Don’t worry if you can’t find a sitter because little kids are welcome at these fun restaurants. Let the kids get up and wander around, show them where the playground and sandbox is, or even check them into the supervised playroom so you can actually have a conversation with your company. Oh, and some of these are even breweries and fine restaurants so you’re guaranteed to enjoy your time out and get a delicious meal. Invite your friends out for a night to catch up or finally schedule that date night and head out worry-free knowing that your littles can do what they do. For even more family-friendly hot spots in San Diego, be sure to check out our story on the best spots for family date nights.
Garage Buona Forchetta, Coronado
Buona Forchetta serves up some of the best Italian food from their several locations around town, each with its own ambiance and character. The “Garage” location in Coronado has an outside patio that’s perfect for the kids to get up and down as much as they want and wander over to the cute little car that’s displayed on the patio. Their “Officine” location at Liberty Station in Point Loma has a large grassy area and a small playset for kids to climb on too.
Garage Buona Forchetta
1000 C Ave., Coronado
619-675-0079
Other locations: Point Loma, Southpark, Encinitas and San Marcos
Online: buonaforchettasd.com
Broken Yolk, Carmel Mountain
Play some mini-golf while waiting for those lemon ricotta pancakes, kids’ breakfast dogs or French toast sticks. This newest location in Carmel Mountain is the only one with a mini-golf putting hole and a small arcade inside. They have other locations all over with delicious breakfast & lunch options that will satisfy any hunger pains.
Broken Yolk in Carmel Mountain
11630 Carmel Mountain Rd., San Diego, 92128
858-675-9655
Online: thebrokenyolkcafe.com
My Yard Live, San Marcos
Take the kids on your next brewery outing and let them play on the playground while you sample some taps. There’s live music, an arcade, and yard games outside too, so everyone will find something entertaining here. The kids' menu has the usuals like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and even pasta marina. Adults should try the pulled pork burrito or the ahi tuna poke; and a fresh lager of course.
Check out our full list of kid-friendly breweries in San Diego here.
My Yard Live Beer Co.
288 Rancheros Dr., San Marcos
760-798-0779
Online: myyardlive.com
Atypical Waffle, North Park
Wow your kids with waffles while you and some friends catch up! This fun open patio space is cool if your kids eat while standing up or walking around. They’ll love ordering from the converted Airstream and try to grab the space inside the VW Bus tent if you can. Order your Liege waffles any way you want with whipped cream & berries, with yogurt & honey, with cheese and jam, or go savory with bacon & avocado and even add on some chicken nugs to those waffles. They’ve got lots of coffee, lattes and even tea latte options to wash it all down.
Atypical Waffle
3519 30th St., North Park
619-806-0345
Online: atypicalwaffle.square
Point Loma Seafoods
Feast on fresh local catch while you enjoy the gorgeous bay views and the kids will enjoy running around chasing the birds. They have a few outside patios including a rooftop patio with views that will make you stay a little longer for and a ground-level patio with picnic tables. Although this is a casual spot, their food is worth coming here for without or without kids. Kids might like their fish tacos or tuna sandwiches and adults should try one of their 11 different types of seafood cocktails, fresh sushi, crab cakes or a shrimp salad.
Point Loma Seafoods
2805 Emerson St., Point Loma
619-223-1109
Online: pointlomaseafoods.com
Stone Brewing Bistro & Gardens
You’ll want to meet friends here in the gardens at Stone Brewing and tell them to bring the kids. Both locations have unique outdoor settings with beautiful landscaping, trails to wander, waterfalls, koi fish and bocce ball. While they don’t have an extensive menu, kids will love the Gruyere and Cheddar mac & cheese, but you might want to bring something extra for them to eat. Adults will love the double crunch Korean fried chicken sandwich or the chicken tinga tacos; pair it with their tangerine express hazy IPA or the salt & lime lager for a twist. This spot is a great place to bring friends and family visiting from out of town, especially if you want them to deeply consider relocating.
Stone Brewing Bistro & Gardens
2816 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station
619-269-2100
1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido
760-294-7866
Online: stonebrewing.com
Crack Shack, Encinitas
If you haven’t tried this SoCal favorite for “Southern California fried chicken and egg fare”, you have no eggs-cuse. Both San Diego locations have outdoor fenced-in areas just for little kiddos to wander off and go play. Parents can enjoy a bite to eat without the worry of making sure the kids are behaving. The Encinitas location has a sandbox and the Little Italy location has cornhole as well. Now for what to order, the kids’ meals include chicken nuggets or grilled cheese and a choice of fries or carrots and a drink. Parents can’t go wrong with one of their 7 signature chicken sandwiches. They also have salads, bowls and even poutine to go along with their beer and wine selection. It's a crackin' good time!
Crack Shack
407 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas
760-230-2968
2266 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy
619-795-3299
Online: crackshack.com
Landon’s East Meets West, Escondido
If you can’t find a sitter for your date night, head to Landon’s in San Marcos for their on-site childcare. That’s right, they’ve got a supervised playroom where your kids can read, create and play. Now relax while you and your partner dine in peace and quiet together. Oh and you can also order dinner for your kids to eat in the playroom too. When you check out, you'll return the security tag that matches the one your child will wear. The playroom has an extra cost to use of $8/hr for one child or $12/hr for two, but it’s well worth it and even cheaper than a sitter.
Landon’s East Meets West
1020 W San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos
760-304-4560
Online: landonseastmeetswest.com
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