Discovering Pittsburgh: A Family-Friendly Guide

Discovering Pittsburgh: A Family-Friendly Guide

Traveling with kids can come with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to dining out. I totally get that! Luckily, Pittsburgh is brimming with child-friendly restaurants! Not only will your little ones enjoy delicious meals, but many of these spots also offer a variety of entertaining activities and spaces to keep them happy—making life much easier for parents.

During our recent three-day family trip to Pittsburgh, we dined out for every meal. Here’s a roundup of the kid-friendly restaurants that I absolutely loved in Pittsburgh.

1. Coop Deville

If you find yourself in Pittsburgh, you absolutely must check out Coop Deville. The name says it all; chicken is the star here. The atmosphere is very laid-back, and there are plenty of activities for kids. The food is delicious, with a charming kids' menu that adds to the fun, vibrant environment.

This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s also a place to bowl, play arcade games, try your luck at pinball, or dive into board games. It’s the perfect spot for families wanting to catch up with friends. You can order food at the counter, grab some tokens for games, or head to the Tiki trailer to bowl while waiting for your food notification.

Pro tip: The portions are huge! I ordered two kids' meals (grilled chicken and fried chicken), and the kids easily shared them.

2. Federal Galley

Federal Galley is a unique food hall in Pittsburgh featuring four different restaurants all in one space. The outdoor seating is spacious, and the bar offers an exciting selection of cocktails and local beers.

You can place your order right from your table using a QR code. There’s plenty of outdoor space for kids to play. My children loved the fried chicken and fries from Given To Fly, while I devoured the Detroit-style pizza from Driven PGH. The portions here are also quite generous!

Pro tip: Many of Pittsburgh's famous attractions are within walking distance from here. Enjoy a meal here before or after visiting the Children’s Museum (just a minute away) or the National Aviary (a six-minute walk).

3. Puttshack

If you want your kids to finish their meals, treat them to a round of mini-golf afterward! Puttshack features a fun 9-hole mini-golf course that’s enjoyable for all ages. For the kids, I ordered flatbread and cheeseburgers, while the adults shared a few appetizers.

Pro tip: Don’t miss their signature cocktails; I absolutely loved the Spiced Pineapple Mezcal Margarita topped with a jalapeño popper!

4. Eatn’ Park

Eatn’ Park is a local gem that has been serving up Pittsburgh’s best breakfast for 75 years. They are famous for their Smiley Cookies, which every child receives for free upon arrival. Who doesn’t love a free cookie?

My family is all about breakfast since everyone is usually in a good mood, not too tired, and often quite hungry. We had breakfast here, but Eatn’ Park also serves lunch and dinner.

Menu tip: Be sure to order their giant pancakes or waffles! They also have a variety of specialty pancakes like Banana Foster, Strawberry, Blueberry, Chocolate Chip, Confetti, Coconut Creme, and Cookies & Cream.

5. Threadbare Cider House

If you’re on the hunt for the best pizza in Pittsburgh, head to Threadbare Cider House for their sourdough pizza. Try out some local ciders and order a cider flight. If cider isn’t your thing, they also offer beer and cocktails.

Plus, there are large light-up boards with colorful lights and games to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy your drinks. I recommend picking up a bottle of your favorite cider to take back to the hotel for a quiet nightcap once the kids are asleep.

Pro tip: The menu is relatively small, but everything is made with great care. My kids enjoyed the cheese pizza, meatballs, and truffle mac & cheese.

6. Mad Mex

After a day of exploring Pittsburgh, nothing beats enjoying tacos and tequila. Mad Mex has several locations in the area, and we really love Mexican food, although my kids sometimes aren’t big fans of dining at Mexican restaurants.

Fortunately, Mad Mex has a kids’ menu featuring several Mexican options like tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and burritos, along with other favorites like Dino Nuggets & Fries, Mac & Cheese (made in-house), and Grilled Chicken. Kids’ meals also come with a brownie and ice cream!

Menu tip: Stop by during happy hour for drink discounts!

7. Southern Tier Brewery Taphouse

I love visiting breweries when I travel to try local beers. Adam is a big fan of Southern Tier, so when we found out they had a taphouse in Pittsburgh, we had to stop by. With over 30 beers on tap, a spacious beer garden, and a food menu full of kid-friendly options, it’s a great choice for families.

Pro tip: This is one of the best places for a meal or drinks before or after a game at PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium, both within walking distance.

8. Strip District Terminal & Strip District

If you’re not sure where to eat in Pittsburgh, the Strip District is the place to go. Here, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh along with a variety of food options. My family enjoyed playing at Puttshack, indulging the kids with ice cream from OddFellows Ice Cream Co. in Posman Books, and sipping beers at Aslin Beer Company, all located within the Strip District Terminal.

Pro tip: If you can’t find street parking, there’s a large parking lot behind the Strip District Terminal.

9. Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

No list of Pittsburgh dining options would be complete without mentioning Primanti Bros! This is one of the most famous restaurants in Pittsburgh, but I ran out of time to visit. Established in 1933, Primanti Bros in the Strip District is known for their signature sandwiches. While the restaurant caters mostly to adults, they do have a kids’ menu with fried chicken, so I think it deserves a spot on my list of family-friendly eateries in Pittsburgh.

Pro tip: Order online for delivery or takeout and enjoy your sandwich in a park or by the river.

10. Noodlehead

For the best Thai food in Pittsburgh, check out Noodlehead. My family once lived in Thailand, and I absolutely adore Thai cuisine. Noodlehead is famous for its dishes inspired by Thai street food. Adam and I both love the classic Pad See Eww and Pad Thai.

I ordered a variety of dishes for the kids, who enjoyed crispy spring rolls, pork buns, Thai fried chicken, and simple egg noodles. I recommend bringing along some snacks just in case the kids don’t find something they like.

Pro tip: They only accept cash. BYOB (bring your own beverage) is allowed, and there’s no corkage fee.

Dining Out with Kids: A Few Tips

Dining out with kids isn’t always easy, but choosing the right restaurant can make things a lot more enjoyable. I hope this guide to kid-friendly restaurants in Pittsburgh helps you discover some exciting dining spots for your family. What do you think is the best place to eat with kids in Pittsburgh?

Here are a few items I always bring along when dining out with kids: Antibacterial wipes – Because restaurant high chairs and kids' hands aren’t always clean, I like to wipe them down before letting the kids eat. I prefer these child-friendly antibacterial wipes. Disposable table covers – These are fantastic. They stick to the table or high chair, and you can relax knowing your child won’t make a mess while eating without worry.