Going out to eat is not an option for many of us due to the spread of coronavirus. Some places like Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, have announced that all bars and restaurants must close down their dining rooms. Now that take-out or delivery is your only option, RetailMeNot has you covered.
Several major restaurant chains have rallied, some teaming up with Postmates, Grubhub and Seamless, to offer free delivery because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
&pizza
Fast-casual pizza chain &pizza is offering free contactless delivery indefinitely in all markets. Customers can order through the &pizza app for carryout or free delivery.
Auntie Anne’s
Mmmmm, pretzels! Find an Auntie Anne’s near you, and get a $0 delivery fee on orders $15+ with DoorDash until March 30.
Bertucci’s
Order on the Bertucci’s website today for free delivery.
Black Angus Steakhouse
Through March 29, get free Delivery on Black Angus Steakhouse orders of $15 or more through DoorDash.
Blaze Pizza
This pizza chain with more than 300+ locations across the country is waiving delivery fees on all orders of $10 or more via their website or the Blaze app for a limited time. You can also score free delivery on Postmates or DoorDash through March 22.
Blaze Pizza is also introducing two new online specials: one large one-topping pizza for $10, and two large one-topping pizzas for $20.
Buca di Beppo
Enjoy free delivery on Italian favorites from Buca di Beppo. Start your online delivery order.
Burger King
Burger King is offering free delivery on Grubhub for orders over $10 through March 29. Keep in mind you might still pay a service fee. Over the next month, Burger King’s other delivery-service partners, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, will also waive delivery fees.
There are also reports that Burger King will soon offer two free kids meals per adult meal purchased.
Chipotle
On March 12, Chipotle was the first major chain to announce free delivery on orders of over $10. The complimentary service launched March 15 and will last until March 31.
The service features a tamper-evident seal and limited-contact delivery options. Chipotle is using a “Delivery Kitchen” fulfill these orders, and the company is utilizing a new delivery tracker, so you can get real-time updates on your order.
Del Taco
Del Taco is offering free delivery on Postmates for a limited time with the code DELTACONOW. After March 20, Del Taco will continue to offer automatic free delivery on orders over $15.
Del Taco is also offering first-time customers free delivery on DoorDash.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s announced free doorstep delivery through the end of April. Check out this Dickey’s press release for details. Delivery orders will come pre-sealed upon arrival to help guard against any tampering.
El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco is offering free delivery via Grubhub from participating locations from March 25 to April 7.
KFC
On March 13, KFC announced free delivery from March 14 to April 26. You can place orders through KFC’s website or its delivery partners: Grubhub and Seamless. A service fee will apply and a small order fee will apply for orders less than $12 (before tax, tip, and fees).
In-store pickup is available at a specially designated area at KFC counters if you do prefer that option.
Little Caesars
Get free delivery on orders of $10 or more placed online from Little Caesars through March 22.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill announced on Twitter that it would offer free delivery on all app and website orders of $10 or more through April 10.
Select Moe’s locations have closed their dining rooms and implemented pickup services.
Get free delivery on orders of $25 or more when you order online or through the app.
Pieology
All Pieology locations are offering free delivery on orders over $35 when you order online or through the Pie Life Rewards App through the end of March. You can also get 10% off pick-up orders when you use code PICKUP10 at checkout.
Popeyes
Popeyes is offering free delivery through the Popeyes Mobile App and its website. When inputting your delivery address, you can input where you want your food dropped off: outside your door, in the lobby, etc.
Popeyes is also working with Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubub, and Postmates to prepare for the increased demand for delivery. Note that Popeyes is also offering contactless drive-thru and pickup options.
Red Lobster
Get free delivery on online orders over $30 through March 29 and find how they are responding to the coronavirus outbreak.
Shake Shack
Head to the Shack App, website or order delivery via Grubhub, and Shake Shack will waive the delivery fees.
Taco Bell
Get free delivery on your first order over $12 through March 31 when you order through Grubhub.
Which Wich
Get free delivery on online orders through March 31, 2020.
Yogurtland
Get your sweet fix with this popular froyo chain. You can opt for drive-up pick-up service or order delivery from one of the major food delivery applications (Doordash, Grubhub, Postmates, Ubereats)!
Summer has arrived and with it the perfect excuse to forgo cranking up the oven and beat the heat with a family dinner you didn’t have to cook. If you’re looking for a little inspiration on where to dine, Grubhub has revealed the top dining trends of the year so far.
