We’ve rounded up our favorite family-friendly restaurants in the Cincinnati area for those nights when you just need someone else to do the cooking.
Here’s our guide to 10 of Cincy’s Best Family-Friendly Restaurants:
Blue Ash Chili
Three locations in Greater Cincinnati | Menu
Diners are great for families because of their casual, laid back atmosphere – and here in Cincy, it doesn’t get better than Blue Ash Chili. Contrary to its name, you can get pretty much any American classic here: burgers, BLTs, chicken noodle soup and, of course, fried anything. Kids 12 and under can choose from the Kid’s Menu – all entrees are under $5 and come with a drink and choice of five different sides.
Dewey’s
Several Greater Cincinnati locations | Menu
Ask any kid what their favorite food is, and there’s a good chance they’ll say “Pizza!” In Cincinnati, Dewey’s reigns supreme with its soft, doughy crust and blend of mozzarella/fontina cheeses. Kids will especially love watching Dewey’s staff knead, roll and toss the dough. Large windows make the kitchen visible to patrons, so your family can watch the magic happen.
Eli’s BBQ
Riverside: 3313 Riverside Dr. Cincinnati | Menu
Findlay Market: 133 West Elder St. Cincinnati | Menu
What started as a summer of selling sandwiches in Ciny’s Fountain Square has turned into one of the best BBQ spots in Cincinnati. Eli’s mouth watering BBQ is the perfect stop for families. With picnic tables and a relaxed vibe, your kids will be begging to go back, and so will you!
Skyline
Several Greater Cincinnati locations | Menu
No Cincy kid can refuse Skyline! The Kids’ Menu features smaller servings of Skyline’s beloved classics, including the 3-Way and Classic Coney. If your child shies away from Skyline’s savory, soup-like chili, opt for the “Kids’ P’sghetti Special,” a pile of perfectly cooked noodles topped with a sky-high pile of shredded cheddar.
Sleepy Bee Café
Blue Ash location: 9514 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash | Menu
Oakley location: 3098 Madison Road, Cincinnati | Menu
With smoothies, vegan-and-gluten-free options and coloring kits for kids, the Sleepy Bee Café should be on every Cincy family’s brunch list. Pancakes come with real, Ohio-sourced syrup and the various “build-your-own-omelet” options are sure to win over even the pickiest of palates.
Sugar n’ Spice Diner
4381 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229 | Menu
Serving Cincinnati since 1941. Original Wispy Thin Pancakes, Huge Fluffy Omelettes, Signature Sandwiches n’ Specials. Today, Sugar n’ Spice prides itself on creating a fun, friendly, comfortable atmosphere, serving the same great food that has kept people coming back for generations. Come for the food and leave with a souvenir rubber duck to remember your delicious meal.
The Gruff
129 East 2nd Street, Covington, KY | Menu
With a 16 and under kids menu, even the older kiddos can feel young again (or should we say younger). Their designated kids area is the perfect place for when the table feels too restricting. Although a simple kids menu, perfect for even the pickiest of eaters, The Gruff offers a wide variety of delicious sandwiches and brick oven pizzas, great for adventurous adults!
The Original Pancake House
9977 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati | Menu
It’s a well-known fact that breakfast food is the best. And The Original Pancake House in Olde Montgomery dishes up some of the best pancakes in town. Kids will love the Strawberry Waffles, which come topped with butter, syrup and an optional scoop of ice cream!
The Schoolhouse Restaurant
8031 Glendale Milford Road, Camp Dennison | Menu
The Schoolhouse Restaurant is family-style dining at its best. Festive, red-checkered, kid-proof tablecloths cover round tables, and a Lazy Susan in the center gets filled with the most delicious fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cole slaw and cornbread you’ve ever had. You’ll get generous portions (and unlimited refills on sides) in a homey-yet-historic atmosphere. Afterwards, kids will love browsing the old-fashioned general store and feeding the goats. The Schoolhouse, in other words, isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an experience.
Zip’s Cafe
1036 Delta Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208 | Menu
Located in Mt. Lookout and known for their amazing choice of burgers, Zip’s is the perfect place to bring the kiddos. With a train that runs around the restaurant and food that screams kids (chicken fingers, grilled cheese, etc), you can’t go wrong here.
So next time your kids ask “what’s for dinner?” take a suggestion from this list and head out for some fun family dining! For more kid-friendly options, and to check out our Kids Eat Free Guide.