If you're a parent, you know that dining out with kids can sometimes be a challenge. Finding a spot that offers great food for adults and a place where kids can play might seem like an impossible task. But don’t worry; Austin, Texas, has got you covered! Austin is known for its awesome food scene, and it’s also a fantastic city for family-friendly dining, especially if having a playground is on your checklist. In this guide, we’ll explore the best restaurants with playgrounds in Austin, TX, ensuring both you and your little ones have a great time.

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The Best Austin Restaurants with Playgrounds

Let's explore the best restaurants in Austin that offer a playground for kids:

Bouldin Acres

Bouldin Acres offers a casual atmosphere in South Austin. It offers the perfect combination of delicious food, brews, and outdoor play equipment. The dog-friendly restaurant features a spacious backyard with picnic tables, lawn games, and a playground for children.

The Salt Lick BBQ

One of Austin’s most iconic BBQ spots, The Salt Lick, offers more than just mouth-watering smoked meats. Their Driftwood location, just 30 minutes outside the city, features a spacious outdoor area where kids can run around and play.

Wooden picnic tables are scattered about, giving families plenty of space to sit and enjoy their meal. Parents can relax with some brisket while keeping an eye on their kids from a comfortable distance.

Home Slice Pizza

Home Slice Pizza in North Loop is a must-visit for families. In addition to their famous New York-style pizza, they have a spacious outdoor area with picnic tables and a small playground. Plus, the location is perfect for people-watching while you enjoy your meal. It's sorta like a quirky food trailer park for families!

Kerbey Lane Cafe

Kerbey Lane Cafe is a beloved local restaurant that has been serving up comfort food since 1980. Their Round Rock location, just 30 mins from downtown Austin, features an outdoor patio with games like giant Jenga and cornhole, making it the perfect spot for families to enjoy a meal together.

Phil’s Ice House

The North Lamar Phil's Ice House location is particularly popular for its dedicated play area with slides, climbing structures, and swings. Their menu caters to both kids and adults, offering everything from juicy burgers to veggie options. It's a win-win for everyone!

Flores Mexican Restaurant

Located in the heart of South Austin, Flores Mexican Restaurant is a popular spot for families. They offer a full menu of traditional Mexican dishes and a spacious outdoor patio with games and activities for kids to enjoy while waiting for their meal.

Hat Creek Burger Company

Another local favorite, Hat Creek Burger Company, boasts several locations around Austin. Each family-friendly burger joint has a fantastic outdoor playground and welcoming atmosphere. The kids' menu includes everything from delicious burgers to breakfast tacos.

Waterloo Ice House

Waterloo Ice House is another gem in Austin, offering multiple locations with playgrounds. The 6203 N Capital of Texas Hwy location has a large outdoor play area complete with playground equipment and plenty of space to run around. Their extensive menu features everything from burgers to Tex-Mex dishes.

Central Market Cafe

Central Market Cafe on North Lamar is a great place to grab a bite and a fantastic spot for kids. The playground area is surrounded by picnic tables, so parents can enjoy their meals while keeping a close eye on their little ones. The cafe offers a diverse menu with healthy dining options that please all tastes while still being a kid-friendly restaurant.

 El Mercado

Another fantastic option for families in Austin is El Mercado, a great spot for authentic Mexican cuisine with a large outdoor seating area and an awesome playground. Parents can enjoy traditional Tex-Mex dishes while their kids play on the slides and swings at this great Mexican restaurant.

Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina is a family-owned and operated restaurant in nearby Cedar Park that offers authentic Mexican dishes and a fun outdoor play area for children. The restaurant also hosts live music, making it a lively atmosphere for families to enjoy.

Final Thoughts on All the Austin Restaurants with Playgrounds

Dining out should be fun. While we know kids can be a handful, these kid-friendly restaurants in Austin make the experience enjoyable for parents and their little ones.

So, next time you're looking to grab a bite with your family, try one of these family-friendly options, from spots that mimic food trucks to sit-down classics, and let us know what you think. See you there!

About the Author:

Cait Kontalis

Cait is a Chicago-based Greek-American but spends most of her year floating around the globe. She holds a B.A. in Communications and a M.A. in Nonprofit Management. Her favorite destinations include visiting her homeland in Greece, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and wherever her partner is stationed abroad. Cait is also a powderhound, taking to ski slopes in the Rocky Mountains and throughout the country.