March 14, 2018
10 of the Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in the Sacramento Area
Dining out with kids is not always easy! A kid-friendly restaurant must have an adequate kids’ menu and a lively environment. Thankfully, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants in Sacramento and surrounding communities. Consider any of these restaurants when dining with kids!
Pizza Rock | Downtown
Photo Courtesy of Pizza Rock
Pizza Rock is an excellent destination for families. With vibrant decor, exciting music, and a large semi-truck hanging from the ceiling, kids will be entertained throughout the entire meal. Plus, pizza is an easy crowd pleaser for any age! Order one of the more robust pizzas for the adults — like the Sausage and Stout Pizza — and a simple cheese or margherita pizza for the kids. Pizza Rock caters to kids in particular with a monthly event called Kids in the Kitchen, which takes place on the first Saturday of each month. Kids ages 5–12 get to create their own pizza using healthy toppings for just $10 per child. Plus, all proceeds go to charity!
Hot Italian | Midtown + Davis
The beauty of a pizza joint is the array of options available — from a simple cheese pizza to complex creations for adults to enjoy, like the Stella with prosciutto parma, mushrooms, mozzarella, and crescenza cheese. This hip, industrial pizzeria provides the perfect upbeat environment for all ages. Plus, their selection of gelato will satisfy the whole family after lunch or dinner!
Mikuni | Folsom, Roseville, Midtown, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks + Davis
Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Sykes via Mikuni
A unique option for kids with a more sophisticated palate, Mikuni is a wonderful destination for families. The restaurant offers coloring sheets and crayons for little ones, plus a popular (and inexpensive!) kids menu. Kids will be entertained throughout the entire meal, as they observe the chef creating sushi on site — especially if you sit at the sushi bar. With several locations in the area, this is an easily accessible destination, no matter where you live within the Greater Sacramento Area.
Dad’s Kitchen | Land Park
Photo Courtesy of Dad’s Kitchen
Nothing says “family-friendly” quite like a place called Dad’s Kitchen. This popular eatery in the heart of Land Park specializes in American-style quality comfort food. They use organic chicken from Mary’s, grass-fed beef from Five Dot Ranch, and as much organic produce as possible. So you can feel good about the quality, while your kids enjoy the lively atmosphere and delicious options on the simple but kid-approved kids menu.
Punch Bowl Social | Downtown
While this new installment in downtown is considered a hotspot for adults at night, it is certainly a kid-friendly oasis during the day. The Southern-inspired gastro diner, bar, and old-school entertainment spot just opened in Sacramento at the start of 2018. Take the whole family to this exciting all-in-one hangout spot that is well-loved in several major cities, including Denver, Portland, Austin, Detroit, Cleveland and more. The kids menu features brunch items like decadent chocolate chip malted waffles with peanut butter to dinner items like whole-wheat linguini with turkey meatballs. Before or after you eat, explore all of the activities at Punch Bowl Social, such as darts, bowling, bocce, karaoke, foosball, and more!
Skipolini’s | Folsom + Rocklin
Photo Courtesy of Skipolini’s
Any pizza place typically makes a great destination for families or picky eaters — but Skipolini’s takes it to the next level with their indoor play place at their Rocklin location. Kids can climb and play while waiting for the meal (and adults can have a kid-free conversation!). With plenty of televisions playing sports games, a diverse menu with plenty of pizzas, appetizers, paninis, pastas, and other Italian favorites, Skipolini’s is an exciting destination for the whole family.
Paesanos | Midtown, Elk Grove + Davis
Photo Courtesy of Paesanos
Whether you’re in the heart of Midtown, in Elk Grove, or in Davis, Paesanos is a popular destination for all — including families. The atmosphere is conducive for lots of activity and excitement that comes with dining with kids. With a variety of pizzas, pastas, salads, and even gluten-free options, Paesanos has something for everyone. Plus, kids are often handed a ball of pizza dough to play with while they wait for their meal!
The Old Spaghetti Factory | Roseville + Downtown
Photo Courtesy of The Old Spaghetti Factory
While this is a well-known chain, you’ll feel like you’re at a local joint at the homey and inviting Old Spaghetti Factory in Roseville and downtown Sacramento. Kids will love the colorful decor and the opportunity to dine in one of the old trolley cars located in the restaurant. The diverse menu with flavorful options for both kids and adults makes this a perfect destination for families.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits | Downtown
Photo Courtesy of Sauced BBQ & Spirits
It doesn’t get much more “family-friendly” than a BBQ joint specializing in Southern comfort food. File into this inviting new addition to the downtown dining scene for tasty drinks, innovative dishes, and an overall pleasant atmosphere. The kids menu has plenty of options “for little piggies,” from a mini pulled pork sandwich to grilled cheese, plus plenty of sides and fun drinks!
Joe’s Crab Shack | Old Sacramento
After a day spent exploring Old Sacramento, stop by Joe’s Crab Shack nestled along the Sacramento River. This informal seafood chain serves both kid-friendly favorites, like fish fingers, and more exotic offerings, like their renowned crab buckets, for the adults. The kids menu at Joe’s Crab Shack features a variety of options, including cheesy mac, pizza, pasta alfredo, popcorn shrimp, a kid’s steampot, and much more. This fun and exciting restaurant is the perfect place to take the whole family!
What family-friendly restaurants do you frequent?
We’d love to know your family’s go-to! Let us know in the comments below.
Category Davis, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Neighborhood Guides, Roseville, Sacramento
