For lots of families, going out to eat becomes a rare treat once kids enter the picture—like seeing a movie in the theater or sleeping in past 7am. Let’s admit it: There’s a little bit of stress involved in taking young children out to eat. If you’ve got a toddler like I do, you venture out with fingers crossed that he’ll actually eat, make a minimal amount of mess and save any fit-throwing for the parking lot.
Last July, a restaurant owner outside Pittsburgh made national news when he banned children under age 6 from eating at his establishment. He said that his patrons complained that loud, unruly kids were too disruptive. The reactions to this decree were mixed but equally impassioned. While most restaurants don’t have an institutional ban on children, some clearly just aren’t a good choice for parents who want to bring the whole brood.
Fortunately, there are eateries here in the Susquehanna Valley that cater to the littlest diners. Taking kids out to eat provides an opportunity for kids to sharpen valuable skills, like practicing good table manners, learning the give-and-take of conversation, and using inside voices and walking feet—even developing reading and math skills. It’s also a fun way to spend time together without having to worry about cooking and cleaning (for one meal, anyway).
Here are some great local spots that are both kid- and parent-friendly—meaning no drive-thrus, no ball pits, and no oversized mice serving pizza. While this list may not be exhaustive, it’s one that’s based on recommendations from parents across the region.
Chocolate Avenue Grill:
Kids eat just as well as their parents at this Hershey eatery, which boasts one of the most expansive and impressive kids’ menus in the region. Options for little eaters include cheeseburger sliders, grilled salmon, coconut-encrusted chicken, and a five-ounce steak. Parents can choose sautéed broccoli, a salad, mandarin oranges, French fries or mashed potatoes on the side. 114 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey. 717-835-0888. www.chocolateavenuegrill.com.
Ciro’s Italian Bistro:
Lots of booths, lots of pizza, and lots of flavors of gelati for dessert—no wonder families like dining at Ciro’s in Lancaster. Family-style platters of pasta, six varieties of panini and homemade cannoli also round out the crowd-pleasing Mediterranean menu. 605 Richmond Square, Lancaster. 717-560-5660. ciroslancaster.com.
The Green Room:
Even The Green Room’s kids’ menu mirrors the small Carlisle bistro’s commitment to local, seasonal, organic foods, making it one of the healthiest around. (Just don’t tell your kids!) The chicken meal is a particular favorite of young patrons. 36 W. High St., Carlisle. 717-422-5574. www.thegreenroom.us.
Helena’s Chocolate Café & Creperie:
Carlisle’s newest offering is also its sweetest. Who could resist crepes made from honey and butter or Nutella and bananas? Or homemade hot chocolate topped with real whipped cream? Or the children’s play nook in one corner? 46 W. High St., Carlisle. 717-254-6453.
Isaac’s Famous Grilled Sandwiches:
Hands down, Isaac’s received more thumbs-ups from parents than any other spot on this list. It’s not hard to see why. With 20 locations in the region, there’s bound to be one nearby. The restaurant’s claim to fame is its quirky, inventive, bird-themed sandwiches, and the kids’ menu amps up the fun factor even more. Sandwiches are served on colorful Rainbow Bread, chicken nuggets are shaped like dinosaurs, and the Bird’s Nest salad is garnished with Goldfish crackers. Multiple locations in York, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Berks and Chester counties. www.isaacsdeli.com.
Lancaster Central Market:
Since 1730, Central Market in Lancaster has been a meeting place for young and old alike. More than 60 vendor stalls can be found inside the newly renovated historical building, selling everything from Thai and Middle Eastern food to PA Dutch staples like soft pretzels and whoopie pies. The market is open Tuesdays and Fridays, 6am to 4pm, and Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. 23 N. Market St., Lancaster. 717-735-6890. www.centralmarketlancaster.com.
Neato Burrito:
With locations in Mechanicsburg, Lemoyne and New Cumberland and two more in Harrisburg, it’s easy for East and West Shore families to get their Neato fix. Each burrito is made to order to please persnickety palates, and the fun, retro décor provides a feast for the eyes. Opening a new location on Fruitville Pike in Lancaster. www.neatoburrito.com.
