There’s something cold and bubbly brewing up in the quaint neighborhood of Vienna, Va. Located in a transformed warehouse, Caboose Brewing Company’s cool factor isn’t just their home brewed beer – it’s the fun goes beyond their hops. From sidewalk chalk art to an edible garden, this new neighborhood addition has copious activities and farm-to-table eats that’ll satisfy the entire family. Read on to get the first sip of this must-visit brewery that officially opened its doors May 12.
An Old Warehouse Transformed Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a front patio adorably decorated with chalk-art by previous pint-sized patrons. The inside is warmly decorated to keep those smiles straight to your table. With custom made wooden chandeliers, mason jars strewn about and graffiti art on the walls, the farmhouse ambience defines vintage chic. And how many gastropubs do you know have baby changing stations? Caboose Brewing Company does!
What’s the Scoop Co-owner and holistic nutritionist, Jennifer McLaughlin, created the concept for the menu with health in mind. The small-plates selection includes plenty of delicious vegetables that’ll have your tots asking for more. If you’re in the mood for heartier accompaniments to your beer, filling options like biscuits and jam or crispy pork belly are also readily available. Beer connoisseurs will be glad to know that there are eight tantalizing beers on tap, with room for six more. And for those who prefer grapes to hops, wine on tap is also available.
photo courtesy of Jeanie Greer
Fun in the Sun Caboose Brewing Company does not accept reservations, but luckily there’s plenty of things to keep your mini-me’s busy so you can enjoy a pint while waiting. Hang out on the patio and watch your kids draw with sidewalk chalk, play in the grain bins, or color on huge rolls of paper. They’re also growing an edible landscape (hopefully ready by next summer) – where patrons can pick and munch blackberries, raspberries, pears, herbs, and tomatoes. And to top it all off, if your little one needs to let off some steam, just take a few steps and hop onto the W & OD Trail for a quick stroll.
Call in advance to make sure the kitchen is open, and check out Caboose Brewing Company with your family this summer! Pst – they have loyalty cards for frequent visitors.
Craving a craft beer but kicking it with a few underagers? Time to check out one of these newly opened San Francisco breweries, each of which take happy families as seriously as their hops. All three of these new spots offer early dinners (some with tempting kids menus)—the perfect excuse to hit happy hour and still make it back home by for bath time.
Photo credit: Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company
Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company
Outer Sunset recently got a lot cooler with this brand new, super family friendly restaurant and brewery. The owner, a mother of four daughters, is always happy to see families coming in. It is not a problem to hang out here with fellow families and a crew of kids. Lunch or early dinner are the best times to accommodate large parties and exploring toddlers. And Sunset Reservoir offers a menu for kiddos that they can keep and color during the meal. For $9 you could get spaghetti and veggies, or a choice of cheeseburger, chicken tenders or fish served with fries.
Photo credit: Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company
Don’t expect an extensive beer list though, as the place is just getting started and only offers five house-made options. Try their Sour Wheat made with their own sourdough starter; it tastes like a liquid piece of bread. Another sweet thing about this place is the dessert menu, designed by Devil’s Teeth Baking company—a local favorite. Our vote goes to the “beer tiramisu” a perfect mix of cream, beer infused biscuits and coffee.
Insider tip: On the first floor, you’ll find unisex bathroom with a changing table.
Smokestack
After a long wait, Magnolia Brewing company, born in a Haight Street basement sixteen years ago, finally opened its own pub in the trendy Dogpatch neighborhood. Smokestack is split into two areas: the bar on the left and the eatery with long wooden tables and benches on the right. Families love this rustic-chic brewpub for its relaxed atmosphere. The spot is spacious, which makes it easy for toddlers to walk around and for strollers to be put aside. This brewery also offers two great distractions: an open kitchen where your little one can observe how a butcher works and gets the barbecue meat ready; and from a back deck (and through a child-safe rail) they will be able to overlook the brewing areas.
