9 Fantastic Spots in Pittsburgh to Grab Fun, Kid-Friendly Food

Unfortunately for most of us, that’s not an option all of time. But there’s something about those foods you loved as a kid that make you feel young again.

There are a ton of restaurants in Pittsburgh that cater to adults, but what about some fun kid-centic options?

Whether you just want a cool place to eat the foods that make you feel like a kid again — or you want to treat the kids to something you know they’ll love — try any of the places in the list below and we just know it’ll be a good time regardless.

Pick up a GiftYa electronic gift card to use at any of the fun places below, or choose from many other dining options in Pittsburgh. Know someone who’d appreciate a night off from cooking dinner for the kids? Then treat them to one of the options below, and make their day. They can use it at their convenience, and it can never be lost or stolen. The gift sends directly to the recipient's phone, and then they can follow easy instructions to link the gift to their bank account!

Pittsburgh Popcorn Co.

Treat the whole family to endless popcorn flavors

Downtown
209 21st St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-281-5200

Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM
Sat 9AM-5PM
Sun 10AM-4:30PM

Various other locations as well

Pittsburgh Popcorn Co. is your friendly, neighborhood popcorn supplier!

The Pittsburgh Popcorn Company is any popcorn lovers dream come true!...

As soon as you walk in, the aroma of popcorn hits you, and you can hear the soft sound of popcorn popping in background.

This place is full of all kinds of flavors to try like Wisconsin Cheddar and chocolate caramel, as well as various sizes. We all know we don’t really need a three gallon jug of popcorn, but it’s nice to have the option. They also have more reasonable sizes, as well as cool gift tins with your favorite Pittsburgh sports teams.

...The second you walk in, the FRESH mesmerizing smell of flavored popcorn hits you hard. I almost think they should make it into a perfume because it smelled so good! - Yelp Review

Scoops on Beverly

Because we all scream for ice cream!

Mt. Lebanon
311 Beverly Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15216

412-561-1994

Mon-Sun 11AM-9:30PM

Other locations include Scoops in Bellevue, on the Blvd, and in Bloomfield

Who doesn’t scream for ice cream?

I can't say enough positives things about this place!...The ice cream flavors are always amazing and they have a great variety all the time... - Yelp Review

Even in winter weather, Scoops on Beverly is ready to satisfy your — or the kids’ — need for ice cream. It’s a cute little shop that offers all kinds of scoop ice cream as well as ice cream cakes. Even if your kid is a picky eater, we know they’ll find an ice cream flavor they love.

When the warmer weather returns to Pittsburgh, be sure to get your ice cream to go and stroll down the lovely business district on Beverly Road.

Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor

A trip back in time for some amazing ice cream

Strip District
2801 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-434-0451

Mon-Thurs 11AM-9PM
Fri-Sat 11AM-11PM
Sun 12-8PM

Another fantastic option for ice cream with the kids is Klavon’s in the Strip District.

"Great place! Staff was awesome telling us about the history of the building...Those are the people that make Pittsburgh awesome!" - Yelp Review

Your kids might not realize it, but this place harkens back to another time. Its stainless steel equipment, marble countertops, and rotating stools all look like they belong in a 1950s movie. That just adds to the appeal!

The ice cream ingredients here are all locally sourced and made by hand. We think the original owners — who opened Klavon’s in 1923 — would approve!

Peace, Love and Little Donuts

Little donuts that pack a big punch

Strip District
50 21st St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-904-4649

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Mon-Tues 7AM-2PM
Wed-Fri 7AM-8PM
Sat 8AM-8PM
Sun 9AM-4PM

Various other locations as well

If you’re looking for food that can easily fit into little hands, then check out one of the many Peace, Love, and, Little Donuts locations throughout Pittsburgh.

"...yummy donut shop!...Kids loved watching how they're made and picking out their fav kind. ...We will be back!" - Yelp Review

The concept of a small, tennis ball sized donut was a bit of an accident, but we haven’t heard any complaints about this yet. Not your typical donut shop — they offer all kinds of crazy toppings — but none of them seem to overpower the original cake donut that started it all.

