Don't feel like cooking? Can't say we blame you!
Luckily Pittsburgh has AMAZING restaurants, many of which are kid-friendly restaurants with great kids' menus and will satisfy the Pittsburgh foodie in you.
Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in the South Hills of Pittsburgh in no particular order; that we will add to as we discover new favorites. We have also researched family-friendly restaurants in Pittsburgh where kids eat FREE (or cheap) that you can find over here. If you have a favorite restaurant that your family enjoys, we'd love to hear about it. Whether you want to dine-in or eat out, here are suggestions from me and our amazing Macaroni KID South Hills community on where our Pittsburgh kids love to EAT:
Chipotle
Multiple locations
Chipotle has been my kids' favorite restaurant for a good 4-5 years now. They love the kids' taco kit that allows you to pick any 3 items (side or protein) coupled with taco shells, chips or fruit, and a drink. If you think you'll be a frequent visitor to Chipotle, they offer a rewards program where you can earn free food.
Mad Mex
200 Lakeside Dr N, Canonsburg, PA 15317
From MacKID South Hills: My husband is a die-hard Chipotle fan, like, would eat it three times a week if he could. When we took our kids to Mad Mex, he was so impressed with the value of the kids meals that he said he'd be willing to sacrifice Chipotle nights to come here instead! I think that speaks volumes!
Dave and Busters
180 East Waterfront Dr., Homestead, PA
From MacKID City of Pittsburgh: Other than the obvious choice that Dave and Busters is just a fun atmosphere, we feel like the kids menu here is loaded with value. Generous portions at a price that won't make you cringe. Eat here on a Wednesday and enjoy half-price games all day!
Primanti Bros.
Multiple locations
Primanti Bros. is a Pittsburgh fan favorite to both kids and adults. Kids will either be delighted or disgusted (with laughter) about eating french fries on their sandwich. The atmosphere is lively, and you can breathe easy knowing your kids won't be the loudest ones in there!
Eat 'N Park
Multiple locations
My kids love to eat at Eat 'N Park because they love the soup and salad buffet and the fact that they always get to leave with a Smiley cookie. I'd say the majority of the time they are good with the salad bar alone, but when they aren't, the kids' meals are only $3.99 with the option to add the salad bar as a side. Local parents tell us that their kids are always so happy to leave with a Smiley cookie!
Peace, Love, & Little Donuts
1047 Waterdam Plaza Dr, Canonsburg, PA 15317
There's nothing more groovy than a donut you can dress yourself. Kids can step right up to the window and watch as each bite-sized donut is dipped and decorated right in front of their eyes. Peace, Love, & Little Donuts frequently participate in local boosters and fundraisers, so keep an eye out there for coupons!
Jimmy Johns
Multiple locations
Jimmy Johns is known for making their sandwiches "freakishly fast," and when you have hangry kids, you know how crucial that is. So Jimmy Johns is fast food, without being fast-food if you know what I mean. Pro-tip - if your kids don't want any veggies on their sammy, order a "slim."
Grand Concourse
100 W Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
As soon as my daughter turned one and was given the clear to eat any solid food, we met my in laws for Sunday brunch at the Grand Concourse, where my daughter proceeded to sample almost everything in the restaurant. Twelve years later, this is still one of our favorite brunch spots. With such a wide variety of foods covering breakfast and lunch items, there is always something there to please everyone. Reservations are strongly recommended as they often sell out.
Duck Donuts
100 Siena Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15241
My daughter loves the fresh, hot cake donuts we get from Duck Donuts and will eat them as soon as they make it to the box. My son, on the other hand, prefers his icing to cool down but still loves that he gets to watch them get made right in front of him!
Houlihan's
1500 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15228
We love that Houlihan's offers outdoor seating during the warmer months so the kids can move about a little easier. All kid's meals at Houlihan's start at $6.95 and are served with a drink and ice cream for dessert. The kid's menu at Houlihan's includes mac & cheese (elbow, Kraft), chicken tenders, small cheeseburgers, and popcorn shrimp. My kids love the small cheeseburgers and popcorn shrimp.
Mitchell's Fish Market
1500 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15228
There are not many places you can find salmon on a kid's menu, but here you can! As adults, we love that they often have a prix fix menu with great options on it. The kids like to get up and look at the fresh lobsters in the tank while we are waiting for our food.
The Yard
Multiple locations
Gourmet grilled cheese for mom with a side of soup? Yes, please! We typically frequent the Mt. Lebanon location, but we're not strangers to the Market Square location either. Both have kid-friendly atmospheres. The kid's menu at The Yard includes grilled cheese (served with soup and fries), mac 'n cheese, chicken tenders and cheeseburgers. We're a huge fan of the Mac Attack Balls appetizer and the waffle fries here.
Boards & Baskets
The Waterfront, Pittsburgh
We came here when they were running a free breakfast special and everything was delicious! My kids didn't just say that Boards & Baskets pancakes were better than mine, they said they were WAY better than mine.
Reader Submitted Favorites:
OTB Hastings - love the outdoor space for kids to run around
Spoonwood
Texas Road House- because they LOVE STEAK and the animals on the walls
The Spring House in 84 PA. There’s always something for everyone. Even my picky eater. Wednesdays kids eat free!!
Denny's, because of kids friendly menu.
My kids loves Kings Restaurant on Monday KIDS EAT FREE MONDAY
Olive Garden
El Campesino - something for everyone!
Eat n park because of varieties, Red Robin due to unlimited refills on Mac and cheese and fries,
Please note: This information on South Hills restaurants was collected in June 2024. As circumstances change, please check directly with the businesses to make sure this information reflects their most up-to-date offerings.
Know of a South Hills of Pittsburgh restaurant your family loves you don't see listed here? Drop me a line at emilyp@macaronikid.com so Macaroni Kid South Hills can share the information!
Want to know where kids eat free in Pittsburgh? Check out our Kids Eat Free Guide here.
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