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Twin Cities Mom Collective

10 Fun Dining Experiences for Kids Adults Will Love Too

I am of the mindset that if I am going to go out to eat with my kids, the place has to appeal to my tastes, too–both in food and atmosphere. Just because we’re dining with our kids doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice a great meal. After all, if I have to cut up food and constantly break up sibling bickering, I might as well enjoy myself while I’m there.

Also, waiting for a table with kids is kind of the worst so we’ve found many that are either open for brunch or lunch or at least an early dinner to beat the busy weekend rush. Spring Break is a great time to check out a new lunchtime spot!

Don’t get stuck at a so-so dining experience. Check out this list of 10 of our favorite Twin Cities restaurants that kids AND adults will both enjoy.


photo courtesy Tori Ramen

Tori Ramen | 603 7th Street West, Saint Paul, MN

For incredible made-from-scratch ramen in a super fun setting, you have to check out Tori Ramen in St Paul where you dine inside a vintage dining train car. Even if you don’t know if your kid is wild about ramen, the setting will entertain them enough to maybe get them to try something new, like tasty chicken noodle soup.


pizza at Town Hall Lanes | photo courtesy of Town Hall Lanes

Town Hall Lanes | 5019 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Bowling is a classic family activity and when paired with delicious food, it makes for a really fun lunchtime activity. Our kids look forward to our annual spring break bowling and lunch at Town Hall Lanes every year. The menu is always good.  The pizza is a bit hit and we especially love the cheese curds and the tacos!


Tilia | 2726 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN

Don’t leave out the idea of fancy dining with kids. Tilia knows how to make your kids feel special too by offering a three-course menu with food they are sure to love. Tilia’s is only open for dinner but if you go early enough, you beat the long lines.


Chatterbox Pub | 2229 E 35th St, Minneapolis, MN

Another place only open for dinner, or maybe a super late lunch, but definitely worth checking out. Not only do they offer great food (try the pizza bites or the build-your-own mac n cheese!) but you can top your dinner off with a tasty root beer float! But beyond the food, you can make a whole night of it by choosing from their huge selection of board games or trying your hand at a vintage Atari, Nintendo, or Sega Genesis game systems.


Carbone’s | Various Locations

We love Carbone’s tasty pizza pies (why does pizza cut into squares taste better? I’ll never know.) But it’s the kids’ menu my kids come for. Every order of a kid’s pizza comes with goldfish crackers to start and then finishes with your choice of dessert like fresh cookies or a push pop.


Pizza Burger | photo courtesy of Snuffy’s Malt Shop

Snuffy’s Malt Shop | Various Locations

If you’ve never checked out this Twin Cities institution, this is the year to do it as they celebrate 40 years. Come for the burgers and fries in a fun diner atmosphere but stay for the malts! With over 350 different flavor combinations you’ll never be bored!

 


Sovereign Grounds | 813 E 48th St, Minneapolis, MN

For the five and under crew, do not miss Sovereign Grounds. I discovered this cozy coffee shop with an incredible play space for kids late one morning when I was in desperate need of a break from my stir-crazy three-year-old. Their coffee is great but their freshly made baked goods, quiche, and sandwiches make this a great spot for lunch too. Meet up with friends and let them get their wiggles out while you can actually have a conversation.


Pancakes! | photo courtesy of Highland Gril

Highland Grill | 771 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN

Pancakes in cute shapes just taste better and Highland Grill gets that by offering Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes to kids. This popular brunch/lunch spot has incredible food, and a really great bloody mary, so they are naturally hopping on the weekends. Check them out during the week for a quiet experience.


Hot Plate | 5204 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN

When we’re out to eat, one of my kid’s favorite games to play at an age is eye-spy. Hot Plate must get that because this kitschy cozy breakfast establishment is like stepping into an eye-spy book. Their food is incredible and many great choices for kids. Find the kids’ corner to keep busy while your kids wait for their food. And maybe promise a visit to the awesome Triangle Park playground down the street.

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