Grubhub’s report titled State of the Plate uses data collected from more than half a million orders placed on an average day through its platform to determine the trendiest dining options. So what did the report find?
photo: Shahrzad Warkentin
One clear choice is maintaining a steady rise in popularity: vegan and vegetarian dining. According to the report, vegan-friendly ordering has risen by 25% so far in 2019, with orders for the Impossible Burger increasing by 82 percent.
The following cities were the top spots in the country for ordering vegan:
Los Angeles, CA
Brooklyn, NY
Portland, OR
Las Vegas, NV
Rochester, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Detroit, MI
San Diego, CA
The Impossible Burger also topped the lists of favorites by region in both the West and Midwest.
The most popular dishes to order vary by season, with heartier comfort foods like mushroom stroganoff and empanadas trending in the winter, and lighter options, like cauliflower bites and mixed berry acai bowls growing in the spring. Grubhub predicts that the summer trends will include barbecue pork buns, truffle parm fries and quinoa and arugula salad.
It’s a summer full of sun, fun and…recalls? School’s out, the kiddos are clamoring for a treat and we’ve got a list of some of the most recent recalls for parents to take note of.
Before you bake a cake, blend a berry-filled smoothie, have a snack, make a veggie recipe, sauce your spaghetti or feed your kiddo, check out these food-related recalls.
In Cooperation with ADM Milling Co., Hometown Food Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific Lot Codes Pillsbury® Best Bread Flour Due to Possible Health Risk https://t.co/PcWvtX9nLXpic.twitter.com/aCcusCPFJ5
The FDA issued a recall (on Jun. 14) for two lots of Pillsbury Best Bread Flour in five-pound bags over E. coli concerns. Nearly 4,620 cases of the flour was shipped to retailers in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Visit the FDA’s website for specific UPC codes and use by dates.
In Association with ADM Milling Co, King Arthur Flour, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Limited Quantity of Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 Lb.) Because of Possible Health Risk https://t.co/MWgGITS8QTpic.twitter.com/FHwdF2XheF
The flour, sold at Walmart and Target, was recalled on Jun. 13. The Unbleached All-Purpose Flour in five-pound bags was also recalled due to possible E. coli contamination. Click here for the FDA’s full list of recalled products and remedy options.
Private Selection Frozen Berries
Kroger recently announced a recall of the 16 and 48 ounce sizes of Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley and the 16 ounce size of Private Selection Frozen Blackberries. The products, manufactured by Townsend Farms, may have possible Hepatitis A contamination. Visit the FDA’s website for more information here.
Townsend Farms’ recall also extends to Kirkland Three Berry Blend products sold at Costco stores in select states. For more information visit the FDA’s recall page.
The FDA released a recall for Lay’s Lightly Salted Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips on Jun. 14 for an undeclared milk allergen. The products, which are listed on the FDA’s website here, were distributed in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
This FDA recall, which was issued on Jun. 17, includes Sprouts Farmers Market’s Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach, conventional and organic varieties. The spinach was recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes concerns. Get the FDA’s full recall details here.
Ragu Pasta Sauce
Mizkan America, Inc. recently announced a voluntary recall of select Ragu pasta sauces. While there are no reported injuries, the recalled products may contain fragments of plastic. Visit the recall release here for full information on recalled products and what to do if you have the affected sauce.
#Recall: Ruiz Foods Products Inc. Recalls Bacon Breakfast Wrap Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination https://t.co/I6nEupyOnh
— USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (@USDAFoodSafety) June 15, 2019
Ruiz Bacon Breakfast Wraps
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced this recall on Jun. 14 for 246,514 pounds of frozen, not-ready-to-eat breakfast wraps. The wraps may contain extraneous products, which according to the USDA, are small rocks. Visit the USDA’s website here for more information.
#Recall: Table 87 Frozen, LLC Recalls Pork and Beef Pizza Products Produced without Benefit of Inspection https://t.co/PXoTnMQrls
— USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (@USDAFoodSafety) June 14, 2019
Table 87 Frozen Pork and Beef Pizzas
The USDA’s recall for these frozen pizza products is an expansion of the initial Jun. 6 announcement. The pizzas were produced without federal inspection. Find a full list of products on the USDA’s website.
Keurig Dr Pepper Announces Voluntary Withdrawal of Unflavored Peñafiel Mineral Spring Water that Does Not Meet FDA Bottled Water Quality Standards https://t.co/0kvUtliqt3pic.twitter.com/IpZYZSJCaH
Keurig Dr Pepper recently recalled Peñafiel unflavored mineral spring water after detecting arsenic levels in violation of the FDA’s bottled water standards. Visit the FDA’s website for a list of recalled products and remedies.
