Our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill
Why it matters: Dining out with children takes a bit of planning. Does the restaurant/bar/brewery have an outdoor area or other space to run around? Are there high chairs and changing tables? What about a kids' menu or other picky-eater-friendly dishes?
This list — based on feedback from readers, friends and personal experience — checks at least a few of those boxes.
Between the lines: This isn't a comprehensive list of all the great kid-friendly restaurants in the Triangle, and we only included locally owned spots.
It goes without saying that plenty of ice cream/dessert shops in the Triangle are also going to be pretty kid-friendly. Some favorites include LocoPops, YoPo in Chapel Hill and Raleigh Popsicle Co.
Local food halls, from Morgan Street in Raleigh to Durham Food Hall, are also a great bet for families.
Lakewood Social
The restaurant/bar in Durham's Lakewood neighborhood with a covered patio, a fenced-in outdoor area with tons of picnic tables, and even games and toys for kids.
The vibe: The menu has something for everyone — from a kimchi melt sandwich to hearty, creative salads. The QR-code ordering makes for easy service, especially when you have a large group with kids.
Standard Beer + Food
Tucked between Person and Blount Streets near Raleigh's Mordecai neighborhood, Standard has tons of outdoor space next to Raleigh City Farm — fitting for large parties and kids in need of a place to roam.
The vibe: Standard offers a relaxed atmosphere with excellent food — don't sleep on the smashburger or the truffle tots. It's another spot offering convenient QR-ordering.
Hi-Wire Brewing
OK, so this isn't a restaurant, but pair this spacious brewery setting with a few pies from nearby Cugino Forno and ice cream from Two Roosters, and you have a trifecta of kid favorites on Durham's Golden Belt Campus.
The vibe: Huge space with colorful murals, games like soccer pool and table tennis, and 20+ rotating beer taps. Delivery from Cugino is free to the taproom.
Ponysaurus
A laid-back Durham taproom and beer garden with an onsite pizzeria and roomy covered patio, Ponysaurus is great for groups and is dog-friendly.
The vibe: It's a popular hangout with an expansive food menu to match. Bonus: Inside the taproom, you can buy little cups of snacks for hangry kids (and parents) while you wait for your pizzas.
Merritt's
The best BLT you'll find in the Triangle is at Merritt's, a legendary low-key spot a few miles from UNC-Chapel Hill's campus.
The vibe: Limited indoor seating but plenty of outside tables on the front covered patio and out back. Merritt's is famous for its BLTs, but its breakfast sandwiches and desserts (like banana pudding and cake pops) are also excellent. Here you'll find everyone from visiting alumni with their kids decked out in Carolina blue to barely-eyed hungry college kids.
Haw River Tap & Table
A spacious and friendly taproom and patio from Saxapahaw's Haw River Farmhouse Ales serving hearty pub food and local beers in the heart of Carrboro.
The vibe: High ceilings and big tables make for a chill, kid-welcoming atmosphere that's also great for groups, thanks to its array of games and shuffleboards. Kids' meals come with fresh fruit and a Capri Sun.
Elmo's Diner
A family-friendly staple on Durham's Ninth Street district since 1997, Elmo's is a classic diner with all-day breakfast and a steady stream of regulars.
The vibe: Expect a huge menu and fast, friendly service. On any given weekend, Elmo's will have a line out the door of customers waiting for a table — though it moves fast. Classics include the biscuits and gravy and homemade pies.
Boxyard RTP
Also not technically a single restaurant but rather an outdoor social hub created with repurposed shipping containers, Boxyard RTP boasts a spacious courtyard and a range of family-friendly food and retail vendors.
The vibe: A few popular spots include La Taqueria by Katsuji, which specializes in tacos from chef Katsuji Tanabe of "Top Chef" fame, and Baekho Coffee & Ice Cream.
Al's Burger Shack
What kid or kid-at-heart grownup doesn't love a hot dog or hamburger on a warm Carolina night? Al's has two locations in Chapel Hill — near campus and in Southern Village.
The vibe: The Franklin Street favorite recently opened a new bar, Puddin's Beer Shack, which connects with Al's patio and has TVs for game watches. It's a relaxed, open-air spot with plenty of picnic tables.
Gringo a Go Go
Housed in a vintage Raleigh gas station, the beloved Mexican cantina offers plenty of kid-friendly dishes, including brunch — like the French toast with berries.
The vibe: Top-notch service, delicious margs and great vegetarian dishes make this a staple for many local families.
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