10 Family Friendly Restaurants in DC
Where’s the best place to eat with the family in Washington DC? When you need to cater to different tastes and ages, picking a restaurant suddenly becomes much harder! There’s no need to wait for a congressional decree before you can sit down for a meal. Just consider our list of 10 family friendly restaurants in DC the law!
Founding Farmers
1924 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 822-8783
Did somebody say huge portions of amazing food just three blocks from the White House? Location isn’t the only reason why this restaurant gets attention. Founding Farmers is an award-winning eatery that has been charming both locals and tourists with its friendly atmosphere for the better part of two decades. From the fresh bread to the in-house beef grinding, the from-scratch vibes at this crowd-pleasing eatery are strong! Yes, Founding Farmers even churns its own ice cream and distills its own booze. Consider the menu your little declaration of independence from processed, unsatisfying cuisine.
The Hamilton
600 14th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 787-1000
The laid-back vibe here is perfect for a family meal that’s still a little posh! Located just steps from the White House, The Hamilton offers exquisite all-day and brunch menus. There’s even a kids menu with very reasonably priced burgers, tenders, and similar favorites. Standouts from the main menu include the jumbo lump crab cake, George Banks scallops, duck confit, Atlantic swordfish, braised short rib, and double-cut lamb chops. Of course, your vote might be reserved for the amazing burgers and fries at this beloved DC staple.
Bub and Pop’s
1815 M Street Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 457-1111
There isn’t a better place to grab a quick sandwich with the family in DC than Bub and Pop’s. For people who stick with classics, the roast beef, tuna, beef cheesesteak, roast turkey, and Italian hoagie will all do the job nicely. For those who crave specialty sandwiches that pack in hearty artisan ingredients, Bub and Pop’s is still the place. Get ready to lick your chops for porchetta, bolognese parmesan, eggplant parmesan, and the special Rich Boy sandwich made with fried shrimp, arugula, tomato, and relish. This is the top pick if you’re looking for the ultimate grab-and-go dining spot in Washington DC.
Unconventional Diner
1207 9th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 847-0122
Offering modern comfort food that comforts all ages, this fun and casual eatery is more than welcoming to kids and families. Brunch is available every day before 3:45! Some of the eclectically unforgettable entrées from the menu at Unconventional Diner include the Cuban stew, sweet potato curry, double cheeseburger and fries, and miso salmon. Starting with the cornbread skillet and baked brie for the table delivers a strong beginning to what will be an incredible meal.
Benitos Place
1431 11th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 299-0977
This is the restaurant that has started a thousand cravings for Honduran cuisine! The fresh, made-to-order enchiladas and piping-hot soups are incredible. The magic is in the delicious homemade flour tortillas that melt in your mouth. The ribs, chips with guac, queso, and pupusas also impress.
Matchbox – Penn Quarter
750 East Street Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 289-4441
Matchbox is an awesome place for pizza with the family in DC! This restaurant offers a cozy “gathering place” vibe that only adds to the delicious flavors of the menu’s wood-fired pizzas, mini burgers, pan-seared bass, filet mignon, and giant salads. If you’re bringing the kids out to eat in DC, a meal at Matchbox actually counts as a field trip due to the fun fact that the brick building that houses this restaurant is on the National Register of Historic Places!
CIRCA at Navy Yard
99 M Street Southeast, Washington, DC
(202) 863-9900
A location near Nationals Park, Audi Field, and the Capitol Riverfront makes the ambiance at CIRCA feel exciting and energetic! For parents, the great food, seasonal cocktail list, and rotating selection of amazing local craft beers will make a visit here amazing. The impressive menu also boasts almond-crusted rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, braised short rib, pumpkin ravioli, spinach and goat cheese salad, and many more contemporary favorites. Kids will love the burgers and flatbreads.
Commissary
1443 P Street Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 299-0018
This popular restaurant in Logan Circle is one of the best family breakfast spots in DC! A casual atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, and great prices all help to make this little eatery feel like a refuge for families who don’t want all the fanfare of a typical sit-down restaurant. The breakfast menu offers breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, omelets, coffee drinks, mimosas, and other favorites. There’s even a special kids menu.
The Smith
901 F Street Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 868-4900
When trying to find a restaurant that will please everyone’s taste in your group, The Smith serves up modern American cuisine that everyone can love. While this restaurant is elegant and refined, you won’t get funny looks for having kids at your table. If you come during brunch service, treat yourself to the buttermilk pancakes drenched in toffee syrup and maple butter. There’s just something about the way that sticky, nectar-like syrup overflows onto your bacon and eggs that makes life feel spectacular! For dinner the shoestring fries and burgers are hard to beat. However, the gnocchi definitely deserves a second look!
GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar
1730 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 393-4232
Look no further for the perfect place to grab a grilled cheese in DC! This restaurant can be a lifesaver if you’re out and about sightseeing with some picky eaters. The huge menu of specialty grilled cheese sandwiches here includes the BBQ Style, the French Onion Style, the Buffalo Blue Style, the Greek Goddess Style, the Cajun Style, and the Young American Style made with diced tomato and bacon.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Washington, DC page, here!
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