10 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Raleigh, NC

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Ryan Fitzgerald Ryan Fitzgerald
Jun 17, 2024 9 min read
10 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Raleigh, NC
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Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Raleigh, NC

Are you in the Raleigh area and wondering where to eat out with kids? Here are the best kid-friendly restaurants in Raleigh that are a must-try.

If you are a food lover, Raleigh is the best place to be. Forbes Magazine has named Raleigh one of the top 12 global destinations. It has also been called one of the "Hottest Food Cities" of the year and one of the country's best cities for barbecue. 

Raleigh isn't just the capital of North Carolina; it has been acclaimed as one of the top cities in the country to raise a family. Recognized for its affordable cost of living, beautiful homes, excellent education, and abundance of recreational activities, it's no wonder that many parents with young children choose to call Raleigh home.

Spending time together has numerous benefits, including strengthening family bonds, creating memories, and fostering communication between parent and child. Raleigh boasts a multitude of kid-friendly things to do, which is just one of the many outstanding aspects of living in the area. 

Don't miss out on these must-try kid-friendly dining spots in Raleigh, some of which are food trucks, whether you're visiting or living in the area. If you are interested in relocating to Raleigh, check out available homes for sale in this region.

Here are the best kid-friendly restaurants in Raleigh, NC. 

1. Beasley's Chicken and Honey

Address: 237 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9 PM / Weekends: 11 AM - 10 PM

Contact: (919) 322-0127

Southern style chicken and waffles at restaurant

Beasley's Chicken and Honey is a trendy restaurant that serves Southern-style chicken and waffles, as well as many other Southern classics, including biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, and loaded breakfast bowls.

Beasley's is one of Raleigh's best restaurants and is an excellent place for brunch, lunch, and dinner. With a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, Beasley's offers a family-friendly environment where both kids and adults can feel comfortable and have a good time. 

Keep in mind that there is no designated kids' menu. However, there are many kid-friendly options available on the food menu that are perfect for satisfying anyone in a family. Although there is no kids' menu, Beasley's does have high chairs available, making it a great place for families. You can also order pickup or delivery from this place as well.

2. Peri Brothers Pizza (NY Style)

Address: 7321 Six Foks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615

Hours: 11 AM - 2 PM, 4 - 9 PM / Sunday: 12 - 8 PM

Contact: (919) 844-6692

Are you a New York pizza lover? You are in the right spot. Peri Brothers Pizza is a perfect place that offers New York Style Pizza and is a fun, friendly, and great spot for families to enjoy the taste and quality of this restaurant. 

Peri Brothers also offer other items such as mozzarella sticks, garlic knots, chicken wings, calzones, pasta, salads, and more. Peri Brothers is a great destination if you are looking for a lovely weekend meal to sit back and relax. 

This pizzeria offers outdoor seating, vegetarian dishes, thin-crust pizza, subs, and many other options, making it an excellent place for a family dinner or a quick bite. You can also order for pick up or delivery from Peri's.

3. Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

Address: 111 Seaboard Ave, Raleigh, NC 27604

Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM

Contact: (919) 747-9163

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is located on Seabord Avenue and offers guests a comfortable, cozy, and convenient dining experience. In addition to delicious burgers, the menu also includes salads, sandwiches, and many appetizers and sides. 

Whether you are a meat lover or even a vegetarian, this place has something for everyone. This trendy hamburger return offers some of the city's best gourmet burgers, as well as many other kid-friendly menu items. The atmosphere here is hip and buzzy, making it an excellent environment for friends and families. 

Popular burger joint meal with fries on the side

4. Guasaca

Address: 4025 Lake Boone Trail # 107, Raleigh, NC 27607

Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM / Closed on Sunday

Contact: (919) 322-4928

If you are looking for something different and cultural, Guasaca is a great place to visit. Guasca is a South American restaurant located near the Crabtree Valley Mall. It is perfect if you are searching for a quick bite that is fresh, healthy, and affordable. 

Guasaca's food is based on South American cuisine while embracing many other elements of American cuisine. This authentic restaurant is known for its arepas and many other menu items. If you are looking for something unique in the Raleigh area, this is a great place to eat. 

5. Glenwood Grill

Address: 2927 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608

Hours: Weekdays: 11:30 AM - 2 PM, 5 - 9:30 PM / Weekends: 5 - 9:30 PM

Contact: (919) 782-3102

Glenwood Grill is a well-established restaurant known for its Southern coastal cuisine in a modern and chic setting. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, from steak to seafood, skillfully combining the flavors of the South.

It's an ideal spot for a romantic date or a family outing with both indoor and outdoor dining options. The menu features locally and regionally sourced farm-fresh ingredients and offers a wide selection of lunch and dinner items, including soups, salads, appetizers, lemon shrimp risotto, steaks, and more.

This upscale restaurant is also a popular choice for events. Whether you're visiting for lunch or dinner, you're bound to enjoy the authentic Southern flavors. Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.

6. The Pit Authentic Barbecue

Address: 328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: Sunday-Monday: 11 AM - 10 PM / Weekends: 11 AM - 11 PM

Contact: (919) 890-4500

North Carolina is known for its barbecue, which is why The Pit is a top recommendation for this southern fare and offers many kid-friendly options as well. The Pit Authentic Barbecue offers pit-smoked free-range pork, Texas-style brisket, and many other BBQ staples in a bright, casual setting. 