Photo: Smokestack
The menu here is quite simple, you choose a meat and add a side if you want. Customers love the brisket and the chopped pork. For kids, make sure to ask for a non spicy version of the meat dish you want, and as a side you could get rice, beans or macaroni salad. Everything is delicious and cooked to perfection, though keep in mind that the portions are small and the prices on the high end. As far as beers, if you want to be surprised try one of the varieties stored in a wooden barrel. They are served room temperature, and with less fizz than usual. Smokestack is conveniently open from 11:30 a.m. until midnight. When coming with a lot of kids, early lunch and dinners are encouraged as the place is more likely to be empty. Note that they do not have high chairs, booster seats or changing tables.
2505 3rd St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-864-7468
Online: Smokestack
Photo: Barrel Head Brewhouse
Barrel Head Brewhouse A great new addition to NoPa, as it is the first and only brewery in this hood. Opened a year ago, Barrel Head is an interesting addition to the micro brewery scene in the city, as it offers a great variety of original brews. You’ll find some Mexican, German, and English style house-brewed beers. If you can, try to get a table in the brewing room. You’ll sit in front of the big tank where the beers are brewed, and maybe even see the master brewers in action.
Photo credit: via Barrel Head Brewhouse Facebook page
Dinner here begins at 4.30 p.m., right in the middle of the “hoppy hour” during which you’ll get $2 off almost any alcoholic drink. Brunch and early dinner are the best time to come with the family. There is no kids menu, but if you ask for it they’ll typically put together a grilled cheese sandwich. The place does not have a ton of extra space, so squirmy kids may not make for the best guests. we found this place more appropriate for young kids and snoozing babies as opposed to toddlers. Note that after 8 p.m., the brewhouse becomes more of an adult only place.
If you’re in search of good food, cold beer and happy kids, look no further than Mukilteo’s Diamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse. This North End gem caters to all its patrons (affectionately called Knot Heads) young and old, offering mouth-watering eats, a diverse selection of handcrafted beer, and provisions that’ll put a smile on any kid’s face. At Diamond Knot, you can have your beer and sit long enough to drink it too. We’ll toast to that!
photo: Abbey McGee
The Story Behind the Brew
Twenty years ago, Bob Maphet and Brian Sollenberger started producing Diamond Knot brews in the back of a building on the waterfront. What started as Mukilteo’s first microbrewery has morphed into an establishment fit for the whole family. Diamond Knot doubled its size in 2013, adding the alehouse and a year-round ice cream and coffee bar featuring local favorites like Snoqualmie Ice Cream and Black Swan Roasting Company.
The Nautical Vibe
Named after a 1947 shipwrecked vessel, Diamond Knot’s interior radiates a wharf-like, nautical vibe with its large rustic beams and open plank ceilings. Upon expansion, Diamond Knot worked diligently to preserve the patina of the brewery, while creating an equally relaxed, casual atmosphere in the alehouse where Knot Heads could enjoy the cuisine and beverages with kids in tow.
photo: Abbey McGee
For the Minis
Diamond Knot totally gets kids, giving every child their own paper menu and overflowing cup of crayons, eliminating the perennial fight over the red crayon. And a full kids’ menu provides plenty of options for picky palates. Petite pizzaiolis can make their own two-topping masterpieces, a perfect entrée to keep little hands busy and fill their bellies. Genius! Other favorites include homemade mac ‘n’ cheese, chicken fingers, and burgers. If your little Knot Heads are deserving of a treat, order up a round of root beer floats, made with the finest handcrafted root beer in town.
photo: Abbey McGee
For the Parents
For parental appetites, unique flavor combinations (peanut butter bacon burger anyone?), generous portions, and local ingredients fill the menu. The hottest items are the signature stone grill entrées, where Mom and Dad cook up their meat table-side on a flaming hot 750 degree stone. Regional culinary creations like the 12th Man salad for the loud and proud Seahawks fan add even more local flavor to the dining experience. And beer isn’t the only thing that is fresh and local; brioche buns are baked in-house daily, fries are fresh cut, and salad dressings and sauces are homemade, many incorporating house brews. From pizzas to prawns, salads to steak, Diamond Knot’s menu will entice you to come back again (and again) to try something new.
