Parents, this one’s for you. While cooking can be fun, you deserve a break once in a while from meal prepping and plating up endless snacks for the kids. Cue these family-friendly local restaurants — tried and true with Charleston kiddos.
Rancho Lewis
This Tex-Mex restaurant on upper King Street boasts a Los Niños menu featuring kid favorites like a bean + cheese burrito, quesadilla, mini corn dogs, and chicken tendies. If that plate is clean and you’re feeling bold, treat the kids to the Cowpoke Sundae for dessert.
Home Team BBQ
With downtown, West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant, and Sullivan’s Island locations, this BBQ spot’s ambiance sizzles. The downtown location includes a fenced-in play area with chalkboards for doodling, while the West Ashley restaurant has corn hole. As for the kids menu, it stands out in variety, kid-sized portions + price — ranging from $2.75 to $5. Offerings include a 4-ounce cheeseburger, a pulled pork or chicken slider, a taco, and PB&J or honey; you can add a side or drink for $2.
Edmund’s Oast
Both the taproom’s and restaurant’s patios are perfect for al fresco dining, and the kids’ menu offers options like a burger with tater tots, a hot dog, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and cheese or pepperoni pizza. For the parents, the tap list is glorious. Fun fact: The King Street taproom is located next door to Rancho Lewis.
Blondie’s Bagels & Cafe
Rise and shine. Get the little ones out of the house early and grab breakfast at this Daniel Island eatery featuring delicious bagels, spreads, and bagel sandwiches. After that, take them for an easy hike on the nearby Daniel Island Trail along the Wando River — it’ll get those wiggles out.
Belle Station
The kids will love the outdoor play area at this Mt. Pleasant restaurant, and you’ll get some time to relax. Pro tips: Belle Station offers a special kids’ brunch menu on Sundays + on Mondays, kids eat free. Save room for the ice cream station.
Ms. Rose’s Fine Food & Cocktails
This spot is a fantastic choice for a family-friendly dining experience. The dedicated kids’ menu offers favorites like chicken tenders, grilled cheese, cheese pita pizza, and mac & cheese — plenty of options to keep little ones happy. Pro tip: Every Tuesday, kids eat free with the purchase of a regular entrée from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it an even sweeter deal for families
Did we miss your favorite family-friendly restaurant? Let us know so we can add to our list.