Oregon Dairy:
As its slogan says, the Oregon Dairy is more than just milk. It’s a butcher, supermarket, bakery, and 200-seat PA Dutch restaurant all in one. And, yes, it’s a dairy, complete with fresh, delicious milk, cheeses, and ice cream. When kids aren’t eating at Oregon Dairy, they can explore the playground and peek at the deer and pygmy goats. 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz. 717-656-2856. www.oregondairy.com.
The Pizza Grille:
Kids and pizza practically go hand in hand. The Pizza Grille, with locations in Camp Hill, Lemoyne and Carlisle, offers everything from plain cheese-and-sauce pies to more elevated options, including Hawaiian BBQ chicken and spicy shrimp pizzas, as well as chopped salads, pasta, and sandwiches. The Pizza Grille also has outdoor covered-patio seating, which can be a godsend for parents of rowdier tykes. Multiple locations in Cumberland County. thepizzagrille.com.
The Playhouse Café:
As its name may imply, this Lemoyne eatery is all about being kid-friendly. In fact, it touts itself as the region’s first family-friendly coffeehouse. The café features nearly 800 square feet of safe, fun play space for kids with more in the works. The menu includes lots of options, including caramel-apple baked oatmeal, French toast sticks, paninis, wraps and salads. Little ones can feast on peanut “butterfly” and jelly sandwiches, mini cheeseburgers and “pirate treasure” chicken nuggets. And there’s coffee — lots of coffee. 1 Lemoyne Square, Lemoyne. 717-612-1234. theplayhousecafe.com.
Rancho Grande:
Fans of this Mexican restaurant on the Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg enjoy the fact that Rancho Grande is independently owned, family-run and very welcoming to children—and has great homemade chips and salsa. Mexican places, in general, tend to be good bets for families, as they are usually casual, colorful and have plenty on the menu to please everyone. 5101 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg. 717-761-5780.
Rice & Noodles Vietnamese Restaurant:
One way to avoid having picky eaters is to expose kids to lots of different types of foods. Vietnamese flavors are lively and exciting and include items that will look familiar to young diners, such as banh mi (Vietnamese-style hoagies), noodle and rice dishes, and spring rolls. 1238 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. 717-481-7461. www.riceandnoodlesrestaurant.com.
The Soda Jerk Diner & Dairy Bar:
Stepping through the doors of this Hummelstown diner is like taking a trip back to the 1950s. The atmosphere is fun and delightfully retro, from the shiny chrome counters to the shakes and sundaes from the old-school soda fountain in the back. 403 E. Main St., Hummelstown. 717-566-7707.
Tokyo Diner:
Encourage adventurous eaters by taking them to one of Tokyo Diner’s locations in York, Hershey, Lancaster, Mechanicsburg and Harrisburg. Even if sushi isn’t their thing, kids can enjoy fried rice, noodle dishes, teriyakis and tempuras. They’ll love the show put on by the hibachi chefs. Servers will even make special chopsticks for kids by tying string around one end to make things easier for little hands. Multiple locations in York, Dauphin, Lancaster and Cumberland counties. www.tokyodinerpa.com.
West Shore Farmers’ Market:
If each member of the family wants something different to eat, head to the West Shore Farmers’ Market, where they’ll be sure to find something they like at one of the 50-plus stalls. Smoothies, wraps, fish sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, pizza, bagels—you name it, it’s here. Market days are Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 900 Market St., Lemoyne. 717-737-9881. www.westshorefarmersmarket.com.
York Central Market:
Fresh, local, homemade foods, great people-watching, and even live music—York’s Central Market is a great spot to take little ones on market days. It’s a good thing that lots of kids are early risers, because market opens at 6am and closes at 2pm. Work up an appetite by walking around the stalls, and then belly up to one of the lunch counters for hot dogs, tacos, fried chicken and more. And don’t forget to save room for a cupcake, a donut or a slice of pie. 34 W. Philadelphia St., York. 717-848-2243. www.centralmarketyork.com.
