When I moved back to Annapolis as a young 22 year old, family-friendly restaurants were never on my radar. Bars, nightlife, pubs… that’s what I paid attention to. Now fast forward, I still very much enjoy going out in this town, and not slaving away in the kitchen every night. The difference now? Instead of a hungry overwork tired man in tow with me, I have a hungry happy energetic toddler by my side. Yes, dining out can be an adventure… but luckily for me, there are some great restaurants in the area who are always happy to accommodate families and their children!
Check out some of my favorite Family-Friendly Dining Options here in Annapolis, Maryland:
Grump’s Cafe
Known in town for their burgers, Grump’s is a great little restaurant that offers a variety of menu items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One of my favorite parts? They assign a “toy” to your table! Yes, there are toys to keep your kids entertained and busy while you wait for food.
Metro Diner Cafe
Metro has quickly become one of my favorite places to take my son as they focus on serving locally sourced farm fresh, natural ingredients and organic beverages. They offer Touch Screen Ordering, and the food is often ready in 10 minutes or less. Every Wednesday from 5-8pm, they offer Family Night! This often includes fun entertainment, crafts, and activities for kids to participate in.
Boatyard Bar & Grill
Don’t be fooled by the “Bar” in the title! Boatyard has always been accommodating to my and son and I. Their crab cakes are delicious and the food is reasonable priced for a restaurant in the downtown area. I love that their children’s menu includes seafood.
Chick & Ruth’s Delly
Located right on Main Street, this deli is known for their breakfast, sandwiches, and colossal shakes! The atmosphere is very casual and kid-friendly. They offer 4 great “Challenges” as featured on the TV show Man vs. Food. Definitely worth a stop if you are in town with a hungry group of kids!
Mike’s Restaurant and Crab House
If you want crabs and outdoor dining, Mike’s is your place! The staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is casual and perfect for kids and families. If your kids enjoy looking at boats, definitely sit outside! Many boaters dock right at the restaurant and there is a gorgeous view of the South River.
Chris’ Charcoal Pit
If you enjoy Greek food, definitely check out Chris’ Charcoal Pit! Year after year, their gyros are voted the BEST in Annapolis. The restaurant is family-owned, and yes, sometimes you’ll see the family running around. Creates a great kid-friendly atmosphere. Plus it is also a wonderful way to introduce your children to new cuisine… GREEK!
Buffalo Wild Wings
I know, you may be thinking… “Isn’t that a sports bar??” Well yes, it is in a sense. There is a separate dining area at our Annapolis location geared towards kids though. Wednesday Nights are Kids Night where Kid’s Meals are only $0.99!! So this mom gets to enjoy a beverage and watch a game on the big screen, while my son enjoys his grilled chicken tenders, while watching cartoons on the other big screen. Win win!
California Tortilla
I can’t help but add this establishment to the list! Yes, I know it’s a chain restaurant, but the Annapolis location is one of the best around. The staff is super friendly and always greets you with a smile. They even have a Kids Eat Free night! On Thursday, after 5 PM, you can receive a FREE Kids Meal when you purchase one adult entree. How awesome is that?
Next time you and your family are in Maryland, definitely come and stop by the State capital of Annapolis! There are plenty of family-friendly dining options and hopefully you consider one of the places I mentioned above.
I have not been financially compensated in any way from the establishments listed above. This is simply 100% my own opinion based on my time dining in Annapolis.
We’ve been to Metro Diner Cafe a few times when shopping at the Whole Foods and Target. Had a salad there that was really really good. And a friend of mine is a regular at California Tortilla. I’ll have to check out these other places, though! We moved to the area 2 years ago, but still have never heard of most on this list.
Finding a family friendly place to eat isn’t easy sometimes but seems you did it. Love that your son is such a good eater. LOL
Annapolis looks like such a cute town!
We live in the West, so it’s always fun to see what chains and restaurants people out East go to. These all look yummy and I’d definitely go to Mike’s Restaurant and Crab House. I love fresh crab and it sounds fun to eat right on the river.
If we ever go to Annapolis, I will definitely stop at Grump’s…with 2 toddlers eating a restaurant can be pretty stressful, so it’s wonderful that they take interest in entertaining the kiddos!
I’ve never been to Annapolis but if I ever get there I will go to Grumpy’s just because of the name. :)
I shall be sure to check some of these out if I ever happen to be in the area as they look lovely <3 x
Ooo looks yummy! Family friendly combined with yummy food sounds perfect ot me.
The crab house would be #1 on my family’s list! We all love seafood even my 3 year old! Yum!
All these places sound great. I do miss the seafood from that area since we moved to the West Coast 8 years ago. Man, those crabs from Mike’s Crab House look delicious!
I love that the Boatyard Bar & Grill offers fish in their children’s menu, you don’t often see that! I am also participating in the #cbias restaurant blog tour.
Monica at Older Mommy Still Yummy
I’ll be moving to that area next month and I’ll love seeing if my boyfriend knows any of these restaurants!
My hubby would want to try the crab house. LOL! LOVE that pic of your son!