When you have young kids, finding a family dining restaurant chain becomes a priority. You want a restaurant that can cater to the needs of young children like kid-friendly menus and high chairs. At the same time, since you’re dining as a family or group then you would prefer restaurants that offer platter style items or shareable menu items so you can try different foods at a reasonable cost.
That said, here are our recommendations for the best family restaurant chains in America:
Benihana
Benihana was created by Hiroaki Aoki who opened his first restaurant in 1964. The first Benihana had an authentic Japanese farmhouse interior. The highly trained teppanyaki chefs would prepare the food in steel teppanyaki grills in front of their customers delighting them with intricate knife work and theatrics.
I have been to Benihana a few times and sometimes we would bring our toddler with us. Benihana has the cutest kids menu that converts into a hat and a coloring material. Their Kabuki Kids menu is for children 12 and under and you can pick from many different entrees, sides, and drinks. PLUS the menu will also keep your little one busy while waiting for the teppanyaki show to start.
IHOP
IHOP offers its guests an affordable everyday dining experience and are particularly famous for their all-day breakfast menu which include a variety of pancakes and omelets. Their kids menu has options that your children will absolutely love, and best of all, the selections cost no more than $7. If you’re planning to have a big breakfast or brunch with your family, IHOP should always be at the top of your list.
Denny’s
Denny’s holds a special place for many of us. Dining here often brings back nostalgia of late-night meals or the comfort of a classic American breakfast. With over 1,500 locations across the US, this 24-hour diner-style chain is best known for its hearty breakfast offerings.
The Grand Slam is a build-your-own four-piece breakfast plate for just $10 and it remains one of the best deals out there. Plus, their amazing hashbrowns and family meals are not to be missed. So, while it might not be a fancy sit-down restaurant, Denny’s consistently serves up that diner charm and delicious food that keeps us coming back for more.
Golden Corral
Buffets have always been part of our culture. Birthdays, promotions, anniversaries and other special occasions are often celebrated in buffet restaurants. What makes Golden Corral particularly popular with families is that you can have an all-you-can-eat buffet for just $12. What’s more is that kids get a discounted rate between $9 to $10 per person while toddlers (3 and under) eat for free. They offer a great price for unlimited food which for me is always a winner.
Olive Garden
My family usually celebrates birthdays at Olive Garden. They offer generous portions and affordable prices, and the ambience is on point. They have a kids menu as well, with popular options like Macaroni & Cheese, Chicken Fingers and more. Everyone in my family loves the breadsticks at Olive Garden, and while many might say they don’t make authentic Italian dishes, I say so what? You go there for the food – Italian or otherwise. Plus, the ambience is comfortable and service is consistent.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel might be America’s #1 family dining restaurant and also the most loved Southern restaurant. There are 630 Cracker Barrel locations across the country and yet despite being a restaurant chain, eating at a Cracker Barrel feels like home.
But what is it about Cracker Barrel that people absolutely love? In a fast-moving modern world, this restaurant chain remains a place you can go to in order to get Southern comfort food. It still has the same menu you’ve enjoyed as a kid, same candy, same games. Dining at Cracker Barrel with your kids always feels very nostalgic and homey.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans is a casual dining chain known for its rustic ambiance, sausages, and “farm-fresh” meals available all day. The brand prides itself on offering traditional, nostalgic cuisine. Initially gaining popularity for its sausages, Bob Evans’ early customer base consisted largely of truck drivers.
Today, Bob Evans Restaurants operates nearly 500 locations in 18 states. People go there for their delicious table farm-fresh foods and family style meals.
McDonald’s
I know McDonald’s is not what usually comes to mind when we talk about sit-down restaurants, but hear me out. At one point or another, no matter how much you enjoy a family dinner at Olive Garden, we sometimes find ourselves craving a large Big Mac and Fries meal.
It’s the kind of comfort food that brings back memories of childhood and road trips. Mickey D’s may not offer the same dining experience as a traditional family restaurant, but it provides a sense of familiarity and satisfaction that’s hard to beat.