Surprising Spots to Dine with Kids

Let’s be honest, dining out with kids isn’t easy, especially when parents want to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a nice meal with the entire family. Thankfully, there are several restaurants–that may not immediately jump to mind as kid-friendly spots–where parents can feel like adults while little ones are welcome to try something new.

Humble Spirit

This farm-to-table eatery may be an ideal date-night spot, but kids are also invited to try the menu of masterfully prepared seasonal and local ingredients. “We love the opportunity to serve kids as guests and value the opportunity to be able to engage with young diners with the hopes of helping them to become informed diners later. We have approachable dishes for many kids, like our double cheeseburger, soft serve ice cream, and, of course, TRFO’s (Tabula Rasa Farms “Oreos”),” said Chef Brett Uniss. 

Pinch

Pinch perfectly combines casual and elevated dining in a playful way, making it a fun place to take kids for exciting twists on traditional dishes. “Although we don’t have a “kid’s menu,” we like to create a dish based on a child’s favorite foods,” said owners, Emily and Paul Bachand. That’s right, you can ask the kitchen to create a dish made just for your little one. It doesn’t get much more welcoming than that.

Taste of India

This family-owned restaurant creates traditional Indian dishes in a vibrant setting. Though spice is synonymous with Indian cuisine, diners can ask for a mild version of most things. There is also a kid-friendly option of chicken tenders and fries, if needed. The mango lassi (yogurt-type drink), kebabs, korma (a great introduction to curry with its mild and creamy sauce), or any of the naan may also become favorites among the younger crowd. 

Cypress

The mediterranean-inspired restaurant inside the Atticus Hotel may feel a bit upscale, but the menu is approachable with a lot of options for little ones. Pancakes are always a hit for breakfast, but the kid’s burger or kid’s chicken and rice are a safe bet for lunch and dinner. Little ones may also want to try the falafel or the baklava for dessert. 

Bistro Maison

This restaurant not only serves authentic French cuisine, but the inside is decorated in the style of a small bistro in the heart of France. There are several items on the menu that kids might enjoy, such as the Maison hamburger, the tartines (panini-style sandwiches), white truffle fondue, or duck confit, among others. The wide variety of desserts are also sure to make everyone smile.

Bierly Brewing 

This gluten-free brewery/restaurant isn’t just for grown-ups. In fact, everyone is welcome here. “There is no kids menu, per se, but there are a lot of items on the menu kids love. Plus, I can make the grilled cheese more kid-friendly, if needed. The space was also designed to be a place where kids can be, and we have coloring pages by a local artist and crayons for kids and adults. Ask us about our corndogtopus,” said Ames Bierly.

Kate H. Knapp (she/her) works as a writer, recipe tester, and editor in McMinnville. She loves nothing more than sharing the beauty of food with her little one and has been cooking since she herself was stove-high and whisk-strong.

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