Eating out with kids is easier when you know where the little ones are welcome. This guide gathers family-friendly spots across DC, ward by ward, and I only included places where the restaurant’s own website or ordering page shows something for kids, like a kids menu or a family offer.
I left out hours and prices because they change. Always check the restaurant’s page or call before you go, especially for special offers. This is a starter list, and we will keep adding places as we verify them.
Ward 1
- Ben’s Chili Bowl, 1213 U St NW, (202) 667-0909. The restaurant’s online menu has a kids section, including a kids grilled cheese and a kids turkey dog for children 12 and younger, plus a kids ice cream cone. See the official menu.
- Busboys and Poets, 14th & V, 2021 14th St NW, 202-387-7638. The restaurant’s events page mentions a special kids menu for its family movie nights, so ask about kids options when you visit. See locations.
Ward 2
- Founding Farmers DC, 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW. The restaurant says it offers many “kid-approved” items on its regular menus, and its servers can help you pick for the children in your group. See its DC page.
Ward 3
- Pizzeria Paradiso, Spring Valley, 4850 Massachusetts Ave NW, 202-885-9101. The menu includes a kids menu, and the restaurant offers Kids Eat Free Mondays at its Spring Valley and Hyattsville locations: up to two kids under 12 get a free meal with an adult entree, dine-in on Mondays only. See the official offer page and check it is still running.
- Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company, 2418 Wisconsin Ave NW. Rocklands lists a kids menu among its location features. See its DC page.
Ward 4
- Busboys and Poets, Takoma, 235 Carroll St NW, 202-726-0856. As with its other locations, ask about kids options. See locations.
Ward 5
- Busboys and Poets, Brookland, 625 Monroe St NE, 202-636-7230. Ask about kids options when you call. See locations.
Ward 6
- Hank’s Oyster Bar, The Wharf, 701 Wharf St SW. Hank’s online ordering page lists kids items such as a kid’s cheeseburger and kid’s chicken tenders. See the ordering page.
- Matchbox, Capitol Hill, 521 8th St SE, (202) 548-0369. Matchbox has posted a Kids Eat Free Tuesdays offer on its website. Offers change, so check its Capitol Hill page or call first.
Ward 7
I could not yet confirm family-friendly menus for a Ward 7 restaurant from an official source, so I am leaving this ward open rather than guess. Do you have a favorite? Tell us and we will check it and add it.
Ward 8
- Busboys and Poets, Anacostia, 2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, 202-889-1374. Ask about kids options when you call. See locations. For more local ideas, read family restaurants in Anacostia.
More dining ideas from Moms of Action
- Best family-friendly restaurants in Washington, DC
- Kid-friendly restaurants in Washington, DC
- Most kid-friendly restaurants on Capitol Hill
- Family-friendly spots at the Wharf
- Food truck parks for families
- Farmers markets with kids
Keep exploring
- The Best Parks in DC for Families and The Best Playgrounds in DC
- Free Things to Do with Kids in DC
- Everything You Need to Know About All Eight DC Wards
Sources: each restaurant’s own website or ordering page, linked above. Ward assignments come from the DC government’s address data. Menus and offers can change, so please check before you go.
Elizabeth Redd, the Publisher of this website, grew up in a small town called Newhall, West Virginia, before moving to Washington, DC, in 1964. She worked in Prince George's County Public School System in Maryland for 40 years, opened a wig shop, made clothes, and participated in fashion shows during the '70s and '80s. She worked part-time as a caterer for a couple of years. Hand dancing has been one of her passions. She has also worked in Internet marketing for the last ten years. She also has a passion for learning new things.
She has learned that success is measured not so much by the position one has reached in life but by the obstacles one has overcome while trying to succeed. One thing is for sure: she is living her best life.
