When it comes to meal time with the kids, there is often a lot of compromise involved. You agree to a meal at McDonald's one night in order to eat at a more grown-up place the next day. And while this works well most of the time, sometimes you wish you could just find a place where everyone was happy at the same time. So to help you out, here are my top picks for eateries that will satisfy all the picky eaters in your family.
5. Café on the Run - Central Market (3815 Westheimer Rd)
Kids enjoy wandering around the vast food area, being able to see in advance what they will be eating. Plus you can get just as much or as little food as you need, which is great. They have excellent made-to-order kid sized sandwiches for only $3. Pick up a couple of those, add some chips and cane sugar soda, and take the whole lot outside to have a spur-of-the-moment picnic. You'll actually enjoy your food and they'll have fun throwing crumbs to the ever-present blackbirds.
4. Amazon Grill (5114 Kirby Dr)
This place is a great, casual spot with decent food. Kids love the big aquarium in the front of the restaurant and nobody looks at them too crossly when they run around the big open dining area. Get there before 7 and enjoy a $2 Sangria with your puffy tacos and gratis plantain chips. Plus the tableside s'mores are truly fun for both the kids and the adults. It's like camping without the bugs and tents. Go on Monday when kids eat free.
3. Jason's Deli (multiple locations)
Kids love Jason's Deli. I know I did when I was younger. Though the kid's meals have gone up from their original 99 cents, they are still ridiculously cheap. Good, wholesome, inexpensive meals for the kids, plus a huge menu to satisfy grown-up appetites make this place a definite winner. When you add in free ice cream for everyone, you realize this place can't be beat for family outings.
2. Amy's Ice Cream (3816 Farnham St.)
Okay, okay, you probably won't be eating dinner here, but if you're taking the kids (and yourself) out for ice cream, this is the place to go. They have flavors that appeal to all ages. Kids can get a delicious Mexican Vanilla with sprinkles or chocolate Chunks while you enjoy a big bowl of Cop Stop, their hilarious coffee and donut concoction. Kids get a kick out of the graffiti everywhere, as well the ubiquitous cow theme and you can enjoy reading a newspaper while indulging in a booze-laced dessert. Sounds like a win-win.
1. Mission Burrito (2245 W. Alabama St)
When I have a child in tow and the weather is nice, I always head for Mission Burrito. You can order your burrito bowl or Que Mas salad, park yourself at an outdoor table, and just relax. They have delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas for the kids, all of which come with teddy grahams and a drink for about $5. The little ones love munching it on in between running to and from the big play structure in the front where many children are always congregated. Free wi-fi means you can surf the web or even get some work done will the kids wear themselves out playing.
