Greater Cincinnati is filled with kid-friendly restaurants that will also appeal to their caregivers. From places with added entertainment like circus performers, games and music to ones with menus that will satisfy the pickiest eaters (and others where parents can just get a damn drink), the Queen City’s dining scene has a lot to offer future foodies.

Bircus Brewing Co. 322 Elm St., Ludlow Ludlow, Kentucky’s nonexistent craft beer scene sent in the clowns, leading to the launch of Bircus Brewing Co., a branch of an original concept from Ghent, Belgium. Pronounce it like “beer-cuss,” a hybrid of beer and circus, as the brew shares the limelight with carnival performances at the taproom. Performers can do everything from breathe fire to fly on the trapeze. Photo: Brittany Thornton Photo: Brittany Thornton
Slaughterhouse Five at Sugar n’ Spice 1203 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine; 4381 Reading Road, Paddock Hills Open since 1941, Sugar n’ Spice is a Cincinnati diner mainstay. The Slaughterhouse Five is a breakfast platter with a sausage link, pork patty, one slice of bacon and half a slice of goetta, plus two eggs any style, home fries and white or wheat toast. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Dewey’s Pizza Multiple locations Telling your kids “we’re having pizza tonight” makes you an instant celebrity in their eyes. Little do they know you are the one who wants to dig into Dewey’s slew of crafty pizzas. From the Southwest BBQ Chicken (olive oil, smoked cheddar, mozzarella, black bean-corn salsa, all-natural chicken, roasted red peppers and BBQ sauce) to the Killer Veggie (red sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, white onions, black olives and green bell peppers, with tomatoes and parsley added after the bake) — everything is expertly paired with a nice selection of wine and local brews on tap. There’s even a big window at each location where kids are encouraged to watch as cooks roll and hand-toss dough, add ingredients and put the finished product in the oven; adults are more than welcome to marvel, too. Photo: facebook.com/deweyspizza
Fifty West Burger Bar 7605 Wooster Pike, Newtown Fifty West Brewing Company continues to build upon their Columbia Township empire with the addition of the new Fifty West Burger Bar, an homage to the 1950s roadside root beer stand. Offering a variety of proteins (including the vegetarian-friendly ‘Beyond patty’), each is offered in 12 different ways, named for the 12 different states U.S. Route 50 travels through. Photo: Savana Willhoite Photo: Savana Willhoite
Galactic Fried Chicken 624 Sixth Ave., Dayton, Kentucky Dayton, Kentucky’s retro sci-fi-themed Galactic Fried Chicken serves up crispy delights for carnivores and herbivores of all ages, all made using gluten-free batter. Owned by husband-and-wife team Shane Coffey and Kathy McDonald, the menu features the titular fried chicken, plus chicken tenders, sandwiches and classic sides like fries, deviled eggs, Texas toast and fried pickles. For vegetarians, the jackfruit nugget meal comes with eight nugs, a side of Galactic Sauce, slaw and housemade pickles. Galactic also doesn’t skimp on servings — there’s enough to keep for leftovers. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Tom + Chee Multiple locations What kid (or adult, for that matter) can resist the classic grilled-cheese-tomato-soup combo? Tom + Chee excels at the dynamic duo, with a variety of cheesy melts featuring different proteins like ham, bacon, chicken and even goetta locally; toppings from veggies to chips and fig preserves; and cheeses ranging from classic cheddar to pepper jack and goat cheese. No matter which melt you pick, they all pair well with Tom + Chee’s classic or creamy tomato soup. For a “Sweet Cheet,” try the melty S’more or Grilled Chee donuts. Photo: Facebook.com/4TomAndChee
Best Neighborhood Burger Spot (East Side) Winner: Zip’s Café Runners-up: Arthur’s, The Turf Club Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar 3539 Reading Road, Suite 101, Avondale If you crave those memories of grabbing a bowl of cereal and plopping yourself in front of the TV to watch Saturday morning cartoons and now want to experience that with your kids, this Avondale cereal bar can help. The nostalgia is real at Saturday Morning Vibes as it features cereals from around the world, as well as toppings like strawberries, whipped cream and more to add to your bowl. Their menu also has avocado toast, waffles, muffins, bagels, fresh fruit and local coffee. Photo: facebook.com/saturdaymvcafe
ACES Pickleball Bar + Grill 2730 Maverick Drive, Norwood This state-of-the-art pickleball complex features 11 cushion-based courts designed for all skill levels – both indoor and outdoor. After a fun game of pickleball with the family, head over to the full-service restaurant and bar, where the menu features dishes crafted with local and seasonal ingredients from regional farmers, artisans and producers. You can try elevated bar-fare appetizers like their brown sugar- and citrus-brined wings or loaded nachos topped with white queso, pickled jalapenos, cilantro, pico de gallo and lime crema. ACES also serves a range of sandwiches, bowls and salads and has a dedicated kids’ menu. Photo: facebook.com/Aces Pickleball + Kitchen
No. 5 Outdoor/Patio Dining: Dead Low Brewing 5959 Kellogg Ave., California Photo: facebook.com/DeadLowBrewing
Sleepy Bee Cafe 8 E. Fourth St., Downtown; 3098 Madison Road, Oakley; 9514 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash Again, what kid doesn’t love breakfast food? The difference here is just how elevated (yet affordable) the basics can taste. Serving locally sourced food for breakfast, brunch and lunch, Sleepy Bee Cafe offers both dine-in and carry-out options at multiple locations. Popular items include the Queen City Bee, which is a breakfast sandwich with goetta, apple, arugula, broken yolk egg and “nectar” sauce on a milk bun, and The Worker Bee, which is two eggs of any style, your choice of bacon, sausage and goetta or vegan goetta. Other items include different salads, sandwiches and soups, plus delicious fluffy pancakes. Photo: facebook.com/sleepybeecafe
