coffee shop and restaurant. Fido offers an all-day menu fit for eaters of every age, plus a few actual kid-size portions (pancakes, grilled chicken, grilled cheese) that are served with fresh fruit.
- Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Bongo East/Game Point
In 2017, Bongo East partnered with Game Point Cafe to create a relaxing board game haven in the Five Points neighborhood. Many of the 300 games available are geared toward kids (think Mouse Trap and Sorry), while adults can enjoy both caffeinated and alcoholic brews.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: No
Fenwick’s 300
If the family is craving comfort food, Fenwick’s 300 has the answer. A dedicated kids menu offers smaller portions of classic diner fare—pancakes, French toast, mac & cheese, and burgers.
Frothy Monkey
“Little Monkeys” have an impressive amount of tasty options at each Frothy Monkey location, whether it’s time for breakfast (cheesy eggs) or lunch (turkey sandwich). Two tips for the parents: don’t miss the stellar beer and wine lists, and you’ll have the best chance of scoring a table in The Nations.
- Neighborhood: 12 South | The Nations | Downtown | East Nashville
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: Yes (see it here)
Pancake Pantry
Yes, the breakfast food is legendary. Something you (maybe) didn’t already know about the Pancake Pantry? The staff encourages young visitors to create crayon masterpieces and then drop them off at the checkout desk for a chance to be featured in the kids menu. The menu artwork is changed out periodically.
- Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village | Downtown
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
City Tap House
Family-friendly concept City Tap House landed in Nashville in late 2017, bringing with it plenty of booth seating for big groups. Crayons and coloring pages are on hand for kids who need ’em.
- Neighborhood: SoBro
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: No
The Row Kitchen & Pub
Another great option for all-ages groups in Midtown, The Row provides crayons and coloring materials for the lull between ordering and chowing down. Come hungry for hearty Southern fare and live music every night.
- Neighborhood: Midtown
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Although it’s nationally recognized for its barbecue, Martin’s offers a “Lil’ Rascals” menu with items like grilled cheese, BBQ sliders, and chicken fingers. If your family’s ready to go whole-hog, try a pitmaster combo of meats and sides—the Big Poppa Sampler, for example, feeds up to six.
- Neighborhood: SoBro| Belmont Blvd | Elliston Place
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: Yes
The Mockingbird
Chef Maneet Chauhan kept little ones in mind as she was opening her elevated global diner. The Mockingbird’s kids menu features smaller portions of comfort-food favorites like mac & cheese and chicken strips, served on a lunch tray with fries, fruit, and a cookie.
- Neighborhood: Gulch
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Double Dogs
Double Dogs doesn’t stop at putting puzzles on its kids menu, it actually serves those dishes in a dog bowl—talk about committing to a theme. Needless to say, this is not a place where you have to worry about shushing your kids or getting all dolled up.
- Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Puckett’s
A homey Downtown spot that’s enjoyable for kids and adults alike, Puckett’s offers everything from Mickey Mouse pancakes and crayons to live music and a full bar.
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
TailGate Brewery
TailGate’s Charlotte location is especially kid-friendly thanks to its picnic-style tables and free events like Lego nights and movie screenings. Little ones can order from the kids menu—or the regular pizza menu, if they’re hungrier than usual. Tailgate’s other locations in East Nashville and Demonbreun Hill are also great family-friendly options!
- Neighborhood: West Nashville | East Nashville | Demonbreun Hill
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Grilled Cheeserie Gourmet Melt Shop
Grilled Cheeserie Gourmet Melt Shop, one of Nashville’s most highly acclaimed food trucks, now has two stationary locations in Hillsboro Village and East Nashville. Kids can build their own grilled cheese and enjoy old-fashioned floats and milkshakes.
- Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village |East Nashville
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (high chairs)
- Kids Menu: No
Superica
Superica is a vibrant, casual Tex-Mex restaurant perfect for the whole family. While the kids enjoy quesadillas and tacos, the adult can enjoy margaritas and specialty cocktails.
- Neighborhood: Gulch
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: Yes
Hugh-Baby’s
Pitmaster Pat Martin’s fast-food concept offers a streamlined menu with all the essentials: burgers, hot dogs, fries, milkshakes. The Sylvan Park location has an astroturfed patio with a small play area and provides excellent people-watching, making Hugh-Baby’s an ideal casual dining spot for the whole family.
- Neighborhood: The Nations | East Nashville
- High Chairs/Booster Seats: Yes (both)
- Kids Menu: No
Hugh Baby’s patio:
East Nashville Beerworks should be on this list. They have an outside area where they just built a playground. Also show movies and have Mr Bond Science Guy appearances.