Finding a restaurant that keeps both kids and adults happy can feel harder than getting everyone into the car on time.
Luckily, San Antonio is packed with family-friendly spots where great food comes with room to roam, relaxed atmospheres and menus that go far beyond chicken fingers. From legendary burger joints and barbecue institutions to sprawling beer gardens, pet-friendly patios and neighborhood favorites, these 20 restaurants make dining out with the whole crew a whole lot easier.
The Point Park
24188 Boerne Stage Road, (210) 251-3380, parkatthepoint.com.
This food truck park in Leon Springs is nestled in shady oak trees, offers plenty of dining options and a huge selection of craft beers. It’s also kid and pet friendly and includes a playground for the little ones to stay entertained.
Screaming Goat Yard and Tap
4 Sun Valley Dr, Spring Branch, TX 78070, (830) 402-4656, screaminggoat46.com.
With goats onsite to feed and pet, how can any kid not be enthralled by Screaming Goat Yard & Tap. There’s also lots for adults to like, from a menu big on New American cuisine and brunch items, plenty of beer selections and live music.
Cheesy Jane’s
4200 Broadway, (210) 826-0800, cheesyjanes.com.
Cheesy Jane’s serves up grilled burgers from its brightly-hued flagship location at Broadway and Hildebrand. The family-friendly spot also has a coloring kids menu.
La Hacienda de Los Barrios
18747 Redland Road, (210) 497-8000, lahaciendabarrios.com.
What’s not to love about a kid-friendly and playground-equipped place that offers great Tex-Mex fare, a beautiful tree-shaded patio and live music nightly?
The Cove
606 W. Cypress St., (210) 227-2683, thecove.us.
There’s truly something for everyone on the Cove’s menu, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients while remaining fun and sticking to approachable fare such as burgers and nachos. A massive playscape in the outdoor dining area gives kids something to do while parents and enjoy a cold one from the spot’s massive selection of craft brews on tap.
Chicken N Pickle
5215 UTSA Boulevard, (210) 874-2120, chickennpickle.com.
When you’re feeling like an afternoon in the sun is just the ticket, this Northwest San Antonio complex blends food, drink and loads of courts to play pickleball, an easy-to-learn sport the whole family can enjoy.
Box Street All Day
Multiple Locations, theboxstreetsocial.com.
While both locations of this brunch-focused eatery offer coloring kids menus and lots of bright and cheery distractions inside, the Hemisfair spot is within walking distance of one of San Antonio’s best playgrounds, Yanaguana Garden.
Burleson Yard Beer Garden
430 Austin St., (210) 354-3001, facebook.com/BurlesonYard.
Don’t let the “Beer” part of the name make you think this spot is only for adults. This near-downtown gathering spot offers a basic but well-executed menu plus an array of family-friendly activities such as a large play area for kids, table tennis, hammocks, giant flat-screen TVs and live music.
Blanco BBQ
13259 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216, (210) 251-2602, blancobbq.com.
This spot for near Phil Hardberger Park has the kind of genuine Texas barbecue the adults will go for, and the kids will love the play area with plenty of room to go wild.
The Dog Co. Icehouse
4302 Hyatt Place Drive, (210) 445-8304, texasdog.co.
How much more family friendly can you get than a place that offers food, beer, sand volleyball courts, kids’ play areas and dog runs?
Brooster’s Backyard
815 Pleasanton Road, (210) 253-9104, facebook.com/BroostersBackyard.
This kid- and pet-friendly Southside venue offers live music, DJs, chancla-throwing contests and Lotería nights on its spacious patio.
The Friendly Spot Ice House
943 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205, (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com.
This Southtown fixture has something for everyone in the family. The food isn’t fancy, but it’s done right, and the craft beer selection is impressive. Meanwhile, there’s a massive playscape, and a large inflatable screen for watching the game or movies.
Cherrity Bar
302 Montana St., (210) 598-0496, cherritybar.com.
Seated comfortably at the corner of Cherry and Montana streets on the East Side, Cherrity Bar covers nearly an entire city block. The spot boasts “a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where all are welcome,” and also hosts family-friendly karaoke some nights.
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
Multiple locations, elsewheretexas.com.
These playfully decorated drinking and dining spots feature expansive patio space and lots of diversions to keep both young and old occupied. The original location faces the San Antonio River, while the newer Loop 1604 outpost boasts a Ferris wheel and more.
Backyard on Broadway
2411 Broadway, (210) 634-1405, backyardonbroadway.com.
Backyard on Broadway has put plenty of effort into ensuring its outdoor space makes for a comfortable hang, among them plenty of shade and fans. What the young ‘uns will care most about, though, is the spot’s playground area.
Big’z Burgers Joint
Multiple Locations, bigz-burgerjoint.com.
Family-friendly Big’z Burger Joint has three locations across SA. In addition to food everyone in the family can agree on, there are play areas to keep the kids occupied.
Credit: Photo via Instagram / thedustinwray
Alamo Beer Co.
202 Lamar St., (210) 872-5589, alamobeer.com.
Alamo Beer Co. is always a good idea when you’re looking for somewhere to take the family to post up and grab a breath of fresh air. Located next to the historic Hays Street Bridge, the kid- and pet-friendly downtown brewery offers plenty of outdoor space to enjoy refreshing eats and drinks.
El Chaparral
Multiple Locations, elchaparral.com.
El Chaparral’s three locations feature various kid-friendly amenities, including a playground and a game room.
Willie’s Grill & Ice House
Multiple Locations, williesgrillandicehouse.com.
Texas-based chain Willie’s Grill & Ice House promises a family-friendly atmosphere and “fun for the kids.”
Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Rancho 181
13514 US-181 N., (210) 540-4839, facebook.com/Rancho181.
Food truck park Rancho 181 opened on the South Side in 2022. The spot offers live music, yard games, and separate play areas for kids and canines.
