Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Columbus... Crowdsourced!

Katie G. said:  Known for their burgers, specifically the Galley Boy, Swensons is a drive-in restaurant offering diner food such as burgers, fries, onion rings and milkshakes. When you arrive at the restaurant and pull your car into one of the parking spots, a friendly employee will run out to greet you with a smile ready to take your order. Enjoying family dinner in your car is a fun experience for everyone!

Katie G. said:  101 Beer Kitchen offers handcrafted, rustic food in a casual atmosphere. The restaurant strives to provide a unique menu that is well-thought out and changes seasonally. Choose from appetizers, soups & salads, sandwiches, pizzas or entrees on the adult menu. Kids will receive their menu on a clipboard where they can check off their entree, sides and desserts. Kids meals come on a school lunch-style tray and are unique, fresh and tasty. Mom and Dad can enjoy one (or two) of the several varieties of beer or wine off the drink list.

Katie G. said:  If you're in the mood for a meatloaf dinner, all American cheeseburger or blue plate special, then Cap City is the spot for you. With three kid friendly restaurants around Columbus, the ambiance and the food are more upscale than your traditional diner but still inviting for families. Kids can dine on homemade mac and cheese, chicken fingers, grilled cheese with tomato soup and more off the kids menu. Save room for dessert which includes homemade cakes, pies and milkshakes.

Katie G. said:  Melt Bar and Grilled is a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant offering tasty options for the whole family. Diners can choose from several varieties of grilled cheeses, from traditional to beef, chicken, veggie or seafood. If melted cheese isn't your thing, there are plenty of other options on the menu including appetizers, salads and soups along with kids menu items for kids under 10. Options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten free diners are available.

Kelly R said:  Pies and Pints serves up a menu featuring a variety of creative specialty pizzas, along with sandwiches and fresh salads. Pies are hand stretched and baked on a stone hearth. There is a good selection of craft beer on tap and in bottles.

Katie G. said:  This Nashville-inspired restaurant is about a hot as any in town. Hot Chicken Takeover is a simple concept with a great homemade feel and a mouthwatering menu. Choose your favorite chicken and decide how spicy you want it. Don't forget the incredible sides of coleslaw and homemade mac and cheese. To keep with the southern feel, sweet tea is available and always FREE! Kids meal includes a kid portion of non-spicy chicken and a side.

Kelly R said:  Brassica is a Mediterranean counter-service restaurant with a very kid-friendly atmosphere, but don't let that fool you - the food is phenomenal. Choose a sandwich, salad, or hummus plate, and employees customize your creation in an assembly line. The ingredients are fresh, high-quality, and often local. Many of the choices are vegetarian friendly - wonderful falafel and a variety of interesting and creative vegetable add-ons. Craft beer is offered on draft.

Kelly R said:  Northstar Cafe serves food made with carefully selected locally grown, organic, and artisan produced ingredients, in a casual and friendly environment. The kids menu is wonderful and has a nice variety!

Katie G. said:  If burgers are what you're craving, head over to Son of Thurman in Delaware or Galena. A spin off of the legendary Thurman Cafe in Columbus, Son of Thurman is also known for their humongous burgers. The atmosphere is loud and there's a nice patio for families to enjoy dining in the warmer months. Kids menu items feature classics such as a burger (of course), chicken fingers, hot dogs and grilled cheese.

Katie G. said:  With four locations in Central Ohio, Harvest Pizzeria strives to offer food made with the freshest quality, seasonal ingredients. Sourced from local farmers right here in Ohio, Harvest is not only known for their unique pizzas, but also their salads and burgers.

Katie G. said:  Schmidt's Sausage Haus, located in German Village, has been entertaining and serving Columbus for over 130 years. Schmidt's makes all their German sausages fresh and in-house with several varieties to choose from mild to spicy. Save room for dessert, as Schmidt's is known for a jumbo cream puff which is big enough for the whole family to share.

Kelly R said:  This place is a favorite among Columbus families for its lively atmosphere and crazy hot dogs. The menu boasts over 30 differently-dressed dogs, from the traditional to the ridiculous. Depending on how you feel about meat, you can choose anything from bacon-wrapped to vegetarian or vegan options for your dog. And if you want to skip the traditional bun, they offer gluten free buns or lettuce wraps. A great choice for a cheap and fun meal out with the family.

Katie G. said:  Katzinger's Deli has been a part of Columbus for over 30 years. Located in the heart of German Village, Katzinger's is a New York-style deli known for their giant corned beef sandwiches prepared with a special secret ingredient. If corned beef isn't your thing, there are plenty of other homemade sandwiches, salads, soups and sides to choose from. The casual, quick service restaurant draws a big lunch crowd, but is great to visit for a meal at anytime.

Katie G. said:  Chicago pizza has finally made its way to Columbus! Giordano's offers Chicago-style deep dish, stuffed pizza with a flaky crust. Each pizza is handmade and takes about 35 - 45 minutes to slow-bake in the oven. Enjoy a drink or appetizer with the family while you wait. If you're not in the mood for pizza, they also have sandwiches, salads, and classic Italian entrees.

Katie G. said:  At Milestone 229 it's hard to choose which is better - the food or the view. Located on the Scioto Mile overlooking the Columbus riverfront and skyline, Milestone 229 is open for lunch, dinner and brunch on Sunday. The upscale menu includes entrees such as chicken, steak and seafood along with salads, soups and sandwiches. Kids can choose from burgers, grilled cheese, fried shrimp and more off the kids menu. If the weather is nice, sit outside to enjoy the view of the city.