Hey parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, nannies….you get the point here…anyone who deals with kids.
How hard is it to tote those little buggers anywhere that isn’t Chuck E Cheese?! Every time my husband and I are trying to decide on a place to eat when my three year old is coming with us, we struggle so hard to figure out places we can still be trendy and bring our kid along. Let’s face it…most places that are popular aren’t exactly kid friendly. Fret not friends, I am here to hook you up with a somewhat social existence again. Be seen in a few “hot spots” and not hire a babysitter?! Winner winner chicken dinner. (I crack myself up) I’m also including some spots that are just straight kiddo accommodating.
Ok I’m gonna break it down in Ashley lingo in a few sections for you: Straight up kid hot spots (meaning not only do they cater to children, but they have nights dedicated to them and discounted prices etc. for children), Kid friendly hot spots (meaning local faves that cater to children also), Somewhat kid friendly hot spots (meaning they don’t necessarily cater to children but they are more than welcome. I also have personally taken my child here.)
STRAIGHT UP KID HOT SPOTS
This place has family night every Tuesday night 4 pm – Close!! $1.99 Little Surfer Meals for children & $6 small burrito combos for adults. My local Blue Coast in Lennox Village also has a person there every week making balloon animals for the kids.
Not only does Chick Fil-A give you healthier options for fast food and a place to take your kids to play, did you know most locations offer a kid’s night with free kid’s meals? Every location varies but the ones in Brentwood, Nashville, Mt Juliet, Smyrna and Franklin (Mallory Ln) are every Tuesday night between 5-8, in Franklin (Columbia Ave) on Tuesday 4-7 and Hendersonville on Mondays 5-8 . If you purchase an adult meal, you get a 4 count kids meal for free. Also, ask if your location has the new Mommy valet program. Awesome idea for us folks with little ones. read the deets HERE.
Kids eat free all day on Wednesday with the purchase of an adult meal. This might just be a sub place but my husband is obsessed. Definitely try it out for a low-key evening.
You had me at crab. But seriously, kids eat for $5 Monday-Thursday.
photo credit: @namanashville
This is hands down in my top two favorite places to get sushi in Nashville. Not only do they have amazing specials for the grown ups on Monday and Thursday with half price sushi, but kids eat FREE on Sunday 12-4. Get their crab and asiago dip.
photo credit: @noshville_delicatessen
Children get unlimited free pancakes if you bring in an old Noshville kid’s cup on Saturday and Sunday.
photo credit: @tacomamanash
On Mondays kids 12 & Under eat free if they wear a Taco Mamacita shirt. Who needs an excuse to eat tacos? Not this chick.
On Wednesdays kids eat free. We live close to this restaurant and I love their hibachi. The fact that you get a free meal for your child makes it sting a little less that as adults you’re paying so much for your entrée. Hey Dolly Parton loves this place, what more reason do you need?
KID FRIENDLY HOT SPOTS
Be your own chef without the messy clean up. Uh, done and done.They give you all the ingredients and you make your own pancakes etc. The kids will love this hands on interaction.
photo credit: @lovelesscafe
One of Nashville’s most famous places to eat, Loveless Cafe not only caters to children but their menu is pretty impressive as far as a children’s menu goes. It is decorated unbelievably adorable and is actually an old motel. You feel catapulted into the 50s. I will also forewarn you it is a drive away. It is not close to most Nashville attractions. However, it is worth it. They also have coloring books and crayons. Their biscuits and gravy are to die for. They make everything entirely from scratch.
photo credit: @gardenbrunchcafe
This Germantown brunch favorite is insanely busy at all times. Be prepared for at least a 30-45 minute wait at their busy times. The good thing is that they have rocking chairs outside you can sit and enjoy the day if it’s nice outside. It is only open Friday through Sunday from 9-2. My advice would be to get there early because you’re going to hate life if you hit it up after church lets out. As far as food goes, I hear rave after rave about their banana foster pancakes. Your kids will love the Chakara Big Cake, Chocolate Chip Pancakes or any of the other option on the kids menu. $5 including the drink. Um, that’s a steal.
Biscuit Love is tucked away in the Gulch behind Bar Louie. This place is a Nashville MUST TRY. They are extremely kid friendly and the decor is adorable. Their kid’s meal range from $5-7. The only drawback is that you do have to wait in line to make your order and there is potential for kids to get impatient if it’s very busy. It’s still worth a shot in my opinion. I’ve heard their Bonuts are everything.
photo credit: @bartacolife
Not only do they have a children’s menu but they are so friendly and accommodating there! I adore this place. They gave my daughter a coloring book to take home and crayons. On another occasion we sat outside and they gave us blankets when it became too chilly outside. The food is reasonable and tastes amazing. Obsessed.
photo credit: @littledonkeynash
New to Nashville, tucked away in the Germantown area, this southern/mexican restaurant is a new trendy fave. I personally haven’t been here yet but it’s on my list to try. Since it is a newer hot spot, I did call to confirm if it was a kid friendly establishment. It was verified to me that they have high chairs, kids menus and crayons. there ya go. No excuses. Check it out hip parents.
photo credit: @thepharmacynashville
If you’re looking for an amazing burger and fries you have to check this East Nashville restaurant out. If it’s warm and not super crowded, sit outside. The atmosphere is lovely and relaxed even though it can get ridiculously busy in there at certain times. In addition to their milkshakes, they have variety of old school sodas to choose from. Kid’s meals are $4.50. I’ve personally taken my child here and we love it.