Parent’s Choice Advantage Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron
The FDA recently announced a recall for Parent’s Choice Advantage Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron. The nationwide recall of products, exclusively sold at Walmart, was issued for the potential presence of metal foreign material. The current recall includes products with the Lot Code C26EVFV and a “use by” date of Feb. 26, 2021. Click here for more information on what to do if you have this product.
BBQ, barbeque, barbecue—however you spell it, there’s no disputing it is more than just a way of cooking, it’s an entire culture. Whether you’re looking for fall-off-the-bone deliciousness, authentic whole-hog pit smoked fare or some fusion and veggie alternatives, there’s a joint that’s right for you. We’ve rounded up the most awesome, kid-friendly BBQ restaurants in the country, now all you need to do is try to include a few in your summer travel plans. Scroll down to see them all.
Five years ago, Texan Jack Timmons set about bringing his hometown flavors to the Pacific Northwest, and the giant smoker outside tells you that you're in for a treat. An oversized plush giraffe welcomes little ones and for parents wanting to avoid a long wait, Jack's takes reservations. The menu boasts incredible brisket and full flavor sausage as well as sides of mac ‘n’ cheese, potato salad and coleslaw. It comes top of the list in our roundup of Seattle-based BBQ joints to treat dad on Father's Day.
3924 Airport Way S. Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 467-4038
Offering tender smoky ribs, generous sides, perfectly sliced brisket, a tangy sweet sauce and seasoned fries, Joe's certainly lives up to the hype. A favorite of celeb-chef Anthony Bourdain, there are three locations, and the original one still operates out of a neighborhood gas station at the corner of 47th Avenue and Mission Road in Kansas City. Expect a line of hungry 'cue fans most times of day but take comfort—it moves pretty fast. This is a joint that welcomes everyone, even vegetarians—smoked mushrooms replace brisket in their Portobello Z-man.
3002 W 47th Ave. Kansas City, KS 66103 (913) 722-3366
11950 S. Strang Line Rd. Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 782-6858
11950 S. Strang Line Rd. Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 782-6858
The name comes from the Texan 'Podnah' for partner, which was the nickname for Rodney Muirhead's grandfather. Tapping into his Texan roots, Muirhead set up Podnah’s Pit a decade ago. The crew fires up the pit at 5 a.m. every morning to prepare honest, slow-smoked meats over oak hardwood. While the staff are committed to Texan-style 'cue, they also make a mean Carolina-style pulled pork. For other kid-friendly BBQ options in Portland, check out this list from our archives.
1625 NE Killingsworth St. Portland, OR (503) 281-3700
Satisfy your BBQ cravings for salt, fat and spice with some of the best flavors in St. Louis. Bogart's Smokehouse is super quaint and has an old-time feel with picnic tables and seating indoor and out. Staff is friendly, and the food is top notch—pick from ribs, pulled pork, brisket, turkey, pastrami or burnt ends and pair with sides of fire and ice pickle, deviled egg potato salad or beans.
Bogart's Smokehouse 1627 S 9th St. St. Louis, MO 63104 (314) 621-3107
This roadside BBQ joint is set up in a train carriage off Highway 1 in Pacifica. It's hard to ignore the delicious smells as you pass by or the line of hungry patrons. The best cuts are often sold out by their 8 p.m. closing time so get there early or call ahead to make sure they have what you want. It's a grab-and-go establishment and service is pretty fast. Once you have your order of tender brisket, juicy ribs or full flavor sausage, the idea is to head to the beach to tuck in.
North Carolina isn't short of great BBQ joints, and The Pit is one of them. It has great service and proudly serves authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked 'cue. Set in a 1930's meatpacking warehouse, it's a step up from the family style roadside joints. The pigs they smoke are all locally farmed and sustainably raised, and they also offer Texas-style brisket, baby back ribs, barbecue turkey, fried chicken and a not-to-be-missed barbecue tofu dish. Another bonus at The Pit is valet parking!
When you're in need of some smoky meaty goodness in Virginia and DC, Rocklands is the place to go. There are three locations: Arlington, Alexandria and D.C. that have been serving customers for nearly 30 years. None of the restaurants are too fancy—their version of "al fresco" dining is a few picnic tables out front, and the menu provides a feast of slow-smoked flavor that's guaranteed to keep hunger at bay.
