When I was a new parent I thought it would be impossible to find healthy kid-friendly Austin restaurants. I assumed I’d just have to suck it up, sacrifice my diet priorities and accept that I’d be eating a lot more Mexican, burgers and pizza than I used to…
I’ve been surprised though, that really hasn’t been the case. I’ve come to find out you don’t have to sacrifice quality for a playscape to eat healthy with kids in Austin. There are plenty of Austin restaurants that are welcoming and fun for kids and have delicious and healthy menu options for adults (and kiddos), too.
Healthy and kid-friendly can co-exist, and as a health coach for the whole family, it’s my mission to bring the two closer and closer together.
Each spot on this list of healthy kid-friendly Austin restaurants welcomes little ones, offers health-conscious menu options, and has entertainment either on site or close by so the little ones can play while us big kids have a little fun too.
Healthy Kid-Friendly Austin Restaurants
True Food Kitchen
Patio seating, a grassy area for play, open kitchen, baskets of bright produce galore and free fruit you can grab – there’s so much to entertain a little one here. They have one of the healthiest kids menus in town, and you just can’t go wrong with the sweet potato hash for kids and adults alike.
222 West Avenue HR100
truefoodkitchen.com
Galaxy Cafe
Patio seating and around the corner from the playscape at The Triangle. You have the option to order their kids chicken fingers grilled and the steamed veggies make a healthy side. Sweet potato fries aren’t bad either… Can you tell I have a weakness for anything sweet potato?
4616 Triangle Avenue
galaxycafeaustin.com
Ingredients
This mini grocery that stocks produce from it’s own garden also serves lunch. Next to the garden is where you’ll find your kids – on their treehouse-like playscape. Relax at picnic tables while your littles are enclosed and enthralled. They serve beer and wine too.
2610 Manor Road
in.gredients.com
Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon
Last summer Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon took over the old Freddy’s spot on South First. There’s a new play structure and the stage is still there, which seems to be equally entertaining for toddlers. Family-style menu options with delicious and healthy veggie side dishes offer something for everyone. And that chicken… my kids ate ALL the leftovers.
1703 S. 1st Street
fresaschicken.com
Maudie’s at The Triangle
You just can’t beat a patio, playscape and margarita combo. Just get there early because this place fills up quickly on a Friday evening. For healthier menu options check out their Skinny Tex-Mex menu and skinny margarita.
4600 W. Guadalupe Street
maudies.com
Culinary Dropout
This new spot at The Domain has quickly become a neighborhood hot spot for it’s covered patio and yard games. Kids can play on the patio’s turf area or just outside the restaurant in one of The Domain’s open grass areas. On the adult menu try the garden kale salad with salmon or chicken.
Domain Northside
11721 Rock Rose Avenue
culinarydropout.com
Flower Child
Another new Domain hot spot, Flower Child is a fast casual restaurant from the company behind True Food. You can create your own bowl with good stuff like sautéed broccoli, indian spiced cauliflower and smashed organic potato. Same goes for kiddos too. Food is served quickly. They have crayons and pages to color and etch-a-sketches.
Domain Northside
11721 Rock Rose Avenue
iamaflowerchild.com
Central Market
Spend your Saturday morning at Central Market, have breakfast or lunch and get your shopping done too. Off Central Market’s expansive patio (where they have live music daily) is an even bigger playground. Stop by the cafe, grab a coffee and sip while the littles climb.
4001 N Lamar Blvd
centralmarket.com
Whole Foods
Just a little further down Lamar is another great spot to get it all in one: eat, play, shop. Grab something pre-made or from their awesome salad bar (great options here for kids too!) and head up to the rooftop playground. Wear them out, eat, then get your shopping done before heading home.
525 N Lamar Blvd
wholefoods.com
Vinaigrette
The best place in town to get a giant salad. And when I say salad I’m not talking about what other restaurants call salads. These are hearty, filling, satisfying, delicious salads. Kids love the kale fritters too. Big patio and super friendly and accommodating staff.
2201 College Avenue
vinaigretteonline.com
What are Your Favorite Healthy Kid-Friendly Austin Restaurants?
Do you have a favorite spot that’s not on this list? We’d love to learn about it! Share your favorite healthy kid-friendly Austin restaurants with us in the comments. I know I didn’t cover them all….
Eat Healthy Every Night
That covers the nights you want to eat out but what about every other night of the week?
Are you tired of stressing over what’s for dinner?
Do you want to eat healthier but can’t imagine adding one more thing to your plate (see what I did there?…)?
My Eat Healthy program is what you need so you can do LESS not MORE and eat better, healthier food – every, single night.
I have a strategy that will have you spending LESS time in the kitchen, LESS money on groceries and leave you with MORE energy to do the things you really want to be doing.
Sound too good to be true?
