Top restaurants for families in this foodie destination
Committed to serving the freshest ingredients with a focus on sustainability and family-friendly service, the Emerald City offers endless possibilities, sure to tantalize even the tiniest of taste buds. From rich, creamy clam chowder to hand-tossed pizzas to handcrafted sweets and coffee, Seattle ranks among top foodie destinations.
1. Vios Cafe
903 19th Ave. E, Capitol Hill
Owner Thomas Soukakos had one idea in mind when he created Vios Cafe – family. If you’re looking to enjoy tasty Greek cuisine, this restaurant is your spot. Parents can engage in conversation over lamb kebabs, falafel, and stuffed dolmas, while kids walk from the table to the play area, specially designed by Dad Thomas who appreciates and encourages the whole family to eat together. Two additional locations: 6504 20th Ave. NE and 1529 14th Ave.; reservations are accepted. $$
2. Coastal Kitchen
429 15th Ave. E, Capitol Hill
If you’re craving a little coastal cuisine in central Seattle, then head to Capitol Hill’s Coastal Kitchen. Between the children’s dinnertime menu with smaller burgers and quesadillas and the parents’ menu featuring fresh seafood, the whole family will find something to nosh on here. Coastal Kitchen serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers special seasonal menus with a focus on both wild-caught and sustainably-raised fish. $$$
3. The Crumpet Shop
1503 1st Ave., Pike Place Market
Savory or sweet, The Crumpet Shop in Pike Place Market is “sticky business” – in a gooey-good way. This family-run shop has been serving up scrumptious crumpets and scones for more than 40 years. Whether it’s the homemade lemon curd, locally-sourced berry preserves, wild smoked salmon or rich ricotta, you can’t go wrong with the variety of toppings. Add some fresh, loose-leaf tea, which happens to be bottomless, and enjoy. $
4. Uneeda Burger
4302 Fremont Ave. N, Fremont
Located in the heart of Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, Uneeda Burger lives up to its name. What was once an auto repair shop has been transformed into a burger hot spot. From the giant chalkboard menu, parents and kids can take their pick of one of the restaurant’s dozen, mouth-watering burgers. Of course, no order is complete without a side of onion rings (the size of your fist!), fried cheese curds, and a fan favorite, fried mushrooms. With all-natural Painted Hills Beef, handmade dipping sauces, and homemade milkshakes, the family definitely won’t be “in-need-of” anything else to eat. $
5. The Pike Brewing Company
1415 1st Ave., Downtown
Locally-sourced menu items, a love of loud family fun, and The Pike’s well-known handcrafted beer make this a good grub treat. Located just outside of Pike Place Market, The Pike offers a menu chock full of choices celebrating sustainable ingredients. From Dungeness crab chowder to pizza, burgers, and mac and cheese, each entrée is paired with the perfect brew. The Pike also features guest taps daily. The atmosphere is easy-going, perfect for kids of all ages with a variety of kid-friendly fare on the children’s menu. $$
KidTripster Tip: Brewery tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. Kids must be 6 and older and are free. Adults (21 and over) are $5; samples are provided for the adults.
6. Elliott Bay Public House & Brewing Company
12537 Lake City Way NE, Lake City
One of the top family-owned brewpubs in Seattle, Elliott Bay Public House is perfect for kids. As soon as you walk inside, you feel a sense of community with bench-style seating, large booths, and laid-back vibe. This place is a great spot to unwind and let kids be kids. Sandwiches, burgers, salads, and fish and chips – you really can’t go wrong with the choices or price. Elliott Bay also offers a kids’ menu, where nearly everything is less than $5; the portions are big enough to satisfy even the hungriest little human. Elliott Bay has been brewing its certified-organic ales at its three locations since 2008. Additional locations in Burien and West Seattle. $$
7. Serendipity, a Neighborhood Cafe
3222 W McGraw St., Magnolia
If you’re looking for a neighborhood spot, Serendipity in Magnolia just northwest of downtown is it. This locally-owned cafe is a family favorite, thanks to a play area for kids and good list of beers for parents. Who can resist grown-up mac and cheese, Gorgonzola fries, or a Holy Guacamole Burger? Serendipity serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a seasonal menu, adding even more mouth-watering options. $$
8. Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria
Seattle boasts its own little slice of Italy called Tutta Bella. Parents and kids can feast their eyes on a long list of wood-fired pies, antipasti, salads, and more. The open-style kitchen allows kiddos to watch as their pizzas are handmade with the freshest ingredients, including whole–milk mozzarella. Locations in Downtown Seattle, Southeast Seattle, North Seattle, Bellevue, and Issaquah. $$
9. Portage Bay Cafe
If the family craves some brunch bites, you must go to Portage Bay Cafe, hands down. Kids can load their own pancakes at the breakfast bar with fruits, nuts, maple syrup, and whipped cream. Portions are plentiful at Portage Bay which prides itself on partnering with more than 20 local food producers. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Two locations in University District; additional locations in Ballard and South Union. $$
10. Top Pot Doughnuts
Any doughnut that touts zero trans fats deserves a Seattle shout-out. Made the old-fashioned way, Top Pot offers more than 40 types of doughnuts from the apple fritter to classic maple bar, glazed cake to my kids’ favorite, sprinkles. Add a cup of Top Pot’s hand-roasted, small batch coffee, and your family’s morning just got a whole lot sweeter. There are several locations, including the flagship cafe at 2124 5th Avenue in Downtown Seattle. $
KidTripster Tip: Children’s musician and singer with The Presidents of the United States of America, Caspar Babypants (also known as Chris Ballew) often holds free concerts at Top Pot locations, featuring his latest kid-friendly tunes.
For Seattle’s Top 10 Plays, click here.
For Seattle’s Top 10 Stays, click here.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kiersten Throndsen is embarrassed to admit that she didn’t try crab, scallops, shrimp or really any seafood for that matter until her 20’s. But don’t worry, she’s definitely making up for lost time.
This writer received some complimentary meals for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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