photo: Abbey McGee
Diamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse
621 Front St.
Mukilteo, Wa 98275
Phone: 425-355-4488
Online: diamondknot.com
If you make the effort to travel out to Port Townsend the weekend of January 23-24, not only will you enjoy a great, friendly town, but you’ll encounter the 11th annual Strange Brewfest! The party was so awesome last year, they weren’t sure they could top it, but inspired by Spinal Tap, they decided to turn the festivities up a notch, to “11.”
With 30 breweries on site, from Georgetown Brewing and Fremont Brewing to Port Townsend Brewing, Silver City Brewery and a whole bunch more, you’re bound to have a fantastic time tasting a variety of beer while having a lot of fun. Add live music, DJ’s spinning tunes, an awesome light show, hula dancing, stilt walkers and more, and your sense of fun will be satiated. Speaking of which, your stomach will be too, with food being offered up, from pizza to seafood.
Polish donuts. Meatball sandwiches. Nutella empanadas. There’s a lot for kids to be excited about at the local eateries that opened this fall. Parents, we’ve got you covered as well (did you see the part about Nutella empanadas?!). From a family-friendly brewpub to an Eastern Euro-flavored hideaway, this is where to fill your tank now.
photo: 5411 Empanadas
5411 Empanadas The trend of food trucks going brick-and-mortar carries on with a couple new dumpling-oriented spots. And if there’s one food high on adorability and kid appeal, it’s dumplings. First up: a sleek new Wicker Park restaurant from the 5411 Empanadas food truck team. They already operate a small storefront in Lincoln Park, but their new outpost brings more seating, more menu items, more sweets and more to smile about. Kids will love the BBQ chicken empanada, or the banana-Nutella version for dessert. There’s a sweet corn version for veggie lovers, as well as beef and chorizo empanadas that taste like glorious Hot Pockets.
2045 W. North Ave.
Wicker Park
773-755-5411
Online: 5411empanadas.com
photo: BroBagel
BroBagel The brothers behind Piece Pizzeria & Brewery have teamed up again to launch a casual bagel cafe alongside the restaurant. For the brothers Jacobs, it’s a return to form, as they previously operated a bagel bakery in their pre-Piece days. The results are gloriously doughy and indulgent. The sunny, casual cafe features a dizzying array of bagels in classic and contemporary flavors, with optional cream cheese spreads, coffee, some pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. It’s a simple formula, and a heartwarming one. Because nothing says “family-friendly breakfast” like a carb bomb bedecked with cream cheese.
1931 W. North Ave.
Wicker Park
773-772-4422
Online: brobagel.com
Polak Eatery
Hot on the heels of 5411’s South American-flavored dumpling debut, another dumpling food truck parks itself at a new storefront in Humboldt Park. The Pierogi Wagon’s new restaurant, Polak Eatery, is open for business, expanding on its pierogi repertoire with numerous other Eastern European-inspired comfort foods. The quaint space gets its homey appeal from reclaimed wood furnishings, exposed brick and a smattering of tables. The comfy-cozy vibe also translates to the menu which offers modern interpretations of Polish nourishment in the form of pierogi dumplings (doughy little morsels brimming with potatoes, cheese and more), along with Polish doughnuts called paczki, soulful borscht soup, gravy-slathered poutine, hearty goulash and other delights.
Snarf’s Sandwiches
Kids and sandwiches go together like Spongebob and square-shaped pants. There can never be enough sandwich spots for kids to drool over, but one newbie has our attention for its impressive array of classic-inspired toasted sandwiches, its cartoon-y branding and its proximity to Oz Park. The Boulder, Colorado-based sandwich shop has locations throughout the state, along with St. Louis and Austin, and its chosen downtown and Lincoln Park for its inaugural Chicago entry (with another one due by nearby DePaul campus). With artsy interiors and facades reflective of the neighborhood, Snarf’s ingratiates itself to its new home well, inviting diners with a Wizard of Oz-inspired tiled mosaic. The sandwiches read like kid catnip — most of them riffs on classic favorites like roast beef, meatballs, corned beef, grilled cheese and PB&J. Ideal for kids is the Novice size sandwich, a 5-incher ideal for smaller mouths. And don’t forget the milkshakes.