The Pit can get very busy, so it may be better if you make a reservation ahead of time. If you are a vegetarian, do not worry—there are many options here for that, too. The Pit has won many awards due to its southern comfort and delicious authentic food. This truly is a great pick to go with your family

Top Menu Picks:

  • Seasonal cornbread with homemade butter
  • Fried chicken
  • Pimento cheese balls with spiced pepper jelly
  • BBQ, brisket, and BBQ chicken
  • Fried okra and mac and cheese

Popular Barbecue style meal at restaurant

7. Brewery Bhavana

Address: 218 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: Weekdays: 11:30 AM - 10 PM / Weekends: 11:30 AM - 11 PM

Contact: (919) 829-9998

Brewery Bhavana is a flower shop, bookstore, brewery, and restaurant all in one. Its 9,000-square-foot restaurant is something that many people will travel to, and Forbes has ranked it as one of the coolest restaurants

Bhavana is a stylish Chinese restaurant known for its craft beer, dim sum, and books and flowers available for purchase. This unique restaurant is known for the experience it offers. From Belgian brewing to planted seeds, this place is perfect for events and gatherings for all.

8. Sushi O

Address: 222 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

Hours: 

Mon/Wed-Friday: 11 AM - 3 PM, 3 - 10 PM; Sat/Sun: 12 - 11/10 PM; Tuesday: Closed

Contact: (919) 838-8868

Sushi O is one of Raleigh's best Asian-inspired restaurants. The menu includes sushi, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, and, of course, Japanese cuisine. From delicious sesame chicken to pad Thai, if you are looking for fantastic cuisine and excellent customer service, Sushi O is the place to go. 

If you are searching for the best sushi in Raleigh, Sushi O is the place to go. This sleek sushi restaurant offers a full bar and a variety of options in a unique upscale atmosphere. It is a great location for families, date nights, or nights on the town. 

9. Poole's

Address: 426 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: Sun-Mon/Wed-Thur: 5 - 10 PM, Fri/Sat: 5 - 11 AM, Closed: Tuesday

Contact: (919) 832-4477

Poole's is a Circa-1945 diner with seasonal comfort food, cocktails, and house desserts in a retro-chic setting. Formerly a pie shop, this Italian restaurant in downtown Raleigh is one of the best options for Cheese or Macaroni dishes. 

More of a dark Manhattan bar, this unique atmosphere is different from other places in the area. Known for its delicious Macaroni au-gratin and Watermelon Salad, this modern diner is a great place to visit. It is encouraged to make reservations here in advance.

10. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Address: 4208 Six Forks Rd Ste 100, Raleigh, NC 27609

Hours: Sun-Thur: 11 AM - 9:30 PM, Fri/Sat: 11 AM - 10 PM

Contact: (919) 784-0400

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar offers a unique blend of flavors with a sweet treat. This restaurant highlights its specialty sushi bento box, a combo meal that features a burger, sushi, and sweet potato fries. Also on this diverse menu are Nachos, many sushi and sashimi rolls, and other unique burgers. 

Cowfish has been voted Best Sushi in Raleigh 2023 and #6 Top Burger in the U.S. 2023. This locally owned neighborhood spot serves both beef and fish dishes. Whether you are looking for a relaxing brunch spot or a fun family night, visiting The Cowfish is an excellent choice. The Cowfish also offers catering for various events and gatherings.

Bento Box meal with sushi and sides

Methodology

We used information from different sources and our data to create this guide about the best kid-friendly restaurants in Raleigh. There were various data sets to use, so we put them together to show you the must-try restaurants with kids in the area. 

The sources listed above are a few we used to gather most of our information about kid-friendly restaurants in Raleigh, NC.  

FAQS

What to do in the Raleigh area with kids?

Whether you are looking for interactive museums or beautiful parks, there are plenty of fun and free things to do with your kids, no matter their age or abilities. Some of the most popular places are Marbles Museum, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and Sky Zone. 

Is Raleigh a good place to live for families?

Raleigh consistently scores high in terms of safety, making it ideal for families. The city has many different neighborhoods known for their family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular place to relocate to. 

Is Raleigh good for kids? 

Raleigh is an amazing place to live for families with young kids since it offers beautiful parks, greenways, museums, and safe neighborhoods. 

Driving into Downtown Raleigh with buildings in the background

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Raleigh, NC - The Bottom Line

There are numerous family restaurants in Raleigh that offer unique dishes and various atmospheres, making it easy for everyone to find a place. Whether you're craving classic comfort food, international dishes, or unique culinary creations, there is something for every taste.

Don't miss out on these must-try, kid-friendly dining spots in Raleigh. Spending time together with your family has numerous benefits, including strengthening family bonds, creating memories, and fostering communication between parent and child. Raleigh offers plenty of kid-friendly activities, making it a great place to live or visit.

Raleigh is very kid-friendly, from preschoolers to teenagers. There are so many things to do for everyone of every age, and that is why Raleigh is a great place to live for families. Whether you are moving to Raleigh for a new job or for its many fun things to do, the city is full of events and activities that everyone will enjoy.

If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.  

Ryan Fitzgerald
Written by
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!

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