Until she turned two, our daughter was so enjoyable to take out for dinner; she ate most things without a fuss, loved looking around from her high chair, and sat without any issues for the duration of our meal. Without discussing it, my husband and I agreed recently that we’re in our “Eat From Home” Era with her. We enjoy an occasional date night out for dinner but for now, we will not be gracing any Rochester-area restaurants with our spirited toddler. However, I recently polled some moms about where they like to take their family including toddlers for dinner. For purposes of this list, family-friendly means that the place is noisy, offers high chairs or booster seats, and has lots of options for kids (though not necessarily a separate menu).
The Gate House
Every meal I’ve had at The Gate House is excellent: salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and brunch all WOW. It’s a larger restaurant but also very busy so I tend to make reservations especially with our family to make sure we get a table quickly. Our teens have many preferences when it comes to food but all of them find something on this wide menu. Excellent Caesar salad? Check. Outstanding veggie burger? Check. Gooey cheesy pizza? Check. (And there is gluten-free crus.) If these are on the menu, along with some fun mocktails, we have a winning meal. When Stella joins us again, there is a kids’ menu with entrees that come with fruit or fries. Dessert options big enough for sharing earn some points too for a family meal.
Tully’s
A family-friendly staple on Jefferson Road since 1991, the whole group of moms sighed with nostalgia when Tully’s came up. It doesn’t get more family-friendly than a place that serves “The Best Chicken Tenders on Earth®” and a Little League Menu which includes a salad with the infamous tenders and pasta with plain red sauce. EVERY WEDNESDAY, all Little Slugger Entrées are only $4.99! The TVs all around the restaurant rounds out all the reasons why Tully’s is the PLACE to take your rowdy group of hungry people to eat great food.
The Playhouse // Swillburger
The mom who recommended Swillburger said she’d “stop for a burger and fries anytime”. Along with the shakes and casual atmosphere, it IS perfectly family-friendly. There are arcade and pinball games, too! Swillburger boasts a dedicated gluten free fryer and much of the menu can be made vegan, too. Your family can’t make reservations but the counter service moves the ordering and service process along to accommodate hangry kiddos. Since this is also a bar, best to visit this South Wedge joint for lunch or early dinner (no under-21 after 10p).
Great American Diner
650 Whitney Rd, Fairport
850 Long Pond Rd, Rochester
There is a location of Great American Diner (G.A.D) in both Fairport and Greece but in either location, you’re treated like family whether you’ve been there once or you’re a regular. Like many diners, the menu is vast and portions huge. Chicken and Biscuits, Greek Avocado Toast, and Churro Waffles stand out on the breakfast menu to me but my mom loves the Banana Walnut Waffle and my dad raved about the corned beef hash. Salads, clubs, and classic sandwiches are served alongside G.A.D. specialities. There is literally a breakfast, lunch, or dinner option at the Fairport location. Your kids will love the pancake add-on options.
Others recommended by Rochester Mom Collective writers:
Red Robin (Malena G.)
The Mercantile on Main (Jacqui S.)
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que & Han Noodle (Amanda R)
Perri’s Pizza (Lindsey S.)
Ironwood Tavern (Audrey L.)
I can’t wait to remind myself about these restaurants when our daughter is a little older and more fun to take out to eat again. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy them for me.
Guide to Kids Eat Free In Rochester
Welcome to our Guide to Kids Eat Free in Rochester! If you’re looking for ideas on where to head for dinner be sure to check out these restaurants and get…
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