2201 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Park
&
600 W. Chicago Ave.
Downtown
312-644-1500
Online: eatsnarfs.com
photo: The Rivers Edge Bar & Grill
The Rivers Edge Bar & Grill
Chicken wings, bacon-topped burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches and other classic American favorites form the foundation for a solid family-friendly meal at Batavia’s new Rivers Edge Bar & Grill. Located on the city’s historic and picturesque North River Street, the comfortable space features a massive outdoor patio, live music and trivia for those who like to test their wits while tearing into Buffalo wings. The menu is divvied into comfort foods both old school and new. For sports-loving families, Rivers Edge airs football games and serves up chili and hot dogs at halftime.
12 N. River St.
Batavia
630-406-9200
Online: facebook.com
photo: Granite City Food & Brewery
Granite City Food & Brewery
The national restaurant and brewery chain has made its Chicago-area debut in Orland Park, and at long last we have a brewpub with an affinity for kid-friendly cookery. Not only is the restaurant spacious and comfortable, outfitted with large booths, granite pillars and a nifty view into the brewing facilities through tall windows, but Granite City goes to great lengths to make little eaters feel right at home with its in-depth kids’ menu. The “Just for Miners” menu features items like mini corn dogs, grilled chicken, rigatoni noodles and pepperoni flatbread pizza. Plus, the menu features cartoon characters and numerous interactive games like mazes and Sudoku. Cheers to that!
14035 S. La Grange Rd.
Orland Park
708-364-1212
Online: gcfb.com
What restaurant do you love to take the kids to? Let us know in the Comments!
Whether it is a 5 a.m. fever or just a tantrum-busting tickle-fest, Dad takes care of his own. Why not celebrate him this Father’s Day with some locally-made loot? From handcrafted wares he can wear to fun, foodie finds—here are 6 Atlanta-made gifts he is sure to love.
Lincoln’s Links This set of Lincoln pennies converted into cuff links by Atlanta artist AmySueCraft celebrates baby’s birth and the date he became a dad. $10.49 on Etsy
Staying Power
The message of these hand-stamped aluminum collar stays from Block and Hammer with stay with him long after Dad’s Day. Shop B&H’s site for other sweet sayings and custom creations that are perfect for Dad’s Day. $24.99 on Etsy
Sweetwater Suds Atlanta’s own Brown Bag Soap Company‘s “handcrafted beer soaps” are just the thing for Dad. Choose from their three beer bars—Pale Ale, Brown Ale or Blue Ale—all made with ales from locally loved Sweetwater Brewery. $6 on Etsy
Pops for Pops Make him the “King of Pops” with a special themed Pop Pack from King of Pops that includes 12 pops and a t-shirt. $40 online at King of Pops or 678-732-9321
Meat Treats If dad is a meat-lover, surprise him with a basket of goodies from The Spotted Trotter. This boutique charcuterie offers an ever changing selection of cured meats, sausages and more. Try the Peppered Umami Beef Jerky or the Kimchee Salami. Their bacon is pretty awesome, too. Prices vary. At The Spotted Trotter, 1610 Hosea L. Williams Dr., 404-254-4958
Dad Needs a Beer Dad may just need a cold one to celebrate his special day. How about a growler of local beer from a growler shop? With over 40 beers on tap to choose from, the folks at My Friend’s Growler Shop can help you land on a beer that he will love. Prices vary. My Friend’s Growler Shop, 415 Memorial Dr. SE, 404-963-7882
Looking for other ways to show pops he’s tops? Click here for our list of subscription services fit for fathers!
