The Kids Menu: Family Friendly Restaurants in Washington DC
Washington DC, known for its iconic monuments and legendary museums, is also a fantastic food town. Finding good dining options for the whole family involves a little research and branching away from the monument and museum areas. Here's an unofficial guide to kid-friendly restaurants in Washington that promise to please everyone in your family.
There are a few rules that we used to produce this list:
- Nothing that is too touristy. We branched out away from the Mall for most of our meals to eat like locals
- No restaurants that are too trendy. We searched for places that are welcoming to families with children. This means no loud music, no dark dining rooms, etc.
- Only local places - there are no national chains on this list
1. Contemporary American Cuisine in Dupont Circle: Firefly
Location: 1310 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle)
Website: https://www.firefly-dc.com/
What to Expect: Delicious seasonal comfort food in a bright, inviting space
Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on the website and on Resy.
For the Parents: Innovative cocktails from Firefly’s House of Wonders drink menu. For dinner, rotating menu of seasonal comfort food such as Pan Seared Scallops in Thai Curry Sauce and Roasted Organic Game Hen in a Creamy Black Cherry Sauce
What the Kids Can Eat: The Kids Menu features Chicken and Waffles, Burger, Chicken Tenders, and Mac & Cheese
2. Fresh Sushi in Dupont Circle: Rakuya Japanese Kitchen and Bar
Location: 1900 Q St, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Website: https://www.rakuyarestaurant.com/
What to Expect: Quality sushi and other Japanese fare in a casual and cozy spot off of Dupont Circle
Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on their website
For the Parents: Delicious specialty rolls, such as the “Seoul Train Roll” (tuna with spicy Korean miso sauce), and Japanese entrees
What the Kids Can Eat: While Rakuya doesn’t have a traditional kids menu, they have kid-friendly options. Both of our kids enjoyed eating plain ramen in broth (or what we informally refer to at home as “slurpy noodles”).
3. No-Frills But Delicious Dining in Logan Circle: Commissary DC
Location: 1443 P St. NW, Washington, DC 20005
Website: https://www.commissarydc.com/
What to Expect: A family-friendly, casual neighborhood spot in the Logan Circle neighborhood of DC serving dinner and brunch
Do They Take Reservations: Yes, on the Commissary website
For the Parents: Local brews from DC, Maryland and Virginia. For dinner, a varied menu of burgers, pizzas, and grain bowls. For breakfast, specialty toasts, breakfast sandwiches, and unique egg specialties such as shakshuka and sunrise pizza
What the Kids Can Eat: A whole array of options on the Kids Menu, including Cheese Quesadilla, Grilled Cheese, Pasta Shells, and even BBQ Wings for dinner. The “Kids Package” comes with a drink and brownie or ice cream for dessert for $12. Commissary also serves brunch, with the Kids Menu featuring pancakes (plain, blueberry, or chocolate chip) and scrambled eggs combos.
4. Happy Hour in an Iconic Setting: Willard Hotel Lobby
Location: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Website: https://washington.intercontinental.com/food-drink/round-robin-bar/
What to Expect: A great place to grab a pre-dinner drink. The Round Robin Bar at the Willard Hotel is nicknamed the “Oval Office of Bars” by Conde Nast Traveler. While you can’t exactly sit at the cozy Round Robin Bar with kids, you can set up shop in the Willard’s iconic lobby where there are plenty of couches and tables. The scene is especially festive during the holidays, with a giant Christmas tree and carolers.
Do They Take Reservations?: No.
For the Parents: Send Mom or Dad into the cramped Red Robin Bar to get drinks and bring them back to the spacious lobby.
What the Kids Can Eat: BYOS (Bring Your Own Snacks). Bring along a snack or two and some games to entertain the kids so the parents can enjoy a relaxing drink after a long day of sightseeing.
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All Day Diner Eats With a Twist on Capitol Hill: Ted’s Bulletin
Location: 505 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 (Capitol Hill)
Website: https://www.tedsbulletin.com/
What to Expect: A trendy and bustling brunch spot conveniently located near the East end of the National Mall. A great place to break up a heavy sightseeing day.
Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on their website
For the Parents: Traditional breakfast staples and unique offerings such as Crab Cake Benedict and Ted’s Tart Pancakes (pancakes with Ted’s version of Pop Tarts mixed in)
What the Kids Can Eat: The Kid’s Menu is headlined by Mr. Breakfast (a face made out of pancakes, eggs and bacon). Other options include PB&J, Grilled Cheese, and other classic kid menu fare.
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Hearty Brunch after the Zoo in Adams Morgan: Open City DC
Location: 2331 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008
Website: https://www.opencitydc.com/
What to Expect: Open City is located near the National Zoo, and therefore makes a great place to grab brunch after a morning with the animals.
Do They Take Reservations?: No, seating is on a first come, first serve basis
For the Parents: Re-energize yourself with Open City’s full coffee bar offerings and dig into options such as Tofu Tostadas or the Smoked Salmon Omelet
What the Kids Can Eat: Open City serves traditional breakfast options such as scrambled eggs, pancakes and waffles
Other Ideas for Kid-Friendly Dining in Washington DC:
- Wizards or Capitals game - Go to a game at centrally located Capital One Arena and eat dinner at the arena (you can’t go wrong with hot dogs, chicken fingers, and pizza)
- Old Ebbitt Grill - A bit touristy and a bit pricey, but its location between the White House and the Mall is very convenient
- Picnic on the Mall - weather-permitting, having a picnic on the Mall is an affordable, fun, and convenient way to dine between museums
Conclusion
Washington DC has great family dining options if you are willing to plan ahead and explore away from the tourist area. Please drop us a line if you have dined at any of these restaurants or if you have any others we missed. Safe travels and enjoy!