25 S. Quaker Lane Alexandria, VA 22314 (703)778-9663
3471 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 528-9663
2418 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20007 (202) 333-2558
The hulking great smokers at DAS BBQ are so beloved they have names—Poncho and Lefty. You can watch the pitmasters at work in a windowed smokehouse, and the food served is a unique twist on Georgia and Texas 'cue. Brisket, sausage and pulled pork are all smoked to perfection, and there are some not-to-missed sides, including the creamed jalapeno corn and, of course, mac and cheese. There's plenty of seating inside and out and, for kids, check out the $5 sammie slammer (aka a jumbo slider with chips or a side).
Leave it to L.A. to come up with a slightly sophisticated hipster-ish take on BBQ. Maple Block Meat Co' serves creative drinks, must-have sides and meats by the pound that will satisfy that need for salt and smoke and sweet flavors. You'll be spoilt for choice between perfect ribs and brisket, moist cornbread, spicy sauce, full flavor sides and homemade cream sodas.
3973 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 313 6328
World champion and award winners for their BBQ and their rubs (which you can buy to take home) this Crown Center spot for BBQ is a local's favorite. Not only can you get some of the most delish BBQ in the area here, you can also sign up for BBQ classes to learn their insider secrets.
Here you'll get fall-off-the-bone unbelievable deliciousness and homemade sauces to die for. Blue Ribbon has been consistently serving what they call 'swine dining' for 22 years. All the meat is cooked at low temperatures for long periods of time over oak and hickory hardwoods, inspired by the roadside joints that dot the American south. There are three locations in Arlington, West Newton and Dedham, each one with its own unique retro feel.
908 Massachusetts Ave. Arlington, MA 02476 (781) 648-7427
1375 Washington St. West Newton, MA 02465 (617) 332-2583
342 Washington St. Dedham, MA 02026 (781) 312-2583
The pulled pork is the favorite here. So good, according to the staff, "y'ull slap yo' mama." Try the pork with the slaw on top or go for the smokey goodness of BBQed ribs, chicken or burgers. The menu allows for little piglets under 8 to eat $5 drumsticks, Baby BBQ or a PBJ sandwich. There are also tamales, nachos, shrimp and for folks from Georgia, Brunswick Stew. The place is small so be sure to book ahead. It has an old-time feel, the walls covered in commemorative pictures, license plates, and signage.
2290 South Germantown Rd. Germantown, TN 38138 (901)754-5540
The open pit at Salt Lick in Driftwood is where the magic happens. Most open fire pits fall foul of safety codes so this one, built in the sixties, is pretty unique. Dry rubbed ribs and brisket slow cooked and caramelized over oak and pecan shells set you up for BBQ bliss. Family style plates for $25 offer all-you-can-eat beef brisket, sausage, pork ribs, potato salad, coleslaw and beans. There's also a children's family style plate for a third of the price and kids under 3 eat free. Driftwood is huge, so you're guaranteed seating. They have a second location at Round Rock and outlets at Austin and Dallas, Fort Worth airports.
18300 Fm 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619 (512) 858-4959
3350 E Palm Valley Blvd. Round Rock, TX 78665 (512) 386-1044
Phil's BBQ tops the list of a burgeoning BBQ scene in the San Diego area. Phil's has four family-friendly spots, plus outlets at Petco Park baseball field and the airport. Each serves mesquite grilled baby back and beef ribs, chicken and sandwiches. Lines can get long, which is a testament to the food and friendly atmosphere. Phil's is known for its fast-casual dining style and its top-secret recipe for BBQ rubs and sauces.
750 Sports Arena Blvd. San Diego, CA (619) 226-6333
579 Grand Ave. San Marcos, CA (760) 7591400
9816 Mission Gorge Rd. Santee, CA (619) 449 7700
17051 West Bernardo Dr. Rancho Bernardo, CA (858) 312 6161
The BBQ at Q39 is fall off the bone, melt in your mouth good. All the plates are made to share, and all BBQ plates are served with a side of apple coleslaw, beans or potato salad which can also be subbed for fries or veggies. The decor is pared down industrial, and there's an open kitchen. The team behind Q39 have won awards for their tender meat, and pitmaster Rob Magee brings his training as a chef to the restaurants, making each spot fun and contemporary, rustic and friendly but urban, contemporary and impeccably clean.
Q39 Midtown 1000 W 39th St. Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 255-3753
Fans of The Firehouse say the BBQ here can’t be beaten. The portion sizes are generous, the servers are attentive, the food is well priced, arrives quickly and tastes delicious—oh, and there's a vintage fire engine to greet you when you come in the door. Aside from the tasty ribs, brisket, chicken and pulled pork, there are also salads, burgers, sandwiches, and soups.