In the heart of Silicon Valley, the bustling community of Sunnyvale has undergone a kid-approved transformation with plenty of fun for everyone. Home to some of the coolest (and wettest) playgrounds in the Bay Area, you can frolic on a Pirate Ship, put-put on the mini golf course and grab a bite at the historic downtown area all within a few miles of each other. So say “hasta la vista” to long boring car rides and frolic on down to sunny Sunnyvale.
Photo: Seven Seas Park, City of Sunnyvale
Play
Seven Seas Park
Ahoy, Mates! Climb aboard this brand spankin’ new playground that boasts a pirate ship, spray ground, fully enclosed toddler play area, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, walking trails and a dog park. Bring the whole crew along to this hip little park, but beat the crowds and come early in the day to make the most of the offerings.
Pro-Tip: Parking can get crowded in the lots, so don’t hesitate to park on one of the several neighborhood streets that border the park and stroll on over.
Las Palmas Park 24 acres of pure awesomeness await you at this kid-and adult-friendly Sunnyvale park. With a newly renovated water slide playground, enormous tree-house climbing structure for the older kiddos, and a new, fully enclosed play area for the little ones, this park will appeal to everyone. Bring the scooters or strollers and explore the massive grounds, bring a picnic or lounge on the grass watching the tots chase butterflies,and enjoy a slice of relaxation in a busy city.
Pro-Tip: In the summer, bring a change of clothes to this park because with all the wet watery fun, someone is bound to get wet! For $6 a person you can also take advantage of the public pool that is on the park grounds.
Raynor Park For the dinosaur lovers out there, this park is sure to delight. Dino footprints lead to life sized statues that little ones can climb all over, and each of the two playgrounds (one that is fully enclosed for little tots) have dinosaur details that lend to the theme. Climb the huge rock wall, scale the rock mountain or hide in the tunnels. This 7-acre park is less crowded than the others and it is right across from a sustainable community garden that you can tour and buy fresh veggies from. Yum!
Golfland, USA For those mini gamers out there, ditch Chuck e Cheese’s and head over to Golfland, where for $6 you can get UNLIMITED video game play on Saturday mornings, score! Head outside to practice your swing at their mini golf course for some good ‘ole fashion family fun. Toddlers are given a small plastic putter to have fun with and kids under 5 are FREE! You can even break the routine on a Monday night and hit up their family golf deal for only $5 bucks.
Safari Run Kids can party like animals at this indoor play space. Spend your afternoon in the concrete jungle by zooming down the tunnel tiger slide, climbing into an elephant’s mouth or racing your youngsters down the triple lion slide. It’s wild fun in jungle.
1180 Kern Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-579-9218
Online: safarirun.com
Eat
Downtown Sunnyvale boasts the Historic Murphy Avenue area where you can find places to eat, shop and play. It is adjacent to the Sunnyvale Cal Trans station and there is ample parking around in both parking lots and garages. Large grass areas line all sides of Murphy Avenue so you can even pack and picnic and let the tots run free. You won’t need to pack those strollers either—the main drag is only one fabulous block so get those tots out of the car and explore the small downtown area. Saturday mornings the downtown is blocked off for the farmers market, when some of the best farms and local eateries in the area fill it with fresh vegetables, flowers, yummy snacks and handmade crafts.
DishDash One of Sunnyvale’s most popular eateries is also family friendly! Savor some delish middle eastern food in the boisterous and lively atmosphere that is sure to delight even the tiniest food critics.
190 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-774-1889
Online: dishdash.com
Gumba’s Italian Restaurant What kid doesn’t love PIZZA?! Get your pizza pie feast on at this downtown Sunnyvale Italian restaurant and pizzeria. You will feel like you are eating lunch in Nana’s house with the knicknacks adorning the walls and their famous homemade chicken parmesan baking in the oven.
176 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-737-8384
Online: ilovegumbas.com
Firehouse Grill & Brewery
If the crew is in the mood for burgers and fries, make a pit stop at Firehouse Brewery on Murphy Avenue. This friendly neighborhood jaunt has a children’s menu and outdoor patio seating to let the littles stretch their legs.
