Having young children doesn’t have to mean a life limited to eating at home. In fact, I probably eat out even more often now that I have kids! Many restaurants in Philly, especially in Center City, recognize that families want to enjoy a sit-down meal too, and offer lots of kid-friendly amenities like high chairs and children’s menus.
And it’s not just the casual diner spots that you’d expect—even nicer restaurants are happy to welcome little patrons. It may take a bit more prep, but there’s no reason you can’t continue to savor Philadelphia’s wonderful restaurant scene as a parent.
Once you start discovering all that Center City has to offer, you’ll stop fearing mid-meal meltdowns and start feeling a bit more confident about raising a future epicure. So when the fridge is empty, or you just don’t feel like cooking, check out our top picks (and tips) for dining out with kids in Center City Philly.
Center City Family Dining, At-a-Glance:Best for Board Games: Queen & Rook CafeBest Splurge: ParcBest Beer Garden: Walnut GardenBest Novelty Factor: Kura Revolving Sushi BarBest for Big Groups: Borromini
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For more family-friendly dining, check out our Philly Restaurant Guide, including our favorite cheesesteaks, the best spots to celebrate kids’ birthdays, and of course our top ice cream shops. Looking for more to do nearby? Check out our roundup of the 24 best things to do in Center City with kids.
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What Are the Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Center City Philadelphia?
The best family-friendly restaurants in Center City range from casual board-game cafes to elevated bistros that still bring the high chairs.
2nd & South St.
This Headhouse Square restaurant was named after the owners’ child, so it’s no surprise that they’re so welcoming to kids, with high chairs and a kids menu available. We recommend the patio seating – it’s heated so it can be enjoyed year round.
Insider tip: Its sister restaurant Cry Baby Pasta, around the corner in Queen Village, is also a great option for families (offering high chairs and a kids menu of basic house-made pastas).
Kids are entertained while waiting for food at The Dandelion.
18th & Sansom St.
This cozy British pub welcomes kids with high chairs and an adorable activity sheet for them to color. While there’s no dedicated kids menu, the regular fare features classic kid favorites like mac and cheese.
Insider tip: Come on weekdays between 3-5pm for an adorable afternoon tea experience; kids will surely be charmed by the tiers of miniature sandwiches and pastries.
17th & Chestnut St.
Kids will love the novelty of receiving their food on a conveyor belt! The sushi is all wasabi-free for people of all ages to enjoy, and less adventurous kids can still enjoy popular dishes like crispy chicken, edamame, and fresh watermelon.
Insider tip: Guidance on raw fish for toddlers is mixed, but there are plenty of veggie and cooked options available as well if you’ve got a baby or young toddler.
12th & Filbert St.
When your family can’t agree on what to eat, head to Philly’s famous indoor market so you can all choose your own meals and then meet in one of the food courts (which do have high chairs). We recommend the stuffed pretzels from Miller’s Twist and of course donuts from Beiler’s.
Insider tip: Keep an eye on its calendar for various family-friendly food festivals, including an annual Ice Cream Festival in August.
Front & South St.
This board game cafe provides both food and entertainment. With high chairs and an all-vegetarian kids menu, it’s a great choice for your next family game night. Be sure to check out the arcade downstairs, too.
Insider tip: Ask one of the expert Gamekeepers for suggestions on games based on your kids’ ages and interests, or peruse the “kid-friendly” section of the game library yourself.
Eye-popping displays are part of the allure at Craftsman Row Saloon.
8th & Sansom St.
No one does over-the-top decorations like Craftsman Row, which features seasonal themes (including menu items and decor) that will blow your kids away. Halloween and Christmas seasons are especially stunning. There are high chairs available, and plenty of kid-friendly comfort food items on the menu.
Insider tip: Be sure to save room for its decadent milkshakes, which your kids will still be talking about for years to come.
7. Parc
18th & Locust St.
Just because you have kids, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fancier meal. Many Starr restaurants are welcoming to kids, especially the French bistro Parc. They have high chairs, kid-friendly items like mac and cheese (that you’ll be stealing bites from, too!), and of course a complimentary bread basket.
Insider tip: Request outdoor seating to enjoy beautiful views of Rittenhouse Square (and an easy escape if your kids start getting restless at the table).
8. Borromini
18th & Walnut St.
Across the square from Parc is another Starr restaurant, Borromini, which took over the former Barnes & Noble. The pizzas at this Italian spot are sure to be a hit with kids, and there are high chairs available too. Keep an eye out for Borromini’s gelati cart outside as you leave.
