Austin is an amazing city for families, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities for locals and visitors alike.
When it comes to dining, there is no shortage of fantastic family-friendly options. The Texas capital is famous for its outdoor dining scene, including food trucks and plenty of patios that are perfect for the kids. As the city with the most MICHELIN-Starred barbecue restaurants, Austin proves that world-renowned cuisine can still be approachable for all ages.
Below, we share some of our favorite family-friendly restaurants in Austin, Texas.
Veracruz Fonda & Bar (Bib Gourmand)
With a large and colorful dining area and patio, this Bib Gourmand offers the perfect setting for a family meal. Guests of all ages will appreciate the vibrant visuals from both the restaurant's decor and the chef's delicious food.
Inspector notes: “The menu spotlights what they're known for—tacos—and adds in antojitos and a few larger plates here. Blue corn tortillas are made in house and are delicious folded around queso fresco and crispy epazote, or a cochinita taco with tender braised pork, fried plantain, and red onion habanero lime escabeche. Conchas are the perfect sweet treat, and here they offer pecan and lime versions as well as the more typical chocolate and vanilla.”
Briscuits (Bib Gourmand)
Food trucks can be a great option for families, and Briscuits is one of those places that makes the experience feel just right. There’s plenty of room for kids to run around, and food-wise, few things go together as perfectly as biscuits and barbecue.
Inspector notes: “You won't want to wait for a bite of their melt-in-your-mouth brisket and flakey biscuit sandwich with a swoop of smoked strawberry jam thrown in for good measure. Or, try the pork belly with spiced apple pear preserves, a fried chicken biscuit, or even a simple egg sandwich biscuit—it's all good. To top it all off, beef sausage and wings, as well as sides like pimento cheese grits, round out their barbecue staples.”
Distant Relatives (Bib Gourmand)
Located at a brewery with plenty of parking and big bathrooms, this food truck has delicious meats in a vibrant setting. It’s easy to find children playing around in the outdoor area and perhaps you'll even hear some live music. For food, it's certainly not your granddaddy's barbecue.
Inspector notes: “There is a stern nose to tail and root to stem ethos here, where you'll find everything from pulled pork and brisket to chicken smoked using pecan wood and mixed hardwood. Classic pork sausage flecked with red pepper flakes impresses with its dialed-in flavor, but it's the chicken with chile vinegar butter that is the true standout. A rotating list of sides may include burnt ends with black-eyed peas and smoky spice-rubbed peanuts.”
Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop
This East Austin mainstay, run by the Avila family since 1962, is no frills but all heart with delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. The team has decades of experience serving groups of all kinds, including large gatherings and families with kids.
Inspector notes: “Breakfast is offered all day here, and their twice-fried bacon is legendary for its crisp texture, so a bacon and egg taco is always a good idea. Another morning standout is the Migas tacos. Served on their house-made flour tortilla and filled with scrambled eggs mixed with crispy corn tortillas, peppers, and cheese, it's a delicious treat. Craving something sweet? The bakery case is brimming with conchas and other delights, but if you're not in a breakfast mood, the barbacoa is spot on. Add a tortilla and some pico and you're all set. “
Maie Day
The space is large and boisterous with no need to for guests (including kids) to keep inside voices. Dishes are served family-style, which is great for everyone to get a taste of different flavors. The menu almost reads like a traditional steakhouse, but the cooking is inventive and heartfelt—very fitting for a more upscale yet approachable family dinner. Even better, the restaurant is located inside the MICHELIN-recommended South Congress Hotel.
Inspector notes: “Everything is shareable and seafood-focused starters are a good place to start. Tackle the pile of blue crab claws in a garlic-butter sauce so good you'll be sopping it up with bread. Meats stray from standard with selections like whiskey-brined pork chop and chicken fried steak with black pepper-dotted white gray. The sides are creative and seasonal with just a hint of nostalgia (we see you, blooming onion), but don’t overlook the sensational seasonal vegetables.”
la Barbecue (One MICHELIN Star)
Treating the whole family to a MICHELIN-Starred meal does not need to be an expensive endeavor. This affordable spot by Ali Clem has sandwiches for under $20 and plenty of outdoor patio seating for the kids. Barbecue is cooked in a massive, custom-built pit, and inside, it's a simple space enlivened with bright colors and a disarming playlist with Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton. To avoid a longer wait, try not to go during peak hours.
Inspector notes: “Your patience will be rewarded with a first taste of the brisket as you reach the counter. You will marvel at the sublimely succulent, flavorful beef, but don't overlook the array of equally tempting offerings like house-made sausages, and pork or beef ribs. The team likes to keep things spicy, as in the chipotle cole slaw or fresh kimchi. Don't miss the mac and cheese.”
Hero image: Sav Shrestha / Veracruz Fonda & Bar