111 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA
408-773-9500
Online: firehousegrill.com
Nirvanaah Is it time for dessert yet? Jump back in the car and head over to Nirvanaah for some seriously tasty and authentic indian desserts and homemade ice cream. With flavors like blue mango, saffron pistachio, guava and coconut these yummy treats appeal to all generations.
1038 E. El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-730-5011
Online: nirvanaah.com
Great Depression Exhibit at the Heritage Museum
Explore
Heritage Park and Museum Give the kiddos a little local history lesson by visiting this historical museum. Explore the cool orchards, climb on some neat farm equipment, and even take a guided educational tour and learn about the old farming industry in Sunnyvale.
570 East Remington Dr.
Suunyvale, Ca
408-709-0220
Online: heritageparkmuseum.org
Baylands Park Over 70 acres of exploration await at this northern Sunnyvale reserve. Located on the tip of the south bay and adjacent to protected wetlands, your kiddos are sure to see some cool local wildlife scattering about. There are two cool children’s playgrounds and plenty of large open space areas for that family pick up game of chase-the-monster.
Pro-Tip: Bring that bug spray! It’s close proximity to the wetlands and Bay attracts those annoying flying insects.
Bookasauras Children’s Book Store Attention Lego and Goldiblocks fans! Booksaurus is your new favorite place! Whisical do-dads, brain churning games and twirly knickknacks pack the walls of this funky book and toy store in downtown Sunnyvale. Searching for gift? This is the place to get one—complimentary gift wrapping on everything and you can walk next door to Tuti Fruiti for a delicious fro-yo while you wait.
125 South Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-733-1305
Online: leighsbooks.com
Nearly New Upscale Retail Shop Appeal to your inner bargain beast and head over to this upscale resale shop for some truly awesome bargains on children’s (and adult!) wear. Proceeds from your purchase or donation go directly back to the local community and provide school scholarships for local women. See, shopping CAN be a good thing.
You’re craving a real conversation with your best friends, but there’s no sitter or co-parent to be found. Sure, you could meet up at the park, but it’s raining outside. You could invite your friend over, but the house is a mess. The good news is you don’t have to wait until the kids are in school to have an adult playdate again. We’ve searched the city for kid-friendly places that also provide opportunities for adults to have a little fun. In some cases, you’ll still need to do some supervising – but there’s plenty to occupy the kids – and in some cases, there’s free childcare.
Hopworks Urban Brewery Imagine this: You and your buddies, gathered around the table, enjoying some of Portland’s finest organic beer. Meanwhile, your kids are laughing in a room with a play kitchen, toys and puzzles. It doesn’t have to be a fantasy. Hopworks Urban Brewery in Southeast Portland lets those two worlds collide in their upstairs dining room, situated around a dedicated space for kids to play. Tip: This place gets very busy on weekend nights, so consider hitting it up early or during the week. Or, check out the new Hopworks Bike Bar in Northeast Portland, which also has a small play space for kids.
Hopworks Urban Brewery
2944 SE Powell Boulevard
Portland, Or
503-232-4677
Online: hopworksbeer.com
Hopworks Bike Bar
3947 N Williams Avenue
Portland, Or
503-287-6258
Tabor Space This community-supported, nonprofit coffee shop at the corner of the Mount Tabor Presbyterian Church offers a play area strategically placed so that is barricaded on three sides. Plop yourself and your friends at the table closest to the only opening and take comfort in the fact that your toddler can’t escape without running into you first.
Tabor Space
5441 SE Belmont Street
Portland, Or
503-239-3904
Online: taborspace.org
McMenamin’s–Kennedy School Take your friend, and the kids, on a movie date. The McMenamin’s—Kennedy School in Northeast Portland offers family-friendly movies throughout the week, and even dedicates Mommy Matinees for those with fussy little ones. (Be sure to check the movie listings; movies for the Mommy Matinees typically are suited only for adults and children too young to care what’s on the screen.) Because the theatre shares a building with the McMenamin’s Pub, you can enjoy an adult beverage while you watch the screen. Tickets are $3 per person, $1 for children ages 2-11 and children under 2 are free.