627 W Walnut St. Johnson City, TN 3760 (423) 929-7377
Kitchen Table has moved inside Goosetown Tavern, which has had some folks confused, but once you've worked that out and placed your order, you'll find the food full of flavor and the burnt ends especially popular. The pork is well seasoned, and there's a whole section of the menu dedicated to Kansas City-style 'cue as well as burgers, salads, grilled chicken and a selection of traditional sides.
Even before the ferry service made Hometown Bar-B-Que easier to get to, this mecca in Brooklyn's Red Hook has been able to draw a crowd. On the menu, there's killer brisket, ribs, and pulled pork (plus burnt ends if you're lucky). As well as the traditional fare, there's some fusion food reflecting the neighborhood's diversity. Check out the lamb belly Bahn, Korean sticky ribs, Jamaican jerk ribs and pastrami. The sides aren't an afterthought either, there's buttery cornbread, tasty mac and cheese and baked beans. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights means the place is hopping on the weekends.
The Big Daddy of BBQ joints, 17th Street Barbecue, is owned and operated by legendary pit master, Mike Mills and his equally talented daughter, Amy. The ribs really are that good. The bark is smoky and loaded with flavor from their rub (known as magic dust), and the meat near the bone is the light pink color of perfection. Everything on the menu is delicious and the service is second to none. The Mills' run two 17th St. locations in southern Illinois and two Memphis Championship Barbecue dine-in, drive-thru and take-out restaurants in Las Vegas.
2700 17th St. Marion, IL (618) 998-1114
32 N 17th St. Murphysboro, IL 62966 (618) 684-3722 Online: 17bbq.com
4379 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV (702) 644-0000
2250 E. Warm Springs Rd. Las Vegas, NV (702) 260-6909
Get ready to rewrite your San Diego summer bucket list with two traditions you’ll want to experience at least once (and probably twice). The Bahia Resort Hotel offers an authentic California Dreaming Beach Party complete with Beach Boys tunes, barbecue, dancing on the beach and fun activities the kiddos will talk about for days. The Catamaran Resort and Hotel brings a taste of Polynesia to SoCal with its Sunset Luau experience. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgia on the beach or a taste of Hawaii, these summer experiences will take your San Diego summer to an entirely new level.
California Dreaming Beach Part of the Decades Nothing says summer like sandy beaches, surfing’ safari music, clam bakes and barbecue. The California Dreaming Beach Party at the Bahia Resort Hotel has it all! This summer mainstay is a perfect family treat where you can live out your California Dreams and celebrate summer and enjoy a beachside concert.
What’s on the Menu The hallmark of the California Dreaming beach party is the signature clambake, filled with steamed mussels and clams, shrimp, linguica sausage, steamed red potatoes and corn on the cob. But make sure to save room for the carved trip tip station, barbecue chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and summer salads.
Kids will love having their own special buffet with items like tater tots, pizza, steak and fruit. Everyone will scream of the tasty s’mores cake and ice cream desserts.
Insider Tip: If you arrive from 6 – 6:45 p.m., you’ll be treated to a tropical cocktail when you walk through the entrance. Kids won’t be left out – a tropical lemonade is ready for them, too!
Family Fun and Entertainment You won’t hear the words “I’m bored” coming for your kids this evening. Face painting takes places until 6:45 p.m. After that, there’s plenty of interactive dancing, including hula looping, beach ball tosses and the Limbo. Kiddos and adults can dance their hearts (and feet) away to the awesome performance by San Diego’s signature band, The Mar Dels. The fun takes place right on the beach, so shoes are always optional. And if need to cool off, let the kiddos dip their toes into the bay.
Insider Tip: Save time to see the amazing animals at the Bahia. Gracie the Seal and her Sidekick Billy are waiting for kids to check them out.
Dates: Thursdays, June 23 – Sept. 1, 6 – 9 p.m.
Prices: $44-$49/adult; $20/kiddo (5-12 years); free/kids under 5
Sunset Luau at the Catamaran If your’e dreaming about a trip to Hawaii, add this San Diego tradition to your summer bucket list. The annual Sunset Luau events at the Catamaran Resort and Hotel are a festive celebration of Polynesian food, music and dances perfect for family and friends. Luau guests are treated to a beautiful lei upon arrival and a fruity Mai Tai (or fruity drink for the under 21 guests).
photo: Leah Singer
What’s on the Menu Before the entertainment starts, indulge in a tasty all-you-can-eat buffet that includes authentic Polynesian tastes, including Kalua Roast Pig. There’s also tropical fruit, roast salmon with ginger lime cream sauce, Island pineapple coleslaw and guava chicken.