Insider tip: Because of the huge size of this restaurant, it’s a great option for dining with a large group including multiple kids.
18th & Cherry St.
Looking for more casual vibes, or a place to enjoy the game while dining with the kids? Victory Brewing Company is an easy choice, with high chairs, plenty of space, and a kids menu (there’s no printed menu, so ask your server for details).
Insider tip: Located on the parkway, it’s the perfect spot to visit after checking out popular Philly attractions like the Franklin Institute or Sister Cities Park.
10. Good Dog Bar
15th & Locust St.
Any dog lovers in your family? While pups are only allowed in the outdoor dining area, the walls inside are covered with photos of adorable canine friends. Family-friendly amenities include high chairs and a kids menu (plus a dog menu, if you’re eating outside).
Insider tip: Unlike the other restaurants on this list, Good Dog doesn’t take reservations, so it’s best to get there for an early evening dinner to avoid a wait.
Fun decor and kid-pleasing, shareable plates make Continental Midtown a winner for families.
18th & Chestnut St.
The decor at this fun lounge will definitely excite the kids – there are tables with swinging chairs and others a few steps down in a “conversation pit” area. And the eclectic and shareable menu makes it easy to find a little something for everyone at the table.
Insider tip: Just you and one child out for a special meal? Request the swinging chairs, which are only available for two-person tables.
12. City Tap House
18th & Arch St.
An easy no-fuss choice for dining with kids, this restaurant boasts high chairs and a kids menu, and gives children crayons and coloring pages to occupy them while they wait for the food.
Insider tip: Since it’s a large restaurant, it’s a great choice for a last-minute meal when you forgot to make a reservation.
13. Han Dynasty
Front & Chestnut St.
This huge Old City restaurant has plenty of space (and high chairs) for the whole family. While it doesn’t have a separate children’s menu, it can give you recommendations “for kids and baby adults,” including customizable fried rice and lo mein dishes.
Insider tip: We recommend the scallion pancakes, which are sure to be a hit with family members of all ages.
Walnut Garden offers a playground for kids and beer for their parents.
14. Walnut Garden
17th & Walnut St.
What could be better than an outdoor beer garden featuring a playground for kids? The jeep climbing structure and slide will entertain kids while you enjoy draft beers and cocktails, and you can order food (including a kids menu) directly to the play area.
Insider tip: The seating options are picnic tables, and there are no high chairs available, so we recommend bringing a travel seat if you plan to sit at one of the tables with a little one.
15. Don Barriga
7th & Chestnut St.
In the mood for Mexican food? This casual spot in Washington Square is sure to please everyone in the family, with high chairs and a kids menu featuring child-friendly versions of its popular dishes.
Insider tip: Located just west of Old City, it’s a good choice for dining after checking out historical sites like the Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center.
What Are the Best Tips for Dining Out with Kids in Center City?
The best tips for dining out with kids in Center City are about timing your order, choosing seating wisely, and having a plan for meltdowns.
Order your kid’s food when you place your drink and app order, and let the server know it can come out as soon as it’s ready. This cuts down on the amount of time impatient kids have to wait for their meal.When booking a reservation, choose the number for your entire party (including kids) and then use the notes section to clarify how many regular seats and how many high chairs you’ll need. This ensures there will be enough room at your table to accommodate the high chairs.Beat the dinner rush (and pre-bedtime crankiness) by dining early. A 5-5:30pm reservation is perfect for dining with little ones.Choose outdoor seating when available. We find kids seem to get less antsy at the table when they’re outside, plus you’re less likely to disturb other diners when you’re not in a small, enclosed space.Pack some travel-sized toys to entertain kids (like mini magnatiles, puzzles in a bag, busy books, coloring pages, or water-based activity books). Bonus if these are special toys they only use when you’re out to eat.Have a quick exit plan in case one of your kids becomes overstimulated. Check out the block ahead of time for an area outside where you can take your child to reset while waiting for the food.Ask the server or host where you can stow your stroller while you eat. For very small restaurants, consider bringing a bike lock so you can park your stroller outside.Even if a restaurant doesn’t have a kids menu, many are happy to accommodate kids’ less refined palates with simpler versions of the items on the menu (e.g. a pasta or cheeseburger plain, without the fancy toppings listed). Don’t be shy about asking your server what they recommend for kids – you’re not the first family they’ve served there.Starting to dine out early, even when your child is still an infant, can help them get used to the environment and expectations in a restaurant as they grow. It does become a little harder again once they’re fully-fledged toddlers, but you’ll have more confidence, too.
All photos by the author
