Eating out with the family can be a fun adventure for your little ones! But not all restaurants have what it takes to provide a welcoming atmosphere for adults and children alike. If you’re looking to try something new, we have a few kid-friendly restaurants in Edina for you to check out. Our parents at The Gardner School of Edina shared their favorite family eateries near Minneapolis. Here’s what they had to say.
Edina Grill
Part of the family of Blue Plate Restaurants, the Edina Grill offers healthy, casual fare that everyone in your family can agree on. With an open time of 7:00 a.m., it’s the perfect spot for early-rising little ones who are ready to get a jumpstart on the day. We especially love the variety of choices for children. While most restaurants offer a menu with three or four choices, here, children have 13 options to choose from on their special menu. With friendly servers and delicious food, kids love the Edina Grill, and parents do, too.
The Freehouse (North Loop)
Another all-day eatery from the Blue Plate Restaurant Group, The Freehouse, focuses on family favorites like tacos, burgers, and huge, flavorful salads. Parents love that it’s a brewery with hundreds of local and international tap options, while children adore the menu that caters to everything they crave. Seating is ample, and The Freehouse offers a $6 valet option. So, you can skip your usual parking spot scavenger hunt and instead get right down to enjoying dinner.
Pizza Luce
This beloved Minnesota pizza establishment has been serving hot, delicious pizza since its first restaurant opened in 1993. It specializes in truly unique flavor combinations on a seriously addicting crust. You can order by the slice if everyone in your family has a different preference or request a whole pie to share. Don’t miss the salads for a perfect complement to the cheesy, saucy entreé. If you have a child with dietary requirements or food sensitivities, Pizza Luce offers options for vegetarians, vegans, and even gluten-free needs. Everyone will feel included in the feast, and you’ll feel confident that they’ll stay healthy.
Red Cow
This family-owned and operated restaurant is Edina’s go-to place for a burger worth savoring. Their menu features the 60/40 Burger, which was voted Best Burger by Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine twice running. Food site, Eater, also gave their burgers the nod. While you enjoy the real deal, children can munch on mini versions of a hamburger or opt for macaroni and cheese, grilled chicken, or several other choices. Even though the burgers are awesome, don’t miss their brunch for a delicious, leisurely start to your weekend morning. No matter when you go, you can’t go wrong.
Surly
As you can tell from the name, Surly is a brewery with a strong identity. It started as a craft brewing operation to provide Northerners with their very own brews. It expanded into a beer garden, beer hall, pizza shop, and event As you can tell from the name, Surly is a brewery with a strong identity. It started as a craft brewing operation to provide Northerners with their very own brews. It expanded into a beer garden, beer hall, pizza shop, and event space. They have coloring and games for tykes and plenty of space outside to safely run and play during the warmer months. Don’t be scared away by the name; Surly’s approach to kids is downright pleasant.
Wooden Hill Brewing Company
Since its opening in 2018, Wooden Hill Brewing has become a beloved restaurant pick for parents and children alike. Set in a chic industrial warehouse-turned-taproom with high ceilings and wide walkways, the space is both modern and family-friendly. Cozy up into a wooden booth or spread out with room to spare at one of their long picnic tables. Food options include plenty of child-friendly fares, from starters like warm pretzels or hummus to chicken tenders or nachos. For parents, the menu offers a delightful array of elevated pub food—all designed to pair perfectly with the taproom’s impressive selection of homebrews.
Snuffy’s Malt Shop
A local institution with a national reputation, Snuffy’s Malt Shop is a place you’ll want to come back to again and again. Modeled after all the elements of a classic 50’s diner, Snuffy’s executes with perfection—all while maintaining budget-conscious pricing that doesn’t compromise on quality. Snuffy’s has been voted one of the best kid-friendly establishments around by several magazines in the greater twin-cities region. This restaurant also prioritizes giving back to the community. In addition to their regular donations to local organizations, guests can plan a “dining night” to fundraise for a special cause. Sign up with your child’s birthday on their website, and Snuffy’s offers a coupon for a free half-malt on their special day.
Pub 819
Quality ingredients are the name of the game at this local pub, and that extends to their children’s menu as well. This spot is loved by Edina families for the expansive, shaded outdoor patio where guests of all ages can enjoy fresh takes on classic pub fare. In addition to a well-rounded kids’ menu, Pub 819 features special options for furry friends, including a daily “Yappy Hour” with complimentary treats.
The Original Pancake House
This third-generation national breakfast chain offers old-school quality, service, and charm you won’t find at your local IHOP. Signature items include an apple pancake and the delightful Dutch baby-—a baked delicacy sure to put a smile on any child’s face (or adults, for that matter). From unique crepes to secret-recipe sausage links, this pancake house is proud to offer a diversity of options for every palate, and many of their menu items are based on their founders’ family recipes passed down for generations.
Shake Shack
From a simple classic hamburger to a chocolate pie malt covered in toppings, Shake Shack has something to satisfy every member of the family—and even vegetarian options to boot. There’s a reason this chain has garnered a cult-like following over the years: their food is not only delicious, but they also source only hormone-free, humanely raised meats.
The Gardner School Helps Edina Children Grow
The Gardner School of Edina is committed to keeping children healthy and happy. We use a variety of learning tools to help children understand the importance of healthy eating during the school day. In the Kids Café, our little ones develop healthy eating habits in a space that’s designed just for them. Through the practice of family-style eating, our students also learn the importance of sharing and practicing good manners.With a healthy mix of structured learning and free play, we give children the guidance they need to start learning healthy habits as soon as they’re ready. To learn more about the advantages of an academic preschool, visit our website or schedule a tour today.