Are you a local or just visiting Charlotte with your family for the weekend? There are a lot of kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC that you can explore and enjoy. There’s no need to call the babysitter and leave your children at home. You can have fun as this beautiful place offers a bustling food scene full of diversity for both young fellas and young at heart. Here’s a quick list of the top Charlotte restaurants to help you and your kids decide and eat your way through the Queen City in no time.
Make your next family vacation a breeze
Travel with your kids now and build amazing memories as a family! Get our book, written by parents just like you, that will guide you all the way.
1. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Located on Sharon Road, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is one of the most famous family-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC of all time. Waiting for dinner and looking for ways to distract your child? You can bring them to the counter and be entertained by the huge fish tanks filled with actual live cowfish swimming around. Or if that doesn’t do the trick, you can bring them outside to see the giant sushi fish they can ride on or just enjoy the patio. The tables are also full of entertaining puzzles that will certainly keep those little tikes occupied before the food comes.
As the home of the one-of-a-kind Burgushi (Burger + Sushi), their menu contains interesting flavors of burgers, sushi, and some mix of both waiting to burst inside your mouth. Your kids don’t have to worry about eating fish when going there. They have an array of meat burger options. You can be extra adventurous and try on their exciting fusions. Or just stick with the bento box if you find the options overwhelming. Cowfish is a cutting-edge restaurant that promises a “crazy good” time with your kids around, making it one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC.
Website: thecowfish.com Address: 4310 Sharon Road Charlotte, NC 28211 Hours: Sunday-Thursday from 11am-9pm; Friday & Saturday from 11am-10pm Cost: $$
2. Waldhorn Restaurant
Talk about introducing your little ones to interesting German cuisines. Waldhorn Restaurant is famous for encouraging even the picky eaters to try some international menu. It’s a family-run establishment found in the south of Charlotte. They boast their best kids menu of sausages, wiener schnitzel, and käsespätzle (homemade noodles with Swiss cheese). And if all else fails, you can fill up those little tummies with their meal-inclusive hot pretzel rolls. Add it up with some vanilla ice cream with M&Ms and you have a dessert.
Besides their wonderful meals, the Disney World-like atmosphere with hanging flags and traditional music makes this venue on top of the list of the best kid-friendly places in Charlotte NC. Don’t forget to try on their Sunday brunch buffet and come hungry for some of their famous European favorites in one sitting. Spend time with your kids exploring different flavors and have a good time with their lovely ambiance.
Website: waldhorn.us Address: 12101 Lancaster Hwy, Pineville NC 28134 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 AM - 9:00PM Cost: $$
3. Paco’s Tacos
Paco’s Tacos is among the bustling kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC. Many young families visit South Park’s Specialty Shops on the Park just to go straight to this amazing restaurant and for all the good reasons. The place gives off a rustic Texan feel with bright metals and hanging light fixtures. Their vintage advertisements and colorful Mexican-themed accents just bring out a vibe that shouts enjoyment for all ages. And that’s just the start of it.
The delicious smell of the Tex-Mex menu will leave you wanting for more. Each meal is made with the freshest quality ingredients to provide all families a flavor-packed dining experience they wouldn’t forget. “Come to Paco’s hungry”, they say, as you wouldn’t ever pick a bad meal from their menu list. You will love it, your partner will love it, and your kids would probably want more! Let the little ones pound some chips and quesadillas as the adults enjoy some fajitas and margaritas. Come at 5 PM and see the place packed with happy families and you’re sure to know it’s one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte.
Website: pacostacosandtequila.com Address: 6401 Morrison Blvd Ste 8A Charlotte, NC 28211 Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Cost: $$
4. JJ’s Red Hots
JJ’s Red Hots aim to please all ages with their spot-on menu items. “I hate hot dogs”, says no kid ever. Everybody probably grew up eating this food and nothing gets it better than JJ’s hot dog menu. This iconic restaurant stands on Dilworth and is dearly loved by many families in the city. It’s among the classic kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC.
Their kid’s menu called Puppydawgs is a bite-sized hot dog that is battered and fried. These mini corn dogs may sound straightforward but it works magic on those little mouths. For the older ones, you can experiment and add in some chili, onions, cheese, bacon, and many more. You can also try their skinless hot dog and chicken tenders, or yet bring in JJ’s peanut butter and jelly if that’s the route you choose.
Website: jjsredhots.com Address: 1514 East Blvd Charlotte, NC 28203 Hours: Tuesday- Saturday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sunday & Monday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cost: $
5.Inizio Pizza
Let your children have a taste of a fine, authentic pizza Napoletana and bring them around Providence Commons where this gem stands. Everybody undeniably loves pizza and Inizio has plenty of these mouth-watering handcrafted pies. Each is made with passion, years of experience, and intensive research, making Inizio Pizza one of the award-winning pizza spots and family-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC. But this venue is also designed with children in mind, making it a go-to spot for families who want to dine and have a good time.