And that’s just for adults. Kids will love their own buffet with pineapple Jello, fresh fruit, Hawaiian pizza, coconut-crusted chicken strips and tater tots. Dessert for the young and not-as-young include pineapple upside down cake, coconut cream cake, passion fruit creme brulle, mini macadamia nut tarts and haupia.
Insider Tip: While the food is delicious and there’s quite an abundance of it, many of the dishes include meat (even in the kids buffet). So if you’re a vegetarian, make sure to plan ahead and expect fewer choices.
photo: Leah Singer
Family Fun and Entertainment Local luau specialist Pride of Polynesia provides the authentic island music and dance. The performance includes hula and fiery torch dancers. Kids will love the fast-paced music and interactive entertainment. In fact, the Sunset Luaus have been known to call all the kiddos up to learn the hula on stage.
Insider Tips: Stick around after the Luau ends to watch the Sea World summer fireworks across the bay. You can also grab a photo on the Catamaran lawn with the Polynesian dancers and performers after the show.
And don’t think the amazing animals are limited to the Bahia Resort Hotel! Check out the taking birds at the Catamaran. Cockatoos, parrots and macaws await!
Dates: Tues., July 26 – Aug. 23; Fri., June 24 – Sept. 2; 6 – 9 p.m.
Prices: $49-$69/adult; $19-$32/kiddo (5-12 years); free/kids under 5
We all love our kids, but sometimes a night away with from being a parent is just what the doctor ordered. When you’re ready to call a sitter and get out on the town with your special someone, check out these great ideas for date nights in North County. Click through the slideshow for ideas from bonfires to beer tours.
Bonfire Barbeque at Moonlight Beach
Pack up a cuddling blanket and your favorite stuff to barbecue and head to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. Keep it simple by simply making s'mores and bring a bottle of wine. Be sure to get there early to stake out one of the eight fire pits for your sunset grilling session. You can also bring your own grill to South Carlsbad State Beach or use one of the fire rings at Oceanside Beach and make your own party of two.
Considering all of the restaurants popping up in and around Chicago this summer, ice cream isn’t the only thing your kids will be screaming for. While we have a new retro soda fountain shop to go wild for, there’s also barbecue, kid-friendly salads, teriyaki … and more barbecue. Your next family dinner date starts now.
photo: Piggyback Tavern
Piggyback Tavern
Summer is the season for barbecue. Which would explain all the new ‘cue spots popping up around here. Forest Park’s much-loved Piggyback Tavern is one, and it’s expanding to the Loop. The new Piggyback is a fast-casual riff of the original, showcasing the slow-cooked, hardwood-smoked meats it’s known for in a comfortable, quick-service environment. Kids and adults alike can go wild customizing their barbecue dishes for lunch. Options include pulled pork and brisket in the form of sandwich, bowl, plate or salad, bedecked with optional sauces like Zesty, Mustard or Smokey Sweet. For sides, there’s jalapeño cheddar cornbread, mac ’n’ cheese and collard greens. Another nice touch here is the barnyard motif, bringing a welcome taste of the countryside to the heart of the city via wood tables, barn wood walls, vintage lighting and pig-inspired artwork. Get ready to pig out!
Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill
Piggyback isn’t the only meat Mecca in expansion mode these days. Orlando-based Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill made its Chicagoland debut in Mount Prospect’s Randhurst Village, marking the company’s 66th location in the country. The new location showcases the hand-rubbed, house-smoked dishes the company has built an empire out of, so you can rest assured it will be delish. The menu covers a pretty impressive cross-section of America’s regional barbecue traditions, too, offering a little something for every craving. There’s St. Louis ribs, Texas-style beef brisket and Memphis dry rub, to name a few. Additionally, youngsters can feast on smoked wings, build-your-own burgers and other finger-licking delicacies. The restaurant is enormous, complete with a roaring fire pit, lending the feel of a boisterous backyard barbecue party.