McMenamin’s-Kennedy School
5736 NE 33rd Avenue
Portland, Or
503-249-3983
Online: mecmenamins.com
Shopping trip to Ikea
Inexpensive rugs, cheap meatballs, and free child care for kids – Ikea has it all. Located by the Portland International Airport, it’s best to make the most of a mommy date to Ikea. You can drop off your potty-trained young child – be sure he or she meets the height requirement (36 to 50 inches) – at the child care center, enjoy a coffee in the cafeteria and pick up a few knick-knacks. Surely you could use some new spoons.
Ikea
10280 NE Cascade Parkway
Portland, Or
503-282-4532
Mississippi Pizza This neighborhood joint offers kids the taste of Portland’s kindie scene every Monday at 5:00 pm. You can let the kids jam to Mr. Ben, while you and the adults settle into some pizza and beer. Sure, you may have to talk over some loud music, but it will be reminiscent of your pre-kid days.
Mississippi Pizza
3552 N Mississippi Avenue
Portland, Or
503-288-3231
Online: mississippipiza.com
Where do you like to meet your friends for playdates? Let us know in the comments section below.
You don’t have to save a trip to one of Seattle’s best breweries for date night anymore! Lucky for Seattle beer-loving parents, there are plenty of spots around the city to take your little ones and enjoy a brew. A couple of tips for a family-friendly trip to a brewery – order rootbeer for the little ones, it’s typically brewed in-house and very tasty. Also, don’t forget to get a growler of your favorite brew to go – perfect for enjoying once the kiddos are in bed!
Elliott Bay Brewing Company
If you walk in the doors of Elliott Bay Brewing Company around dinnertime, there will be no doubt in your mind that this is where beer-loving parents come to enjoy a pint – you’ll love that Elliott Bay is pretty noisy, so they won’t be hushing your little ones through the entire meal. Ask to sit upstairs or in one of the booths along the edge of the brewery. The kids menu is tasty and the adult fare is a step above typical brewery grub, so come hungry. South Seattle families – don’t miss their location in Burien as well.
Hale’s Ales
Tucked between the Fremont and Ballard neighborhoods, Hale’s Ales is always full of families, even during happy hour (weekdays from 3:00 – 6:00 pm)! Besides the tasty beers, we love Hale’s because they use as many local companies on their menu as possible. The brewery at Hale’s Ales also has a delicious weekend breakfast – replace a pint with a hot cup of Zoka coffee!
4301 Leary Way N.W.
Seattle, Wa
206-706-1544
Online: halesbrewery.com
The Pike Brewing Company
Located close to the market, the pub here boasts a great menu for both kids and adults (think a healthier take on the traditional pub food fare) and of course, plenty of ales, lagers, and more both on tap and in bottles. They also host live music and frequent guest beer brewers to give talks and workshops on a variety of different beer making topics. Plus, this all kinds of cool bicycles and pieces of history decorating the walls, what’s there not to like about this place?
1415 First Ave.
Seattle, Wa
206-622-6044
Online: pikebrewing.com
Snoqualime Fall Brewery & Taproom
Nothing pairs better with great beer than great food. You’re sure to find plenty of both at this family-friendly brewery and restaurant, which can often be found full of families and kiddos enjoying a pint or two of delicious ale or root beer. It’s the perfect pit stop if you’re coming back from a hike on I-90 or after visiting Snoqualime Falls.
8032 Falls Ave. S.E.
Snoqualmie, Wa
425-831-2357
Online: fallsbrew.com
Naked City Taphouse & Brewery
Hearing your kiddos giggle about going to a place called “Naked City” is priceless – trust us! But sadly for them, Naked City Taphouse and Brewery is not actually clothing optional (which you should probably reiterated with your literal four-year old!). Greenwood families love popping in here for dinner or weekend lunch – despite a somewhat limited kid’s menu, all of the options are very thoughtful, including many vegetarian choices. Beer-lovers will appreciate their huge list local beers, besides those they brew themselves.