photo credit: @burgerup
I just have one thing to say. Truffle fries. (Drops the mic) For you parents, the Bison burger is just delish. They have a decent selection of burgers: bison, black bean, salmon, quinoa, lamb, etc. They have a children’s menu with grilled cheese, pb & j, hamburger sliders for $5 and all come with fries & apples. The menu is an activity book. Kids can also order apples and peanut butter for $3.
photo credit: @skybluecafe
Sky Blue Cafe is a quaint, smaller cafe in East Nashville but it is beyond delicious. They have the best chai latte I have ever had. I HAVE to try their PB & J Stuffed French Toast Pancakes asap. They have a kid’s menu and crayons for the little ones. The portions are big and under $5.
photo credit: @fidonashville
I’ve been having coffee and breakfast here since I moved here almost 7 years ago. There is a reason Taylor Swift loves it here. Aside from the super chill vibe, every thing I have had on their menu is pure yum. Most importantly their coffee. Thumbs up. As for the kids, they have a children’s menu (all under $6) and high chairs.
photo credit: @partyfowlnash
Nashville is known for their hot chicken and Party Fowl delivers. Most of their menu is definitely designated for a cheat day but their grilled chicken deconstructed cobb salad is my jam. They do have a kids menu and crayons but you have to ask for it, it’s not printed.
photo credit: @calypsobebetter
If you’re looking for fresh, healthy food with a variety of options, here is your staple. They have multiple locations spread out in Nashville too. The kid’s menu has 3 entrees to choose from , plus two child-sized side items for $4.35. And their fruit tea btw….OMG.
Back to back fresh & healthy food. This Brentwood spot is hands down one of my most frequented spot. I try for the most part to eat healthy and nutritious. This place does it with tons of flavor. Mainly their menu is seafood but they also have chicken, salads, sandwiches/wraps, and tacos. They have healthy or fried choices for their kids menu starting at $5.19. I’m telling you as your friend: Get their bread sticks and Wasabi encrusted tuna seared rare. You will thank me later, especially if you’re a healthy eater.
This pizza joint in Hendersonville and Franklin is very kid friendly. They have a chalkboard wall set up for your kids to draw on (who wouldn’t love a distraction for their kids) and they will give them pizza dough to play with. Their kid’s pizza or pasta dishes are $4.95 including a drink. They also have gluten-free options.
Ok first off the prices here are more than reasonable…meaning they are cheap guys. Plus their pizza is delish. They have pasta dishes all for $6.50 or kids can eat pizza with you big boys and girls.Tuesday is 2 for 1 on pizza slices. Just don’t attempt it on Tuesday nights, it turns into a hot spot for all the young people in Nash.
SOMEWHAT KID FRIENDLY HOT SPOTS
I’m not going into detail as much with these particular restaurants considering they do not have actual children menus. They do however accommodate children and I have been to all of these places with my toddler. Either these places will specifically make items for your child or have kid friendly items you can order as sides. I have also personally called each of the locations to verify these details.
photo credit: @cochonbutchernashville
This butcher shop/sandwich counter with in-house meats is in Germantown. It’s a chill location that is kid friendly. Kids can also order grilled cheese sandwiches, sliders, and mac and cheese.
The menu changes to what’s fresh now. I took Keatyn here for an upscale brunch before the ballet on a Sunday. Even though they did not have a children’s menu, they customized whatever I ordered for her into a meal a la carte. If you wanted to grab food here it definitely can be kid appropriate.
photo credit: @silo.nashville
This farmhouse style restaurant is one of my favorites in Nashville! Their brunch is so good! Deviled eggs (they are never the same), biscuits & gravy, hot chicken sliders…those are some of my brunch favorites. Their dinner is really good too. The food the make are local and support our local producers & farmers.
I’ve taken Keatyn here so many times I can’t count. As long as you’re sitting downstairs at the tables it’s not as an issue with seating. The upstairs patio has high top chairs so that’s not exactly kid friendly. Most of their sides (especially at brunch) can be turned into a kid’s meal. They will definitely want to finish off lunch or dinner with s’mores. Personally their Tuscan Kale salad, Tavern burger & fries, White Trash Hash, Singapore Stir Fry and Cheddar cheese biscuits have MY HEART. Actually pretty much everything on their menu is addicting.
photo credit: @pinewoodsocial
Great atmosphere, wonderful food. If you want a place you can take your kids to and play games that also has spectacular food, this is your place. You can bowl, they offer board games and etch a sketch games for your little ones. That definitely makes up for not having a children’s menu. Like the other restaurants on this list, you can make your own kid meal practically.
photo credit: @flipburgerboutiques
This is not your typical burger place. They take your typical burger expectations and completely throw a wrench in it. When I went with a girlfriend and our kids, the waitress made special accommodations since there is no kids meal. They also offer chicken fingers and fries or grilled cheese with fries. Oh and the Nutella milkshake with burnt marshmallow topping was so good I drank it in maybe 2 big gulps without stopping. Yes that’s embarrassing. I never pretended to have self-control. Note: They do not have changing tables.
Ok that’s what I’ve got for now. I have fully researched these places or I have eaten here with my child, so rest assured. I hope this article has helped anyone who plans on going out to grab food with children in tow on some options they have, in the Nashville area especially. Please feel free to comment with any other restaurants I did not include or any questions you may have. Enjoy friends!
Also, look for my post tomorrow night on some local and national sweet spots to take kids! They are always wanting that sugar high and it doesn’t help that as adults we mostly do too 🙂
Xo,
Ashley