Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a night where someone else does the cooking and cleaning? But most families aren’t made of money, and eating out isn’t cheap. However, with some clever planning, you can save quite a bit. From dependable national diners to local jazzier joints where parents can happily grab a much-needed cocktail, we’ve compiled a list of over 45 restaurants where kids eat free. As a bonus, we’ve added a selection of restaurants that offer something special for birthdays too!
Note: All of the offers below were available at the time of publication but could change at any time, so be sure to check before you go.
National Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free
Bennigans
This Irish-themed eatery features a mix of American favorites and Irish classics.
When: Tues.
Online:Â bennigans.com
Dickey’s BBQ
This BBQ joint keeps it simple for kids with three equally delish options—chicken nuggets, a sandwich plate or a meat plate.
When: Sun.
Online:Â dickeys.com
IHOP
Do kids eat free at IHOP? You bet they do! This deal changes throughout the year, so just check before you go.
When: Mon.-Fri.
Online:Â ihop.com
Denny’s
Denny’s Kids eat free every Tues. from 4 p.m.-10 p.m., with an adult purchase of $6 or more.
When: Tue.
Online:Â dennys.comÂ
Marie Callender’s
At select locations, score one kids’ meal per each adult entrée purchased.
When: Tues. & Sat.
Online:Â mariecallenders.com
IKEA
While not exactly free, it is still pretty cheap. Kids can get an entree for 50% off.
When: Wed.
Online:Â ikea.com
Steak ‘n Shake
Kids (aged 12 & under) get one free plate for every $9 you spend—dine-in only.
When: Varies
Online:Â steaknshake.com
Chili’s
“My Chili’s Rewards” members can receive free kids meal rewards that can be redeemed in-restaurant or online!
When: Any time
Online: chilis.com
Applebee’s
Only select locations participate in kids eat free nights, dolling out everything from cheesy pizza to chicken tacos.
When: Varies by location
Online:Â applebees.com
Black Bear Diner
While not as grand as a free meal, Black Bear Diner is offering free treats for “cubs” who order a cubs’ meal after 11 a.m. Choices include a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of sliced strawberries topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.
When: Daily
Online:Â blackbeardiner.com
Chevy’s Fresh Mex
Not only do kids get to play with a ball of tortilla dough, but they also eat for $1 and receive an avocado pit to plant at home.
When: Wed.
Online: chevys.com
Fuddruckers
Not free, but still a great deal. Kids Meals for $1.99 on Mon. from 4 p.m. to close.
When: Mon.
Online: Fuddruckers.com
In the New York City Area
Brother Jimmy’s BBQ
Kids 10 and under eat free any time and any day of the week. They’ll select from a kids’ menu featuring chicken fingers, mac-n-cheese, hot dogs and a kids burger.
When: Daily
Online:Â brotherjimmys.com
Lucca Restaurant
Kids can go for the tried and true pizza, chicken fingers with fries or spaghetti and meatballs; or they can branch out with options like chicken parmigiana or Milanese.
When: Tues.
Online:Â lucca-restaurant.com
Arirang Hibachi
Kids 10 and under eat a hearty (free) meal featuring soup or salad, white rice, hibachi shrimp, chicken, steak or chicken fingers plus ice cream for dessert.
When: Mon. and Tues.
Online:Â partyonthegrill.com
In the San Diego Area
BIGA
Voted best Italian restaurant by several different local magazines and foodie blogs, kids eat free on Sunday evenings after 5 p.m.
When: Sun.
Online:Â bigasandiego.com
Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen
The ten and under crowd can choose one little chef’s meal with each adult entrée purchased.
When: Sun.
Online:Â tinleafkitchen.com
Rockin Baja Lobster
While you have the lobster, kids ages ten and under can chow down a burger or mac ‘n’ cheese with orange wedges (or fries) for free!
When: Sun. & Mon.
Online:Â rockinbaja.com/mira-mesa
The Kebab Shop
Veggie skewers, a lamb doner and saffron rice will get eaten up at this local hot spot. Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree and drink.
When: All day on Sat. & Sun.
Online:Â thekebabshop.com
Barra Barra Saloon
Located in Old Town, Barra Barra offers kids age 10 and under a free meal per paying adult. $7.49 for each additional kid.
When: Daily
Online: barrabarrasaloon.com
Achiotes
Offered on Tuesdays, kids can eat free from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
When: Tues.
Online:Â achiotes.com
Click HERE to discover more San Diego area restaurants where kids eat free.Â
Restaurants In the Seattle Area Where Kids Eat Free
Trapper’s Sushi
You’ll drink to this all-day deal! For each Ramune Soda purchase, one kid eats for free; this special includes a kid’s drink, too.
When: Sundays
Online:Â trapperssushi.net
Big Fish Grill
Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée from the regular menu. Psst! The seared wild salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies is popular with petite diners.
