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Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants Around Atlanta

Parents are always looking for kid-friendly dining that offers delicious food everyone will love. Luckily, Atlanta has many choices. Check out these local restaurants offering foods that kids will eat.

The Varsity

What’ll ya have at The Varsity? (Photo courtesy of The Varsity)

The smile-inducing “What’ll ya have?” greeting is a mainstay at the Atlanta staple, The Varsity. For nearly 100 years, Atlantans have enjoyed American food served at the Midtown location (and seven others in the metropolitan area). There is no kid’s menu here because all the food is kid-friendly. Diners of all ages gobble up the chili dogs as well as the chili burgers (Yes. It’s a thing.).

Where: 61 North Ave. NW

Bartaco

Kids have a variety of options at Bartaco. (Photo courtesy of Bartaco)

Come to one of three Atlanta Bartaco locations for authentic, fresh and delicious options for the whole family. Have a kid who can’t decide on an entree? Order the Kids’ Tray which includes a quesadilla, choice of taco, corn wheels and fruit skewer.

Where: 969 Marietta St. NW; 299 North Highland Ave. NE; and 3802 Roswell Road NE

Flying Biscuit Café

A quintessentially Atlanta meal should include the light-as-air biscuits from Flying Biscuit. While there are nearly 40 locations throughout the South, the one in Midtown is a favorite for families. It’s within walking distance of Piedmont Park and is situated at the famous rainbow crosswalk. For kids who gravitate toward carb-only options, order a single luscious biscuit with cranberry apple butter for $1.99. The grilled mac ‘n’ cheese side is also a great entrée for little ones.

Where: 857 Collier Road NW; 3280 Peachtree Road; 1655 McLendon Ave.; 1001 Piedmont Ave.; 2935 A North Druid Hills Road

Mellow Mushroom

Pizzas at home-grown Mellow Mushroom won’t disappoint. (Photo courtesy of Mellow Mushroom)

Mellow Mushroom began in Atlanta in 1974 and has been serving piping hot stone-fired pizzas ever since. Locals know about these delicious pizzas. The soft pretzel appetizers are just as fantastic. Get the full order. You’ll want it. Multiple locations are found across the city including Midtown and Downtown.

Where: 1770 Peachtree St. NW; 1679 LaVista Road NE; 931 Monroe Drive NE; 400 West Peachtree St.; 340 West Ponce de Leon Ave.,

Folk Art

The Southern comfort food found at Folk Art in Inman Park is worth waiting for. It’s no wonder Guy Fieri showcased it on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The grits fritters are a fan favorite of families as is the Kicked Up Grilled Cheese.

Where: 465 North Highland Ave. NE

Grindhouse Killer Burgers

When Atlantans need a killer burger, they know to go to Grindhouse Killer Burgers. Grindhouse serves some of the best burgers with a side of eclectic fun. The Midtown location has a covered patio that is perfect for families.

Where: 1842 Piedmont Ave. NE, 701 Memorial Drive SW

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been wowing generations of Atlantans and tourists since 1945. The made-from-scratch Southern food served with charm made this restaurant “Atlanta’s Dining Room.” First-time visitors get a complimentary serving of pot likker and cornbread. Families love the fried chicken here. Remember to order the cinnamon rolls. They steal the show.

Where: 224 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE

Hard Rock Cafe

Your meal will rock at Hard Rock Café. (Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Café)

It’s hard to find a hipper place in Atlanta where kids are not only welcomed but encouraged to visit. The museum-quality rock music displays around Hard Rock will keep kids busy while waiting for their food. Plus, they will feel like rock stars when their perfectly cooked burger arrives on a guitar-shaped plate. Adults rave about the Twisted Mac Chicken & Cheese, and kids go wild for the milkshakes.

