To each his own certainly applies to mealtime with your munchkins. If you sometimes tire of being a short order cook or are simply a parent of a picky preschooler, here’s the dish on four spots where kids can engineer their meals just the way they want ‘em! From stir-fry to grilled cheese—read on for four spots where tots can get in on some foodie fun.

Tom + Chee
When it comes to tot-approved, comfort food, nothing beats a grilled cheese and tomato soup. Tom + Chee’s build-your-own grilled cheese menu lets the littles choose their own bread, cheese, toppings and extras. With bread options that include “glazed donut” (whaaat?) to cheese choices including brie and smoked Gouda, you know that this classic combo has the potential to get very adventurous! If you’re leaning towards lighter options, check out their assortment of fresh salads, homemade dressings and even gluten-free bread.
1200 Ernest Barrett Pkwy., 
Kennesaw, tomandchee.com

Real Chow Baby
Ready to let your kiddo’s inner chef come out? You can’t go wrong with a scrumptious build-your-own stir-fry from the Real Chow Baby. You start out by filling a bowl with your choice of noodles or rice. Then add all the veggies, meat, or seafood you want. Don’t forget the yummy sauces and extra spices. With over 70 fresh ingredients, your brood can get creative and design their own dish. Or, if you prefer the tried and true, you can follow one of the recipes listed above the stir-fry bar. Then sit back and wait as the chef turns your selections into a sizzling stir-fry, soup or salad! The Inside Scoop: Monday night is kid’s night at all chow baby locations! You can score a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal.
1016 Howell Mill Rd., poncebaby.com

Your Pie
This build-your-own pizza restaurant hails from Athens, and now boasts a shiny new location in Buckhead. You move through the line and customize your personal sized pizza by choosing from traditional topping choices—but the sauces are where Your Pie gets a little bolder. Check out options like Ranchy Marinara, Sun Dried Tomato or Thai. And since this is a personal pie, you don’t have to limit yourself to the toppings the kiddos want. Next, they pop your pizza into one of those beautiful brick ovens and voilà! Your pie.
The Inside Scoop: Got a kiddo with a gluten allergy? Not only does Your Pie have gluten-free crust, but they can prepare your gluten-free pizza in a special oven, making it even safer for those with food allergies.
5 West Paces Ferry Rd., yourpie.com

The Counter
Roswell families keep this burger joint hopping. Step up to the counter and you’ll find a menu chock full of tempting treats like fried pickles, chili and hand-spun milk shakes. But the real draw here is the build-your-own menu. Grab your pencil and start selecting from an enticing assortment of options. You can think outside of the burger box and go with ahi tuna or bison and choose from delish sauces such as roasted garlic aoli or sweet sriracha. Of course kiddos who like to keep their burgers simple will fare well with the kid’s mini cheeseburgers.
The Inside Scoop: If the thought of making one more decision exhausts you, choose from one of their “expert builds,” pre-determined burgers for those who don’t want to have to think about it!
850 Mansell Rd., 
Roswell, thecounterburger.com

Where does your little D.I.Y.-er like to dine? Give us the dish in the comments section below!

—Candice Rose

Photos courtesy of Tom + Chee, Real Chow Baby, Your Pie, and The Counter via Facebook