Nation Kitchen & Bar Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Hoppin’ Vines 8150 Montgomery Road, Kenwood A hub for beer, duckpin bowling and coal-fired pizza, Hoppin’ Vines is the perfect playground for kids and adults alike. Kids can play a few rounds of duckpin bowling (a blend of bowling and skee ball) while you enjoy their weekly rotating collection of craft beers from all over the country. Personal pizzas make it easy for picky kids to get exactly what they like, and the mac & cheese is so good, you’ll be stealing from your kids’ plates. Photo: facebook.com/hoppinvines
The Wicked Pickle 123 Railroad Ave., Loveland If you tell your little one they’re going to a dollhouse for dinner, they just might believe you at The Wicked Pickle. Located along the Loveland Bike Trail, The Wicked Pickle is a charming spot to sip on a drink, eat some barbecue and watch bikers roll along the trail. The homey vibes stay strong with live music, a full bar and a menu stuffed with delicious items that feature their house-smoked pork. Of course, little ones can enjoy a kids’ menu with classics like grilled cheese, quesadillas and apple or pineapple fritters for dessert. Photo: facebook/wickedpickleloveland
Agave & Rye Multiple locations Diners flock to Agave & Rye to enjoy its vibrant murals and funky decor while chowing down on unique tacos. Your brave little eaters may find taco options like kangaroo, duck and crab to be the event of a lifetime. Less out-there options include butter-poached lobster, crispy cauliflower and crispy chicken. Picky eaters are still honored with simple-yet-sublime favorites like ground beef, chicken and even mac & cheese. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Skyline Chili Multiple locations The children must be baptized by the chili. And if their palates aren’t developed enough to appreciate the salty-sweet staple, there’s always a plain hotdog within reach. Kids born and raised here can’t remember a time before they tried Skyline — and for good reason. It has been one of the pioneers of Cincinnati culture since opening in 1949. First founded by Greek immigrants, the chili parlor pours it over spaghetti or hot dogs and tops it with a mound of cheese, oyster crackers and — depending on your preference — onions and beans. Also available are chili burritos, fries and vegetarian chili, which is made with black beans and rice. Photo: Provided by Skyline Chili
Camp Washington Chili 3005 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati Named one of the “10 Best Restaurants in Cincinnati” by USA Today, there’s no question as to why Camp Washington Chili has been operating since 1940. It is good eats! Despite having ‘chili’ in the name, this establishment offers many chili-free options, including burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, fries, coleslaw and salad. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Acres 9941 Reading Road, Evendale Hungry families who aren’t ready to commit to a junior golf schedule need to know about The Acres. Before it was recently overhauled and rebranded as The Acres, Etter’s Golf Center had offered a basic driving range and a small mini golf course since it opened in 1950. The Acres debuted in June 2022 and now features two mini golf courses, a Trackman interactive golf simulator and the golf center’s first full bar and restaurant. They also added space to just hang out. There are fire pits, cornhole boards and plenty of outdoor tables and seating. The food menu at The Acres’ restaurant is a short selection of what managing partner Todd Gailar calls “elevated American classics.” Photo: Brian Cross
Tickle Pickle Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Eli’s BBQ 3313 Riverside Dr., East Side Eli’s has provided over 15 outdoor picnic tables for dining, both in the sun and the shade. Celebrate a spring afternoon with a cold brew and some delicious barbecue like their pulled pork sandwich with a slide of jalapeno cheddar grits and baked beans. Bring your own beer and enjoy the warmth by the river. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
21. Cartridge Brewing 1411 Grandin Road, Kings Mills “A busy place, but great combo of amazing food and beer and they have options for the non beer drinkers! The boisterous atmosphere was perfect for a fun date night with a toddler in tow! The staff was super friendly and helpful. When our daughter fell in love with and devoured the pineapple beer garnish, they brought her a few more! So thoughtful!” — Andrea T. Photo: Sean M. Peters
Taste of Belgium at The Banks Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Hofbrauhaus 200 Third St., Newport Dining while parenting is all about strategy, and you can use the promise of doing the chicken dance on top of a table as plate-finishing leverage. This German bier hall is modeled after the original Hofbrauhaus in Munich and features house-brewed beer, German fare like soft-dough pretzels with bier cheese and wurst sausages, and servers in traditional dirndls. You’ll often find the sounds of German polka music, cheering and laughter drifting out into the streets — an atmosphere that will keep the kids entertained while you enjoy a bier (or two). Photo: facebook.com/hbhnewport
Milkman 1106 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Milkman serves up nostalgic vibes along with its unique take on diner food with smash burgers; fried chicken sandwiches that range from the classic to a spicy version, as well as “not a burger” options like hot dogs and fried chicken sandwiches. There are also options for non-meat eaters, including tofu nugs, plus the meat for any of the chicken sandwiches can be switched out for fried tofu. You also can’t leave without trying one of their milkshakes. (Pro tip: Go for one of the boozy ones.) Photo: facebook.com/Milkman OTR
LaRosa’s Multiple Locations Buddy LaRosa started in 1954 with only $400 dollars and his Aunt Dena’s pizza recipe. Now, in 2022, LaRosa’s is arguably the best-known pizza joint in Cincinnati. Serving pizzas, calzones, hoagies, fries, garlic bread, fried cheese sticks, salads, ravioli, spaghetti lasagna, and now hydroponically grown lettuce there is no question as to why the business has thrived for so long. Photo: Provided by LaRosa's