Where: 215 Peachtree St. NE

Six Feet Under

After visiting some of the most famous deceased residents of Atlanta at Oakland Cemetery, the refreshing selections at Six Feet Under, across the street, will hit the spot. The rooftop patio is a hit year-round as are the catfish fingers, gator bites and conch fritters. The baskets are kid-friendly and big enough for two kids to split. There is a second location on Cheshire Bridge Road.

Where: 437 Memorial Drive SE and 1824 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

R. Thomas Deluxe Grill

Kids love the playful atmosphere at R. Thomas Deluxe Grill. (Photo by Lauren Dismuke Rushing)

When anyone in the family wants nonstop breakfast, R. Thomas Deluxe Grill is the place to come. This Peachtree Street mainstay offers both carnivores and vegetarians unique tasty options. Patrons rave about the thick-sliced French toast, which is offered in a kid-friendly size as well as a regular portions. Also, there are birds. Live ones. Right at the restaurant. No joke.

Where: 1812 Peachtree St. NE

Tin Lizzy’s

Tin Lizzy’s has an extensive menus of tacos, bowls and quesadillas plus a kid’s menu that includes a treat with every kid’s meal.

Where: 77 Twelfth St. NE; 26 Andrew Young International Blvd. NE

Bantam + Biddy

Brunch is always a good idea at Bantam + Biddy. (Photo by Liesl Merkel)

Fried chicken, roast chicken, chicken stew — Bantam + Biddy knows its way around a chicken. Using locally sourced ingredients and creative pairings, there is sure to be something for everyone here. Go for one of the breakfast all-day specials like Banana Bread waffle or if visiting on the weekend, try the bone-in fried chicken.

Where: 1544 Piedmont Ave.,

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Come to Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q for barbecue with all the fixings one would expect. The restaurant is casual and informal. There’s brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, spare ribs and even a BBQ salad.

Where: 1238 DeKalb Ave. NE; 204 Chattahoochee Row; 120 Ottley Ave.

Busy Bee Cafe

Opened in 1947, this Downtown classic is still serving fried chicken and other Southern favorites at affordable prices. In 2021, Busy Bee Cafe was featured in Southern Living as one of “The South’s Best Soul Food” restaurants. The cozy, no-frills cafe offers fresh sides that are the perfect way to entice kids into eating their veggies. Try the carrot souffle, candied yams or broccoli cheese casserole. Also, don’t miss the banana pudding. Currently, Busy Bee is open only for take out.

Where: 810 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW

Shake Shack

Grab a burger at Shake Shack. (Photo by Evan Sung)

Shake Shack is home to so many burger choices, so many chicken choices and the creamiest, dreamiest milkshakes no one wants to share.

Where: 3035 Peachtree Road NW; 1071 Piedmont Ave.; 3393 Peachtree Road; 670 DeKalb Ave. NE; 1168 Howell Mill Road

Ted’s Montana Grill

Try a shake or root beer float at Ted’s. (Photo courtesy of Ted’s Montana Grill)

You won’t be disappointed in the thick, juicy bison burgers served at Ted’s Montana Grill. The kid’s menu offers bison burgers and bison meatloaf. Not in the mood for bison? Beef and chicken are available, too, along with onion rings. Leave room for a Coke or root beer float.

Where: 133 Luckie St.; 2250 Marietta Blvd. NW

NFA Burger

On a bun or on a toast, NFA burger smashed patties are delicious. (Photo by Erick Meadows Photography)

Think you can’t get an awesome burger inside a gas station? Think again. Food + Wine found that NFA Burger, located in a Chevron station, makes the best burger in Georgia. Anyone can (and should) try the “not-just-for-kids grilled cheese” made with secret Sassy sauce. The Sassy Tots and Liege Waffles are sure to be hits, too. Located in Dunwoody, this is a takeout-only restaurant.

Where: 5465 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody

What kid doesn’t like cookies? Here’s Where to Get the Best Cookies in Atlanta. Traveling with a group of kids. You’d better check our Most Affordable and Family-Friendly Group Dining Options in Atlanta.

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