Milkshake Factory

Get lost in a sea of milkshake flavors

Downtown
314 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-315-7115

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Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM
Fri-Sat 11AM-11PM

Various other locations as well.

If you and your kids prefer your ice cream whipped as opposed to scooped, check out the Milkshake Factory.

"Wow! This was awesome. We stopped here while on a food tour...They gave us a plain old vanilla milkshake and it was to die for." - Yelp Review

While they offer a gourmet selection of milkshakes — salted caramel, fried ice cream, and bananas foster, to name a few — they also have your traditional favorites like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. And if you have someone with you that just wants some ice cream, don't worry — they have some delectable sundaes too.

The Original Hot Dog Shop

A classic spot that everyone enjoys in Oakland

Oakland
3901 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-621-7388

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Mon-Wed 10AM-10PM
Thurs-Sat 10AM-2PM

Known locally — and perhaps nationally — as “The O,” the Original Hot Dog Shop is a staple in the Oakland community.

The O is an institution that should be revered and respected...

It’s been around since 1960, and we’re pretty sure it has the same menu too. A very popular spot amongst local college kids, it also offers something your kids definitely won’t say no to: hot dogs and french fries.

People drive from all over the Pittsburgh area just to get their famous ‘dogs and gravy fries, and after one bite, it’s easy to see why.

...It's been easily 25 years since I set foot in The O and it really hasn't changed all that much cosmetically.  Still the same signs and counters and stacks of potatoes in the corner.  Same great service.  Same great selection. - Yelp Review

Waffles, INCaffeinated

For the most gourmet waffles in the South Side

South Side
2517 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

412-301-1763

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Mon-Fri 8AM-2PM
Sat-Sun 8AM-3PM

An awesome spot to visit in the South Side, Waffles, INCaffeinated specializes in amazing waffles.

Buy a GiftYa To Waffles, INCaffeinated >

"Their waffles are delicious! Even more delicious is the fact that their gluten free waffles are equally as delicious as the regular ones..." - Yelp Review

Whether you want them for breakfast, brunch, or a late lunch, they’re ready for you with the syrup.

With selections that range from sweet to savory, there’s options galore on their menu. Plus you can build your own waffle with a selection of amazing toppings.

And if you or the kids have an allergy, not to worry, as special arrangements are not a problem.

Five Guys

Burgers and fries — classic

Oakland
117 S. Bouquet St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-802-7100

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Mon-Sun 11AM-10PM

Various other locations as well

Another favorite fun food for kids are burgers and fries.

"Its burger is amazing...So tasty and Sooo Huge. They provided diverse topping options..." - Yelp Review

That’s exactly all that Five Guys makes, and they’re really good at it. Their burgers come in a variety of sizes as well — the small ones are ideal for little hands — and there are loads of toppings you can add as well.

What would a good burger place be without milkshakes? Don’t worry, they offer those as well.

Katie’s Kandy

Candy in bulk? Yes, please!

Downtown
422 Wood St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

412-227-0999

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Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM
Sat-Sun 11AM-5PM

Various other locations as well

Walking into one of these stores — regardless of age — and you’re transformed into a kid in a candy store.

"This was the cutest shop!...I was surprised at how affordable all the candy was. The cashier was also super friendly and helpful..." - Yelp Review

‍Katie’s Kandy offers all your favorite candy that you remember as a kid, like Clark Bars, candy cigarettes, and jawbreakers. You can also buy your favorite items in bulk, but not that anyone really needs too!

The kids will have a ball as well, picking out all their favorite candy and trying some of the new selections.

Pittsburgh offers a wide variety of culinary options, including some fun ones for the kids! These places can take you back to being a kid again, and offer some delectable items for you, or the kids to try. The whole family will be happy to try one of these tasty destinations with a GiftYa egift card!

What was your favorite food as a kid? Let us know in the comments!