Traveling to San Francisco with kids?
A few days ago I got a question from a woman planning a family trip. She asked if I could recommend any kid friendly restaurants in San Francisco. I haven’t done much sit-down dining in San Francisco recently (our friends there keep moving to other parts of the Bay Area — I’m looking at you, Oakland!), so I asked our friends on Facebook to share their thoughts.
Several locals and recent visitors responded with these recommendations for family friendly restaurants in San Francisco:
- Nopalito, 306 Broderick Street and 1224 9th Avenue. “I see a lot of families with young children dine there, plus there’s free parking (at the Broderick location). They don’t take reservations, but you can call ahead and put your name on their waitlist”.
- Gott’s Roadside, in the San Francisco Ferry Building. This one got two votes!
- M.Y. China, Westfield San Francisco, 845 Market St.–4th Floor. “It’s fun to watch the chefs pull fresh noodles!”
- Capp’s Corner, 1600 Powell Street.
- Scala’s Bistro, 432 Powell Street.
- Crepe Express, 1476 Haight St.
- La Belle Crepe, 2165 Union St.
- Fresca Nouveau Peruvian, 3 locations (Fillmore, Noe Valley, West Portal)
- Citrus Club, 1790 Haight St.
- The Pork Store, 1451 Haight St. and 3122 16th. St.
- Gracias Madre, 2211 Mission St.
- Precita Park Cafe, 500 Precita Ave.
- Giorgio’s Pizzeria, 151 Clement St. “I went there once with some friends and their 18 month old and they brought her water in a sort of sippy cup with a straw. I think they give out crayons and a mat to color on, and they have a kids’ menu”
Other thoughts:
- The San Francisco Ferry Building is a food-lover’s paradise. This enclosed market complex has a diverse collection of restaurants from fancy-schmancy to casual, take-out style cafes and food stands. All of them are really great. You can find something here for everyone in your family — even the pickiest eaters.
- Food trucks are a fun and casual way to eat quality, innovative foods in San Francisco. Check out Off The Grid which hosts daily gatherings of multiple food trucks in locations throughout the city.
Thanks to Suki, Jenna, Keryn, Melissa, Cynthia, and Jenny for your recommendations!
Disclosure: The photo is our little friend B. at the Naglee Park Garage, a kid-friendly restaurant in San Jose, CA. In the SF Bay Area, but not in SF. How cute is he though?
What are your favorite kid-friendly restaurants in San Francisco?
Families seem to love Giorgio’s pizzeria on 3rd Ave and Clement. I went there once with some friends and their 18 month old and they brought her water in a sort of sippy cup with a straw. I think they give out crayons and a mat to color on, and they have a kids’ menu (I think)
Thanks, Jenny! I’ll add it to the list!
We live in North Beach which has always been touristy but has recently experienced restaurant revival. Translation: no more mediocre Italian food. We love our 4 year-old little guy…and a good cocktail. Here’s where we go to enjoy both:
1) Tony’s and Capo’s: Two different restaurants, same owner. Easily the best pizza in North Beach, if not the city. Both extremely family friendly, but at Tony’s kids get a raw pizza dough to play with. Capo’s has great old-school decor by way of 1930s Chicago. Good craft beer list at both.
2) Tacolicious: Very good + affordable tacos in hip atmosphere. The kids menu here is awesome: a cut-out taco truck with instructions on how to run a successful one (including getting tattoo + Twitter account).
3) Original Joe’s: Big booths means luxury for squirming kids. My top pic for old-school Italian (think Sole Piccata, Spaghetti & Meatballs) in North Beach…which is where one craves it most.
4) Chubby Noodle: This one is a coup, because it’s technically a bar, but it has “restaurant area” where families can sit. Or sit on the patio if it’s not too freezing. Great “food truck” versions of asian fare. The fried chicken strips are the best you or your kid will eat.
5) Comstock Saloon: Another coup! Some of the best craft cocktails in the city and run by popular Absinthe restaurant group. Charming, classic SF ambience in historical building near the old Barbary Coast. Food is great (don’t say this often, but get the chicken – smoky and brined). And kids are welcome.
Enjoy!
These are fantastic suggestions, Garrick! You know, there is an Original Joe’s right here in Downtown San Jose and I’ve never been — I need to fix that!
Thank you so much for sharing these!
This list really helps! I have spent my teen years in SF so I never really worried about family friendly places! Now that I have kids of my own, we plan to drive to SF often to see my dad. I want to be able to explore things I never got a chance to do living there.
Thanks.
Wonderful! Happy to help, let me know if you have any other questions!