164 Randhurst Village Dr.
Mt. Prospect
847-305-1799
Online: smokeybones.com
photo: Be Leaf
Be Leaf
All that barbecue calls for a little reprieve in the form of a wholesome salad or grain bowl. While not necessarily on the same scream-inducing levels as ice cream, kids will certainly take a liking to the vibrant chef-driven dishes on deck at Be Leaf, the Loop’s newest fast casual dining outlet. Working with local farmers to ensure the freshest in locality and seasonality, Be Leaf produces some of the best tasting greenery your kids will ever taste. It’s especially inviting with its build-your-own menu options and the quirky “Decision Tree,” a wall-mounted menu maze of sorts that takes guests on a tour of food options and descriptions. Diners young and old can accent their greens of choice — kale, arugula, mesclun, romaine, spinach, quinoa, farro — with add-ons like grapefruit, caramelized onions, bacon, tofu, sweet potato falafel and steak. So even if it starts off healthy and light, you can easily turn it into summery comfort food. The space is as green as the food, outfitted with planter walls, produce-packed baskets, flowers and other elements designed to echo a countryside farm.
29 N. Upper Wacker Dr.
Downtown
312-877-5399
Online: beleafsalad.com
GLAZE Teriyaki
In the heat of summer, the grill reigns supreme. It helps when said grill is manned by an alum of the Culinary Institute of America. Chef Dennis Lake leads the charge at GLAZE Teriyaki, a Seattle-style fast casual joint that’s heating up Lakeview with its first Chicago outpost. Using locally sourced, organic ingredients, Lake cooks up a menu befitting summertime cookout dreams, complete with char-grilled chicken, hanger steak, pork loin, wok sautéed vegetables and salmon. What helps sets GLAZE apart from the home grill is its signature teriyaki sauce, made fresh daily with an addictive mix of smoky, caramel-y flavors, and notes of garlic, ginger, pineapple and apple. Every entree also has a gluten-free version available, which is a nice touch. The casual restaurant has a laid back, homey feel with an open kitchen, communal tables, reclaimed wood benches, exposed brick walls and Japanese-style vintage fabrics.
3112 N. Broadway St.
Lakeview
773-697-3580
Online: glazeteriyaki.com
photo: Fuller House
Fuller House
This family-friendly pub-style eatery in Hinsdale features a wide array of people-pleasing dishes that run the gamut from brick oven pizza to jumbo pretzels. The restaurant has family in its blood, owned and operated by siblings Sam Vlahos and Patricia Vlahos-Segretto, who worked to compile a comfortable, neighborhood-oriented pub that families could flock to on the regular. And flock they will when they get a taste of the house-brined pickles, the brisket tacos, the prime burgers, the roast chicken and the cookie skillets. The two-story restaurant is warm and inviting, featuring a facade of exposed brick, barrels from local distilleries, salvaged oak and refurbished wood beams sourced from a defunct Chicago church. High-tops and banquettes comprise seating on the main floor, while a curved staircase weaves to a lively balcony area with an illuminated wine wall and a second floor dining room packed with traditional tables.
Spinning J
What’s old is shiny and new again, thanks to the arrival of Humboldt Park’s eagerly awaited and highly scream-worthy Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain. Americana nostalgia is the name of the game at this corner spot, glistening with the type of comfy, glossy cushioned seats typically reserved for bygone diners and ice cream parlors. True to form, the dessert menu screams comfort, from the vibrant housemade soda drinks to the farm-fresh pies brimming with local, seasonal fruits like blueberries and cherries. This is the ice cream shop we’ve all been yearning for this summer.
1000 N. California Ave.
Humboldt Park
872-829-2793
Online: facebook.com
Where do you like to take the kids out for dinner? Let us know in the Comments below!
With BBQ sauce, pineapple and rotisserie chicken, this pizza recipe screams summer. We suggest getting your kids in on the cooking fun by having them help add the toppings to the whole wheat pizza dough. A special thanks to Kim of the food blog, Kim’s Cravings for sharing this family recipe with us!
Ingredients:
1 large pizza crust store-bought or homemade (If using store-bought, I like Mama Mary’s Whole Wheat Pizza Crust.)
⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1 cup grated smoked Gouda cheese, divided (Mozzarella works well, too.)
1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (I use rotisserie chicken.)
¼ onion, thinly sliced
½ cup canned or fresh pineapple chunks
fresh cilantro for topping
Chef notes: To decrease calorie count, go lighter on the cheese or cheese-free. You could also reduce the amount of barbecue sauce and/or chicken used.
