This FAMILY TO DO in CHARLOTTE series is sponsored by CEENTA.
Picture this: your whole family is out for a weekend dinner. The menu options were just right, food arrived quickly, and your little ones are happily eating their tasty meals that mom and dad keep sneaking bites of as well.
Think it’s too good to be true? Think again. This Charlotte-area mom has the scoop on some tried and true (and recommended) spots that the whole family can enjoy. Read on for share-worthy kids meals that go way beyond chicken fingers, and lively atmospheres ready for your next family night out.
The Goodyear House
In my book, there’s nothing better than a place my little one and I both love. We recently went to The Goodyear House and sat in the outdoor greenhouse. There was plenty to keep him occupied: live music, lots of other kids around and yard games, plus space to walk around. We loved that he could get a “Lil’ Goopy burger” (a smaller version of the one found on the main menu and one my husband swears is among the best in Charlotte) and color his heart out while waiting. The outdoor, casual atmosphere was perfect for him while the grown ups enjoyed cocktails and entrees.
Papi Queso, Optimist Hall
Who can say no to grilled cheese? Parents and kids alike can find something to love on Papi Queso’s menu. From a classic grilled cheese with tomato soup for dipping to a mushroom or pulled-pork filled sandwich, both the pickiest eaters and adventurous appetites will find something to love. Find a spot inside or take in the outdoors on the patio and it’s an easy, fun weekend night out for everyone.
Calle Sol
Who says pint-size chefs can’t enjoy the latest openings? At Calle Sol, kids can stretch their palates by trying plantains or salchipapa (Peruvian fries topped with crispy hot dog.) The kids menu also includes chicken fried rice, buttered noodles and chicken tenders with fries. We had the best luck on the brightly decorated dining room extension, where the decor and coloring pages held our son’s attention.
Improper Pig
Don’t you love when a spot is tasty and kid-friendly? You can’t go wrong at Improper Pig, which has locations in Rea Farms and Fort Mill. It earns a spot on our list because of the vast selection of kids menu options: smoked St. Louis-style ribs, a BBQ sandwich, Mac and cheese and more, plus the house-made apple sauce that comes with most dishes (everyone at our table had at least a few scoops off our son’s plate.) The Rea Farms location also backs up to a green open area where kids can run around while waiting for food or the whole family can enjoy live music on weekends that starts as early as 2-3 pm (ideal for guests with a 7:30 bedtime.)
Burton’s Grill & Bar
While we haven’t tried this one ourselves, it comes HIGHLY recommended from other parents. And taking a look at the kids menu, it’s easy to see why. While the adults are enjoying own entrees, kids make their choices from a pick-your-own style menu that includes fish, shrimp, steak, pastas, sandwiches and chicken. The side options range from seasonal vegetables to mashed potatoes and fresh fruit, plus a choice of beverages. Letting kids make decisions for themselves while eating quality food? Sounds like a win-win.
Big View Diner
When you can’t quite decide what you want, you need a menu that has everything. At Big View Diner, that’s exactly what you get, both for kids and adults. A favorite at our table is the mac and cheese with a side of broccolini. A bonus? Littles with a sweet tooth will love gazing at the desserts display.
Mama Ricotta’s
We recently held a family celebration dinner at Mama Ricotta’s and was so pleased that our little one enjoyed it just as much as we have grown to love it. In addition to coloring pages and quick service, the kids menu includes penne dishes and personal size pizzas. They even have kid-sized ice cream and bread pudding for dessert!
Cowfish
Another spot that comes highly recommended is The Cowfish. You may know and love them for their sushi creations and burgers, but did you know they also offer kids bento boxes and PB & J sushi? Count us in.
Chuy’s
Having recently dined solo with my 2-year old at the Waverly Chuy’s location, I can whole-heartedly recommend this spot. Kids can munch on chips (they’ll also bring you a side of queso if you order it) and fill up on an easy-to-hold quesadilla or taco.
Mellow Mushroom
Aside from all the fun decor (you can sit inside a bus at the Myers Park location) kids are sure to find something to love at Mellow Mushroom. Kids meal items include a kid-sized meatball, pepperoni or cheese pizza bread, mac and cheese or a pretzel with a kids drink and carrots and celery or an apple as sides.
Brixx Pizza
When looking for places to eat together, our family frequently finds ourselves at pizza spots. Brixx is another go-to for kids and adults alike. Children can enjoy their own personal pizza with pepperoni or cheese while grown-ups go crazy on the toppings. A bonus: at the Blakeney location, there’s a playground right outside, plus fountains to watch from the patio and Jeni’s Ice Cream across the street.
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) has nearly 140 providers in almost 20 locations bringing specialty care to the community. CEENTA provides comprehensive pediatric and adult eye, ear, nose and throat care, and highly specialized care, too.
These services include but are not limited to: audiology, allergy treatment, cataract surgery, cochlear implants, cornea diseases, diabetic eye care, glaucoma treatment, head and neck cancer, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, optical and contact lenses, pediatric airway care, sleep medicine, thyroid treatment, and voice and swallowing care.
To schedule an appointment with any of CEENTA’s board-certified physicians, please call 704-295-3000.
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) has nearly 140 providers in almost 20 locations bringing specialty care to the community. CEENTA provides comprehensive pediatric and adult eye, ear, nose and throat care, and highly specialized care, too.
These services include but are not limited to: audiology, allergy treatment, cataract surgery, cochlear implants, cornea diseases, diabetic eye care, glaucoma treatment, head and neck cancer, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, optical and contact lenses, pediatric airway care, sleep medicine, thyroid treatment, and voice and swallowing care.
To schedule an appointment with any of CEENTA’s board-certified physicians, please call 704-295-3000.
