17 cool kid-friendly restaurants in Austin, TX

Last updated on December 20, 2024

Food should be at the forefront of any trip to Austin, and there’s no need to compromise too hard even if you have kids in tow. Sure, some of the more fancy, refined options might be off the menu, both in terms of the food and how welcoming they are to kids – but most places in Austin are really family-friendly. And can certainly get a taste of the flavours and scene that make the city special even if you’re visiting with kids.

Most of the places on this list aren’t necessarily aimed at kids and families, but are instead places that everyone can enjoy and also happen to be kid-friendly. They are places that let you experience the Austin you’d likely have enjoyed before your kids were on the scene.

Austin isn’t one of those cities where it’s frowned upon to be out and about with kids, so you’ll likely feel comfortable even in more intimate spaces. That said, if your kids are quite lively, Austin’s many patios and gardens lend themselves perfectly to family meals. And for more overtly family restaurants, we also have a section on Austin family restaurants with playgrounds at the end of this post.

Also see our guide to all the best things to do in Austin (with kids or without) and our full Texas road trip itinerary.

Cool kid-friendly Austin restaurants

Home Slice 

Home Slice has long been Austin’s go-to spot for New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pies. It’s a lively, family-friendly restaurant with two locations in the city. We went to the South Congress one several times as it was so close to our hotel (the Austin Motel) and the kids loved it. It’s a very easy win for a quick dinner. Kids are also given a big ball of dough to play with while waiting for their meal!

The one in North Loop is bigger and has a good outdoor space and play area.

Nixta Taqueria

Nixta Taqueria has creative, elevated tacos made with heirloom corn tortillas in a cosy, colorful setting. Known for their inventive flavour combinations, it’s a must-visit for taco connoisseurs. The whole place is somewhat hipster leaning, with a mostly natural wine menu. Don’t miss the beet tartare tostada, which is exquisite.

They can do a plain quesadilla and tortilla chips for kids, and the outdoor area is nice and big so you won’t feel conspicuous with kids. Bear in mind that you have to order when you arrive (that’s what the line is for in the image above), so I recommend that if you have more than one adult, then one of you should go get a seat while the other waits in line.

Veracruz All Natural

I was told Veracruz All Natural had the freshest tacos in town, and I reckon they were correct. They certainly have the best migas taco I’ve ever had. In fact, that taco is apparently legendary in the city, packed with crispy tortilla strips, eggs, and a perfect blend of flavours. There are a number of branches of Veracruz All Natural in Austin and they all have a causal vibe, so are easy for eating with kids.

De Nada Cantina

This was the first place we went upon arriving in Austin and I immediately loved the vibe – it felt like a quintessential Austin hangout. And while it has an almost party atmosphere, it’s still good for kids, especially earlier in the evening. The margaritas at De Nada are perfection.

Kinda Tropical

Kinda Tropical combines the vibes of a roadside eatery with an eclectic, tropical-inspired menu. Enjoy dishes like banh mi sandwiches and plant-based nachos in their lush outdoor garden. It’s a welcoming, family-friendly spot to relax and enjoy a meal or a drink.

Pool Burger

Next to the Deep Eddy Pool, Pool Burger serves up juicy burgers with a tiki twist. Their menu features a variety of creative options, including their famous “Luau Burger,” alongside crinkle-cut fries and classic milkshakes.

The retro beach shack vibe combined with the pool makes you feel like you’re in an American high school movie.

Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. (The ABGB)

The ABGB is a lively beer garden known for its award-winning craft beers and menu of pizzas and sandwiches. With live music and plenty of outdoor space, it’s a great spot for families. It’s an ideal place to experience Austin’s craft beer scene in a family-friendly setting.

Granny’s Tacos

This beloved food truck serves up some of the best tacos in Austin. With generous portions and authentic flavours, it’s a casual and budget-friendly choice for families. The breakfast taco is the stuff of dreams. And some of the simpler options, like egg and cheese, are good for fussy kids.

Café No Sé

Café No Sé, on South Congress, has a stylish ambiance with a laid-back vibe. The menu features modern American dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a great spot for a leisurely brunch. Our kids loved the pancakes.

Central Machine Works

This industrial-chic brewery and beer hall has a lively atmosphere and a fantastic menu of craft beers and comfort food. With its spacious outdoor seating and live music, it’s perfect for families and groups. Pair a pint with their wood-fired pizza or a hearty burger. It’s also just across the street from De Nada Cantina.

Vinaigrette

Vinaigrette on South Congress has a lovely setting beneath a giant tree. The menu is mostly about creative salads and veggie-forward dishes, but they do have kid-friendly meals too, like sliders and mac and cheese. It’s a refreshing change from Tex Mex, pizza and BBQ!

Joann’s Fine Foods

Joann’s Fine Foods is right next to the Austin Motel where we stayed, so we went there for breakfast one day.  The kids loved the blue corn pancakes, and we loved the breakfast tacos and rancheros. The décor modern take on retro décor works perfectly inside. 

Two Hands

Two Hands is an Australian café with a focus on fresh, nourishing dishes. Their kid-friendly options like avocado toast or banana bread are a hit, while parents will appreciate the excellent coffee and wholesome mains. 

Sammataro

Sammataro serves up some of Austin’s best wood-fired pizza from a quaint trailer setup. The thin-crust pizzas are a crowd-pleaser, and the casual outdoor seating is perfect for families. Don’t miss their signature pepperoni pie.

Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon

Fresa’s is a colorful, fun spot specializing in flame-grilled chicken and fresh Mexican dishes. We’re vegetarian, so didn’t try the chicken, but they have some good veggie taco options too. We went to a roadside restaurant en route to Pease Park from the Austin Motel, but there are other locations in the city too.

Con Todo

Con Todo was on my wish list for Austin, but we never made it as we were staying on the other side of the city and never quite found the time. It’s apparently a taco lover’s dream with a mix of classic and innovative tacos. If you’re nearby, it sounds like a great one to stop in at. 

Rockman Coffee and Bakeshop

When a place has merch with The Rock on it, plus a neon sign saying “caffeine, gluten, sugar, butter, booze”, you know I’m going to go in. The seemingly anti-wellness movement establishment serves up some seriously good baked goods, including cookies, croissants, cakes and combinations of all of them – like a brookie, of course. Kids are clearly going to love it.

Restaurants with playgrounds in Austin

Here are some restuarants with playgrounds in Austin

• Garbo’s, North Austin
• Bouldin Acres, South Lamar
• Easy Tiger, South Lamar
• Campout
• Brentwood Social House
• Redbud Icehouse
• Hat Creek Burgers
• Phil’s Icehouse

Map of where to eat in Austin with kids

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