When: Mondays
Online:Â thebigfishgrill.com
Hermann’s DinerÂ
Located next to the main entrance at the Washington State Fairgrounds and Expo Center, this awesome restaurant offers free kids’ meals two days a week!
When: Mon. & Tue.
Phone: 253.848.3494
Wedgewood Alehouse & Cafe
One kid eats free with the purchase of an adult or kid’s entrée at the regular price.
When: Mon.
Online:Â wedgwoodalehouse.com
Farrelli’s Pizza
Kids eat free all day with their paying folks. Mom and dad can get $1 off their mug of beer too!
When: Mon.
Online:Â farrellispizza.com
Whistle Stop Ale House
At this family-owned and operated restaurant, one kid eats free from 4 p.m.-close with an adult purchase.
When: Mon.
Online:Â whistlestopalehouse.com
Spring Kitchen Restaurant
Two kids ages 10 and under eat free with a paying adult at this family-friendly restaurant serving fresh Vietnamese and Asian foods.
When: Tues.
Online:Â springkitchenrestaurant.com
Zippy’s Giant Burgers
Kids get a free Zippy the Yum Yum Burger Boy’s Wacky Meal during Wed. Happy Hour from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. One per purchase of a regular burger, side and drink. (It’s also available for $6.25 any time of the week).
When: Wed.
Online:Â zippysgiantburgers.com
Click HERE to discover more Seattle area restaurants where kids eat free.Â
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In the Los Angeles Area
Rush Street
Dad will love catching the Dodgers on the widescreen TVs, mom will dig the fab wine selection, and everyone will like the fact that kids 12 and under eat free on Sun. evenings.
When: Sun.
Online:Â rushstreetculvercity.com
The Kebab Shop
Veggie skewers, a lamb doner, and saffron rice will get eaten up at this local hot spot. Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree and drink.
When: All day on Sat. & Sun.
Online:Â thekebabshop.com
Click HERE to discover more Los Angeles area restaurants where kids eat free.
Restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area
Celia’s by the Beach
Kids eat free at Familia Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. ’till closing.
When: Wed.
Online:Â celiasbythebeach.com
Amici’s
One child entree free per purchase of an adult meal.
When: Tues.
Online:Â amicis.com
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack
One child’s pasta dish per adult entree on Tue. from 5-7 p.m.
When: Tues.
Online:Â emmysspaghettishack.com
El Torito
Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of any adult entree.
When: Wednesdays
Online:Â eltorito.com
Goodies Good Eats
Get your nom on here where kids 10 and under receive one free meal per paid adult entree.
When: Mon.-Fri.
Online:Â goodiesgoodeats.com
The Kebab Shop
Veggie skewers, a lamb doner, and saffron rice will get eaten up at this local hot spot. Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree and drink.
When: All day on Sat. & Sun.
Online:Â thekebabshop.com
Click HERE to discover more Bay area restaurants where kids eat free.
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Restaurants in the D.C. Metro Area Where Kids Eat Free
Kids’ Club members (for kids 12 and under) receive a point for each $4.99 purchase. Five points earn a free entree. Other perks include birthday awards, monthly offers and chances to earn a t-shirt.
When: Daily
Online:Â silverdiner.com
Brookland Pint
At this craft beer and sustainability-focused restaurant, kids eat free all day Tues., and entrees are usually $8.Â
When: Tues.
Online:Â brooklandpint.com
Pizzeria Orso
Children ages 10 and younger get a free item from the kid’s menu for each traditional or house specialty pizza ordered.Â
When: Tues.
Online:Â pizzeriaorso.com
Gusto’s Italian Grill
For every pizza or salad purchase, children 12 and under get a free kids’ salad or pizza with apple juice or organic milk.Â
When:Â Mon.
Online:Â eatgusto.com
Click HERE to discover more D.C. metro area restaurants where kids eat free.
Free Birthday Deals for Kids
Baskin-Robbins
Sign up for the Baskin-Robbins Birthday Club and your kid will get a free ice cream cone just for being born! (You can sign up too!)
Online: baskinrobbins.com
Red Robin
You’ll have to be a “Royalty Member” and register your child for your kids to receive a free Birthday Burger, but hey, it’s a free burger!
Online: redrobin.com
Firehouse Subs
The dalmatian at Firehouse Subs is giving away free Kids’ Combos or Medium Subs (with a purchase of an additional medium or large sub, chips and drink) within six days following their birthday.
Online: firehousesubs.com
Benihana
No one impresses more than Benihana. Sign up for the Kabuki Kids program and your kid can snag a souvenir mug during their birthday month. (Adults can sign up for the Chef’s Table and receive a $30 gift certificate during your birthday month!)
Online: benihana.com
Barnes & Noble
Sign up for the Barnes & Noble Kids’ Club and your kid will receive a free cupcake from the B&N Cafe.
—Jeff Totey with Ayren Jackson-Cannady
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