Your kid can easily see the pizza makers in the kitchen while waiting for the food and keep them preoccupied. Any curious toddler would definitely enjoy watching the passionate crew roll out the dough and top it with the ingredients in real-time before putting them into the hot oven to cook. What’s more is that they made sure to include margarita sauce for each pizza, allowing your little ones to actually enjoy the crust and dip it on the cup. Hooray to no food waste! And to top it off, you can order Inizio’s gelato for dessert. Your kids will surely love you for it! There’s no question this is one of the best kid-friendly places in Charlotte NC.
Website: iniziopizza.com Address: 10620 Providence Rd Ste A Charlotte, NC 28277 Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM Cost: $
6. Providence Road Sundries
Providence Road Sundries has long been among the well-known restaurants in Charlotte NC since 1933. Generations upon generations have enjoyed the restaurant’s laid-back atmosphere and stand-out food. The place is usually packed on Sundays as regular stops by with their family after church. This low-key spot is filled with many great food options that can suit any member of the family. The most notable are their greek shrimp tacos, chili, turkey reuben sandwich, and southern fried salad. And for the kids, they have the good ol’ spaghetti they can devour in no time.
But what makes it to this list of quality kid restaurants is their “kids corner”, located on the right wing of the venue. The place has several arcade games including candy and claw machines that’ll surely make every little kid giddy. Just don’t forget your quarters and they could play there for hours while you drink your beer at the bar and have quality time with your partner.
Website: providenceroadsundries.com Address: 1522 Providence Rd Charlotte, NC 28207 Hours: Everyday 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM Cost: $$
7. Mellow Mushroom
Time to mellow down even when with antsy kids and visit this wonderful Asheville-based pizza chain. Located in Myers Park, Mellow Mushroom is in no doubt a paradise for every child. Imagine a whimsical restaurant filled with fun mushroom decors that are designed to glow in neon colors. The setting feels like it’s been plucked straight out of Alice in Wonderland and dropped as one of the best child-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC. It even boasts its school bus wherein you can grab a seat and eat inside. Everywhere you look, you just won’t miss a fun detail you can obsess on- and so does your kid.
Just be sure to get there early and avoid the rush hours. Being one of the most popular child-friendly places Charlotte, this restaurant is packed with children at 5 PM every weekend. But if you want to get a glimpse of the “balloon guy”, just get ready to wait in line and join in the fun during weekend nights.
Website: mellowmushroom.com Address: 2820 Selwyn Ave Ste 100 Charlotte, NC 28209 Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Cost: $$
8. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
If you’re looking for one of the best burgers and kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte that everyone in your family can enjoy, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is your best bet. This restaurant is famous for its “create your own burgers” and incredible milkshakes. Their straightforward menu makes it easier for everyone to choose, taking into account even the pickiest kids. Sliders, mini hot dogs, and grilled cheese are just some of the many yummy treats your child can choose from. For the adults, they have a large assortment of regional draft beers that would certainly leave you wanting more.
Found at Dilworth, their high-energy environment brings you back to the 70s and 80s with some fun rock music in the background. Overall, the good food plus their loud and fun atmosphere makes them on the list of the greatestkid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC.
Website: baddaddysburgerbar.com Address: 1626 East Blvd Charlotte, NC 28203 Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Cost: $$
9. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is one of the oldest family-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC. Don’t miss out on the city’s craft beer scene and just bring your children with you to this lovely place. This classic is one of the oldest breweries in town and is perfect for much-needed fun family time. They’re even pet-friendly! You get to chug down a variety of refreshing German-style beers and pair them with some of the restaurant’s delicious bratwurst while the younger ones enjoy the kids’ menu.
This relaxing venue is also perfect for those who want to feel some true community, making it one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC. They offer a huge outdoor Biergarten area on the grassy yard with picnic tables. Watch your child enjoy the space and bask under the sun as they run around and release their energy. Who knows? They might even make new friends while playing.
Website: oldemeckbrew.com Address: 4150 Yancey Rd Charlotte, NC 28217 Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Cost: $$
10. Eddie’s Place Restaurant
Bring in your whole family at Eddie’s Place Restaurant and enjoy the most important meal of the day in large portions. Whether you’re in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this place lets you savor every single breakfast item all day long! So don’t worry about going in late and still enjoy the mouthwatering breakfast burrito with some crunchy bacon anytime you like. Your children will surely love you for it.
There’s a reason it’s always packed out with families happily eating at each table- there’s always something for everyone! And if you or the little ones aren’t feeling so breakfasty, you can also order other meals including burgers, salads, and other classic favorites like grits and seafood. They even have a kids menu for ages twelve and below. Try to visit on their Sunday brunch or you can experiment with some of their unique weekly specials. Overall, this is a perfect place for families to bond, making it one of the greatest kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte.
Website: eddiesplacerestaurant.com Address: 617 S Sharon Amity Rd Charlotte, NC 28211 Hours: Everyday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Cost: $$
Conclusion
And there you have it- the best kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte NC. We hope our list of kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte helps you decide on the spots to visit with your family in the city. The place’s food scene is still heating up from the good old down-home comfort foods to interesting innovative spins on international cuisines. Let us know when you discover some more incredible places in Charlotte and we’ll be sure to add them to the list!
Suggested: Charlotte, NC With Kids: The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Itinerary
