Our friends are always surprised to see that we still venture out to try new restaurants and stay caught up on the ever changing Nashville food scene now that we are parents. Nashville is one of the most child friendly cities I have ever lived in. There are some local restaurants that may surprise you by being “kid friendly”.
We go to a lot of breweries and the ones that offer food are a huge bonus! They are usually “kid friendly” and/or loud enough that no one notices that you have a child. East Nash Beer Works on Trinity is a new favorite of ours. They make a wide variety of food offerings (tasty ones, like pizza), and have other drink options besides beer. Their beer garden is fantastic. They have picnic tables with shade, yard games and plenty of space to spread out and run around.
Last photo courtesy of East Nash Beer Works‘ website
Smith & Lentz is in a great spot in East Nashville. It is one of the only breweries in Nashville that we enjoy pretty much all of their brews. You are surrounded by great restaurants, so can plan on walking across the street after a beer or two for dinner or we sometimes go to Smith & Lentz for dinner on Wednesday’s when they have the Death from a Bun food truck out front. It is delicious and goes nicely with their beers. Plan on getting a Bao Bun and playing a board game with the family to make the most perfect night.
Pictured: Buns & Beer
You will often find us at the Picnic Tap in the Nashville Farmers’ Market. It is great because you can sample brews from lots of different regional breweries in one place. They do serve up their own delicious food at Picnic Tap, but you can also pick something from one of the other vendors and bring it in to enjoy with your beer!
Pictured: Dogs at Picnic Tap
Pied Piper Eatery may not be on your radar, but their menu is extensive and there is something for everyone. If eating pancakes all day doesn’t win your kids over, the cute play area by the front door will.
Sometimes you just crave a nice burger for dinner (I do!). The Pharmacy, which is much less busy during the week days, has the best beer garden which is perfect for kiddos. Their burger is second to none. Another great burger joint that is “kid friendly” is Burger Up (there is a new East location, but the 12 South location is great, too). Burger Up has crayons and books for kids at the hostess stand.
Pictured: Beer garden burgers at The Pharmacy
Feeling fancy? Lockeland Table Community Kitchen & Bar has community hour from 4-6PM Monday thru Saturday where they offer a kids menu that benefits the Lockeland Community Design Center PTO. Their food is exceptional, and one of our favorite overall restaurants in Nashville. Americano is another place with great food and welcomes little ones. The small plates are perfect for eating family style, but don’t overlook the paella. WOW!
Pictured: Lockeland Table’s delicious food, Americano’s Paella (bottom right)
When a nice glass of wine and some patio sitting will do the trick Cochon Butcher is the perfect place. Their mac & cheese will please even the pickiest child (or adult). The Family Wash (hence the name) is great, too. They are very accommodating and their kids menu is perfect. Pizza is always a winner, which is why this wouldn’t be a good list without Five Points Pizza on it.
Photo courtesy of my friend, Lauren! Pictured: Five Points Pizza & my cute sleeping beauty.
Rudie’s Seafood & Sausage is probably our #1 choice for going out with the little one. They have high chairs, if you want to eat inside, and they have a huge patio out back. Their food is great and their drinks will not let you down. Their sandwich shop Mitchell Delicatessen is definitely at the top of the list, but now that they offer delivery (and it’s SO fast!) we get it delivered more times than not.
Fact: Rudie’s was our first family outing after becoming parents!
When you are not sure if a place is “kid friendly” or not, bring along your own high-chair and make it “kid friendly”! We use the Inglesina Fast Table Chair.
Eating Music City 