Method:
1. Preheat oven according to pizza crust instructions and prepare pizza baking pan/stone, if using.
2. Toss 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce with the cooked, chopped chicken to coat it. Set aside.
3. Spread ⅓ cup (more or less, depending on preference) barbecue sauce over pizza crust. Add a layer of ½ cup of cheese over the barbecue sauce. Next, top with chicken, the reserved cheese, sliced onion and pineapple.
4. Bake pizza according to crust instructions. I baked my pizza at 450 degrees F. for about 10 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven, top with fresh cilantro, slice and serve.
What’s your kids’ favorite pizza toppings? Did they like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Want to plan a summer of fun for the little people in your life? Good news! An over-the-top summer doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg or take tons of prep work. With this list of our ten favorite things to do with kids under 5, we prove the old axiom that the best things in life FREE (or at least very cheap).
1. Get Your Hike on at Mori Point
Get out of the city and into the fresh air at Mori Point! Located just south of San Francisco in the town of Pacifica, Mori Point offers hiking trails for all ages and abilities. If you park on Mori Point Road near the Moose Lodge, you can follow a flat trail to a wooden boardwalk that takes you all the way to the ocean (perfect for that jogging stroller). More adventurous hikers can hike a windy path or a large wooden staircase up to the top to see the beautiful vista. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to see migrating whales as they swim past. Hiking got you hungry? Check out nearby Gorilla Barbecue (located in an awesome orange train car) where the kids meals are generously-sized and delicious.
There’s a free family-friendly party happening every Sunday afternoon at the intersection of at least six subway lines in downtown Brooklyn. It’s got live music, face-painting, mini cupcakes to decorate, a padded floor and lots of blocks both big and small. Plus: cowboy hats and bubbles! What’s the catch? Well, the host, Hill Country Barbecue, would probably like you to buy some grub and a brew — but you were probably going to do that anyway, right? Read on to get the lowdown.
The Deal
Hill Country BBQ set up shop at 345 Adams back in January of 2014. The mini chain (it’s got locations in Manhattan and Washington, D.C. as well) specializes in dry rub barbecue smoked and prepared on the premises and served by the pound in butcher paper a la Central Texas style. The restaurant feeds nearby office workers during the week, and people in search of live music, beer and BBQ at night. In an effort to serve the many families in the area, the eatery introduced “Fam Jam”— a monthly Sunday afternoon kid-friendly event— to its offerings in the fall of last year. And as of this January, the party’s gone weekly.
What it Is
Essentially, a four hour, low-grade family-friendly freakout in the very best way. A local alt-country band such as The Three Gentlemen (made up of groovy looking Brooklyn dads/professional musicians, of course) plays both original tunes and covers (i.e. Wes Anderson-approved “Ooh La La” by Faces, for example) from a cozy stage, while kids play with blocks, giant LEGOs, and shakers on a floor temporarily padded with colorful foam squares.
In one corner, Face Painting by Shelly makes kids into superheroes, animals and mystical creatures, in another, partiers decorate their own mini cupcakes and blow bubbles. Meanwhile, cowboy hat-wearing kids of all ages stack blocks of various shapes and sizes in a central play space. On the periphery, parents eat barbecue and drink beer.
The good news is that unlike many NYC gathering spaces, Hill Country is Texas-sized: it’s big, with soaring ceilings and lots of open space. In fact, the “Fam Jam” takes place on the second floor, overlooking the main dining space.
What’s to Eat
Obviously, barbecue: ribs, brisket, turkey, chicken, etc. Non meat eaters aren’t totally out of luck: Hill Country also serves cheddar mac ‘n’ cheese, a market salad, cole slaw, green bean casserole, and more. You can also skip entrees altogether and do dessert; offerings include Blue Bell Ice Cream, PB&J cupcakes and floats. The bar serves all kinds of southern-influenced cocktails and beer. Plus: if you’ve been meaning to try Mexican Coke, they’ve got it. (Our recs: the ribs, brisket and mac ‘n’ cheese, as well as the salad for some greens.)
All food is ordered and served from a counter on the main floor with a menu card servers give you when you sit down, and the waiters take care of drinks.
Tips if You Make the Trip
Depending on the day, things can get crowded. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m., and getting there on the early side will help ensure you snag a table; the restaurant will also accept reservations. However, regular turnover makes it fairly easy to find a spot, and by 3 p.m. there’s typically lots of room to sit — and play. The face painting is a nice perk, but be forewarned that the wait can be long; again, get on the list early. Note that the staff is refreshingly low-key about pushing food and drink, so don’t feel you have to buy a country feast to partake. Also: you can leave your stroller near the door on the first floor. Yahoo!
