Washington D.C.’s Kids-Friendly Restaurants include food and fun for Adults too
Traveling with your wee ones needs meticulous planning, from accommodations to kids-friendly activities. Perhaps the most challenging is when they feel starved; the fussy palates can make it difficult to fill their tummies. We have a list of diners and restaurants where fun and food blend to perfection and nippers get a dose of entertainment and taste together.
Open City
Locals consider it one of the gems of the city, it is nestled in the quiet and scenic Woodley Park neighborhood in Washington, DC. You get scrumptious Pizza, an all-day soulful breakfast, lattes & more gourmet diner fare in an airy, tin-ceilinged space with a charming patio to enjoy the food with little ones. At Open City they serve some of the best classic American comfort foods and drinks that embrace the diversity of the District’s residents and their tastes. A morning menu for kids includes pancakes (plain, chocolate, or blueberry), scrambled egg and home fries, or challah French toast. This chic café serves classics like pancakes, homemade pizzas, and burgers, and is famous for crafting specialty coffee drinks that are legendary.
Silver Diner
Silver Diner has achieved a respectable status since its beginning in 1989. The co-founder Bob Giaimo has described the Diner aptly as an “American family restaurant that bridges the gap between tablecloth restaurants and fast food.” Silver Diner chain has a kids’ menu of nutrition-focused classics, taste-tested by kids. Silver Diner chain supports local, sustainable agriculture, and uses only the highest-quality ingredients available in the vicinity. Entrees like Hearty marinara, English peas, mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, and parmesan are worth a try for adults. House-made desserts and ice creams are the draws for all ages.
The Salt Line
A lively spot for New England classics & Chesapeake dishes. Oysters flourish where fresh and salt water come together. At The Salt Line, the magical blend creates a lively and welcoming experience of classic New England dishes influenced by the bounty of the Chesapeake. At this nautical seafood hovel with a riverside patio, a thoughtful menu is served just for shavers: a cheeseburger, hot dog, buttery pasta, and fish sticks — all served with fries and fresh fruit. Brine-loving adults can enjoy star entrees like fried Clam Bellies, Rockfish tar-tar, Stuffed Lobster, and a Lobster Roll.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Ted’s Bulletin is a classic American café with a 1920s vibe that offers classic American dishes and cocktails with a contemporary approach. They are open all day for seven days. Stop in for their heavenly dishes like home-style Meatloaf, a house-made recipe served with glazed carrots, mashed potatoes, ketchup glaze, shallots, and a parsley salad. The café is a win-win for the little ones, not only the yummy dishes are awaiting, but they also get a warm and loving welcome with a toy box, filled with donations from other guests and staff. A devout kids’ menu includes blueberry or banana pancakes, house-made “Ted’s tarts” toaster pastries-in flavors including salted caramel and blueberry cheesecake, homemade pop tarts, and milkshakes.
Old Ebbitt Grill
The iconic Old Ebbitt Grill has a history and story of its moves, and the décor of the place has the power to mesmerize its guests. You will be amassed by its priceless collection of antiques and memorabilia. Along the way, the restaurant acquired beer steins, animal heads and wooden bears said to have been imported by Alexander Hamilton for his private bar. The macaroni and cheese are topped with baked Goldfish crackers and green peas are Tykes favorite hearty burgers and seafood platters helped Old Ebbitt Grill to get popular for decades. The sprawling space has plenty of room for strollers, boosters, highchairs, and changing tables, as well as crayons and coloring pages are offered to calm the tot’s active nerves.
Clyde's Of Gallery Place
Located in the renewed Penn Quarter and just steps from Capital One Arena, Clyde’s Gallery Place serving classic American dishes & cocktails in a traditional setting, is an opulent homage to DC, and American sporting. The enormous restaurant with four bars, five dining rooms, a raw bar, and a private dining room, this two-story Grand Victorian saloon welcomes sports enthusiasts, concert-goers, visiting tourists, theater-goers, and the nearby locals.
Comet Ping Pong
Waiting for your order is so much fun at Comet Ping Pong, waiting for food here is worthwhile and entertaining.
Once you are done with your picks, play a game of ping pong with your kids, grab a drink at the bar, or listen to bands in warehouse-chic digs.
Making your pizza is an option here and classic desserts like sundaes and tiramisù are perfect draws for families.
2 Amys
Bustling 2 Amys understand the basic standards for excellent pizza results. They use soft grain flour, fresh yeast, sea salt, and undoubtedly warm water to make a soft dough. Only authentic toppings can keep a pizza on the list of the most desired ones. Italian plum tomatoes, mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and dried oregano can be incorporated into an authentic pizza after baking in a wood-burning oven. In addition to the pies and a rotating menu of excellent Italian small plates, the restaurant offers crayons and paper to keep the creative brains busy. 2 Amys has covered parents with Italian wine by the glass.
Pinstripes
Kids will love to spend time at the 40,000-square-foot entertainment venue; the whole family can join to play bocce and strike pins to kill leftover energy from the Georgetown sightseeing. This roomy restaurant features several dining rooms, indoor bocce, and a bowling alley. If you are visiting on Sunday nights, you will get a pleasant surprise as kids eat for half price, and during Sunday brunch, they enjoy a separate dedicated buffet area, complete with burgers, pizza, and a chocolate fountain, sandwich, and dessert offerings. The Italian/American cuisine offers lunch and dinner menus for adults that include starters, pizzas, salads, and chef specialties. For those who need gluten-free offerings, they have a whole menu. They have a range of wines, cocktails, and local craft beer to sip in a relaxed atmosphere.
Hill Country Barbecue
Texas BBQ & beer are served in a rustic-chic, cafeteria-style setup, playful Texas-inspired decor with regular live music. Founder Marc Glosserman shares some of the family recipes with a twist in sides and desserts, where meats are dry-rubbed and smoked low and slow over Post Oak wood imported from Texas. At the bar Texas-inspired cocktails, creative margaritas, and of course American whiskeys, fine Tequilas, and rotating a beer menu. The best of both the traditions and charm of the green countryside and the urban sophistication and energy of downtown Austin served on the Rustic wood tables.