Redhook Ale Brewery
Kids allowed on a brewery tour? Yes, it’s true! Redhook Ale Brewery on the Eastside in Woodinville offers family-friendly brewery tours daily, and for just $1 per person. Some tips for making it most enjoyable – put little ones in strollers with snacks to keep them happy, considering getting a group together and booking a private tour ($3 per person) so that you can plan a specific tour time (great for planning around naptimes!) and be prepared to ditch the tour if the kiddos get cranky.
14300 NE 145th St.
Woodinville, Wa
425-483-3232
Online: redhook.com
Fremont Brewing Company
Friday night happy hour at this Wallingford brewery is likely to be lively with kids playing and running around and awesome tunes playing through the speakers. Parents will enjoy the dozen or so taps on hand while kiddos can play with the bin o’ toys and everyone can snack on the house pretzels. Dogs are welcome too, so there’s no excuse to not bring the whole family for a little end of the week celebration.
3409 Woodland Park Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa
206-420-2407
Online: fremontbrewing.com
Maritime Pacific Brewing Company
If you’ve got a pirate fanatic in your family (big or little) then the Jolly Roger Taproom at this brewery is going to be your new favorite spot for a pint. Check out the vintage pirate flags draping the beams overhead and the treasure map painted on the floor. But the real treasure here is the delicious beer, with over 14 different taps to choose from. They also have a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks for those little buccaneers who aren’t quite old enough for grog.
Want to try your hand at brewing beer yourself? Bob’s Homebrew Supply (2821 NE 55th Street, Seattle) is a super kid-friendly store where you can pick up your supplies. On the weekends it is filled with families and the owners are always pleased to see kids in the shop.
Portland locals know that the brewery scene is popular – there’s an entire downtown district dedicated to the brewing of beer! And if you’re in town visiting, it won’t take long for you to realize that brewing is a part of Portland’s culture. Luckily for families, there are breweries in Portland that are welcoming to children so that you don’t have to find a sitter every time you want to have a delicious pint! Check out these kid-friendly breweries in Portland where the entire family can enjoy themselves.
Laurelwood Public House and Brewery Beer loving parents rejoice! Laurelwood was created as a place where families could go to enjoy each other’s company and a pint of local, handcrafted beer. Even better – Laurelwood’s beers are all certified organic, their food is all-natural, and they are committed to running a sustainable restaurant. Be sure to treat your kiddos to a rootbeer float for dessert!
Laurelwood Public House and Brewery
5115 Northeast Sandy Boulevard
503-282-0622
Burnside Brewing Co. Burnside is the hottest new brewery in Portland and is getting buzz with beer lovers and parents, alike. They offer a simple, but tasty kid’s menu at $5 a plate (Psst! The hotdog is actually a kielbasa!). Parents who love a gourmet meal with their pint will love Burnside’s sophisticated twist on traditional pub-fare. However, if you’re a family that prefers vegetarianism, Burnside’s meat-heavy menu may not be for you – stick to the delicious handcrafted beers!
Burnside Brewing Co.
701 East Burnside
503-946-8151
Breakside Brewery If you’re looking for a great spot to sit outside this summer and enjoy some sunshine with your beer, give Breakside Brewery in Northeast Portland a try. The restaurant has huge garage-style doors that open up to a big patio with picnic tables that are perfect for a meal out with the family. The mac n’ cheese on the kid’s menu is a favorite amongst the underage crowd and the black bean burger is a must for mom and dad! For families with dogs – the outdoor patio section is quite pup-friendly as well!
Breakside Brewery
820 Northeast Dekum Street
503-719-6475
Don’t forget to check out our recent article about Hopworks Brewery, another great, family-friendly Portland brewery!
