7 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in San Antonio Your Whole Family Will Love

When was the last time you went out with your family? Since the start of the pandemic, we haven’t had much of a chance to dine out with our loved ones. That said, restaurants have installed new safety guidelines and limited the number of customers allowed inside to keep their guests and employees safe. They’ve also offered curbside pick-up and delivery options. If you’re looking to treat your family to a special meal, you can find dozens of great kid-friendly restaurants in San Antonio. Check out our top 7 picks now! 

Searching for a fun gift to surprise your loved ones with? Give them a virtual GiftYa card. GiftYa cards can be applied to a number of different restaurants around San Antonio, including the ones we featured below. 

1. Alamo Cafe

Popular Tex-Mex spot known for its delicious queso and famous chicken fried steak

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14250 San Pedro Ave. | San Antonio | alamocafe.com 

For over 35 years, families have celebrated birthdays, dined with friends, and spent time with their loved ones while enjoying delicious food at the Alamo Cafe. Inside this rustic and contemporary cafe, you will be treated to some of the best Tex-Mex food in San Antonio. 

Alamo Cafe also offers a wide selection of fun cocktails, including wine, sangria, and hard lemonade. As for the food, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the options. Everything from the Chicken Fried Steak to the Brisket Taco Platter is sure to satisfy your stomach. If you want to dine in, you can order a special Family Meal Deal. Fajita, enchilada, and chicken tender options are all available. 

“Got an enchilada family meal through the app for takeout. The app is easy to use and I was impressed by how much food we got for a pretty reasonable price. It probably would have fed 6 and was ready in less than 30 minutes. The enchiladas and tortillas weren't hot, but no biggie. I warmed everything up and it tasted good, especially the queso and tortillas.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Alamo Cafe. 

2. Beto’s Alt-Mex

Alt-Mex restaurant in San Antonio that flawlessly blends Mexican street food with Latin American soul food

8142 Broadway St. | Oak Park/Northwood | betosaltmex.com

Located in Oak Park, Beto’s offers a fun and casual dining experience for families. This popular restaurant is known for its unique menu which seamlessly blends Mexican street food with Latin American soul food. Some of its most popular dishes include the Roasted Veggie Tacos, Jicama Salad, and Spinach Potato & Cheese. For the “lil betitos,” the restaurant has chicken strips, mini nachos, burgers, and tacos. Margaritas and wine are, of course, on the menu as well. 

“Ordered through text (but calling is okay, too) and they were very responsive and answered my logistics questions. Empanadas were delicious (and perfectly flaky)!!! Had the poblano chicken and guava/cream cheese [Sweet and Savory] and a mango margarita to go! Service was great: and it was nice to see a friendly face. Highly recommended anytime!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Beto’s. 

3. Big’z Burger Joint

Family-friendly restaurant that offers an enticing selection of burgers, fries, and shakes

2303 N LP 1604 W | San Antonio | bigz-burgerjoint.com

Big’z Burger Joint also ranks high on our list. This laid back eatery offers delicious 100% angus beef burgers that will fill you up for the rest of the day. Our favorite, the Big’z Chalupa Burger, is filled with fresh pico de gallo, refried beans, and cheddar cheese. You can add extra toppings such as pineapple, mushrooms, beer-braised onions, and avocado too. If you aren’t in the mood for burgers, Big’z also offers salads, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches. For the kids, classic options like a grilled cheese sandwich with fries and chicken strips are available. 

“We ordered delivery today for dinner. The fries were hot and delicious, as always. My burger was well seasoned and perfectly cooked. It was delicious enough that even when I was full I couldn't help myself but take more bites. I finally had to put the burger in the fridge so I'd stop eating it.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa card for Big’z Burger Joint. 

4. The Cove

Lively burger place that everyone in the family will love

606 W Cypress St. | Five Points | thecove.us

The Cove is a popular restaurant in Five Points known for its organic foods, beer garden, and live music rights. Its signature beer garden offers almost 60 Texas-brewed beers on-tap. Thirsty Planet Thirsty Goat Amber, Shiner Bock, and more are available. If you aren’t a beer person, you can order a Mexican coke, tea, ginger ale, or topo chico. 

As for the food, we recommend starting off with one of their signature appetizers, such as the Super Nachos or Seafood Sampler. For your main dish, you have a pretty wide selection to choose from. The Cove offers an entire burger menu for your pleasure, and they are all made using sustainable practices. 

“I enjoyed dinner at this restaurant. My burger was cooked perfectly and was very well seasoned. The bun was nice and toasted and the veggies were very fresh. Their menu is accessible through a QR code and the waitress promptly takes your order. Our food was ready relatively quickly and the service was great.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Cove. 

5. The Friendly Spot Ice House

Fun ice house that offers Mexican and American cuisine in a laid back atmosphere

943 S Alamo St. | King William, Downtown | thefriendlyspot.com 

Have you ever been to an ice house? Chances are, you probably never heard of one until now. The Friendly Spot is a local ice house that serves a wide selection of beers and Tex-Mex dishes.  Guests can enjoy a cold one and some delicious food on their outdoor patio. Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, Fried Jalapeno Bites, Boneless Wings, and more are available for your enjoyment. The Friendly Spot also offers a kids menu that features Mini Friendly Nachos, Grilled Cheese, Kraft Mac & Cheese, and Chicken Nuggets. They can either be served with fries or carrot sticks. 

“A local favorite in Southtown! Mostly outdoor seating, there are a few tables in the back that are inside. There are 2 bars, a front bar and back bar. The back bar is almost always less people in line and they have more beers on tap. Your tab runs both front and back bars and you can order food at either as well.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Friendly Spot Ice House. 

6. Willie’s Grill & Icehouse

Popular family-friendly restaurant offering a wide selection of classic American cuisine

15801 San Pedro Ave. | San Antonio | williesgrillandicehouse.com

Willie’s Grill is another popular ice house that is perfect for hosting family meals. All of its dishes are scratch-made Southern American classics that can please almost any taste palette. Boneless bites, grilled chicken, gulf shrimp, and more are available and ready to fill up your stomach. The little ones can order a special combo that includes a drink and their choice of fries, veggies, fruit, salad, or mac and cheese. 

“This is my family's favorite spot! I want to support local businesses so I am thrilled that they are still open for curbside during the statewide restaurant dining room closure. Hopefully it's just a matter of time before my kids get to play in the sandbox and I enjoy one of those tasty margaritas and Texas sized onion rings on their amazing patio!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Willie’s Grill & Icehouse. 

7. Smashin Crab

Seafood restaurant in San Antonio that offers a fresh selection of crawfish, lobsters, and more

8910 Bandera Rd. Suite 305 | San Antonio | smashincrab.com

Last, but not least, is the Smashin Crab. Since its start in 2016, the Smashin Crab has extended to numerous locations in the south. If you’re looking for a delicious and inexpensive meal, you should try out Smashin Crab. Classic Southern dishes like the Po Boy sandwich, boiled snow crab, and more can be found at this lively family-friendly restaurant. The kids menu features chicken tenders, fried shrimp, cod, and corn dogs. An extensive drink menu is also available for the parents. 

“Hands down the best crawfish I've tasted in S.A. & I've lived here all my life and tried a lot. We got the Trinity with a number 2 spice and it was just the right amount of heat. Also got 1/2 doz raw and charbroiled oysters which were also delectable. All of the waitstaff were friendly and attentive. We will be returning in the near future.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Smashin Crab. 

Where are you planning to take your family for your next dinner out? Let us know in the comment section!