Eating out in Boston with kids couldn’t be simpler. This city packs in a huge amount, and you won’t struggle to find a spot that satisfies the grown-ups while keeping the younger ones happy too.
Here’s our list of the best restaurants in Boston to take kids to.
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If you’re planning a family trip to Boston, it helps to know a few eateries that are welcoming to kids, fun to visit, and still satisfying for parent tastes.
Bostonian food favourites to try
- Clam chowder
- Boston cream pie – the official dessert of Massachusetts
- Boston baked beans with brown bread
- Seafood – whole lobster, lobster rolls, or whole belly clams
#1. Dine at Quincy Market
There’s always plenty happening at Quincy Market, where more than 50 food stalls serve everything from Boston’s famous clam chowder to kid-pleasing pizza and hot dogs. You’re sure to find something everyone will enjoy.
Mingle with the locals at one of the communal tables, or head outside in fine weather and find a bench to dine on. The kids will love watching the street performers and live acts.
#2. Joe’s
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If you’re looking for simple, tasty food, generous portions, good prices and great service, try Joe’s on Newbury or Joe’s Waterfront near Faneuil Hall.
The kids’ menu is reasonably priced and includes burgers, chicken, fish and pasta, with every selection including a drink and a kids’ sundae. Grown-ups are well catered for too, with a great choice of seafood, salads and steaks, and terrific service throughout.
#3. Pizza at Regina Pizzeria
Regina Pizzeria has been serving Boston locals since 1926, so you know they’re doing something right. They have several locations around the city, but a favourite of ours is the one in Fenway — a great spot for a casual lunch and Boston’s most popular pizza, hot and fresh from the brick oven.
#4. Seafood specials
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If you’re keen to try Boston’s famous grilled lobster or creamy clam chowder, give Jasper White’s Summer Shack a try. Situated near Fenway on Dalton Street, this casual, fun seafood restaurant serves cherrystone clams, buffalo shrimp and crab cakes. Don’t worry if the kids aren’t seafood fans — their kids’ menu includes fried chicken, cheeseburgers and pasta too.
Legal Seafoods is another favourite, with multiple locations across Boston and beyond. Their kids’ menu includes fried popcorn shrimp and fish and chips, and if your child wants to try lobster, that’s on offer for kids too.
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#5. Gourmet burgers with a fun twist
A Cambridge favourite since 1960, Mr. Bartley’s Gourmet Burgers names its burgers after political figures and local celebrities, which makes reading the menu genuinely entertaining.
The sweet potato fries are excellent, and while the frappes are more like milkshakes, they’ve been voted best in Boston and are well worth trying. A children’s menu is also available.
#6. Zaftig’s
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We used to live in Brookline and took our baby daughter to Zaftig’s regularly. It’s a Jewish deli and restaurant located at Coolidge Corner (on the Green Line), popular for its delicious breakfast options, and it offers an all-day menu with dishes like loaded latkes and chicken matzo ball soup. It does get busy, so either come at off-peak times or put your name down and have a wander around Coolidge Corner while you wait.
Their kids’ menu has breakfast options like silver dollar pancakes or a mini fruit plate, while for lunch and dinner, kids can enjoy mac and cheese or a sirloin burger.
#7. Best Boston Cream Pie
Everything looks good at the Flour Café and Bakery, and the great atmosphere makes it a lovely place to go with kids. The sandwiches and salads are delicious, but it’s the pastries, cakes and tarts that really stand out.
Go ahead and treat yourself to the best Boston cream pie in the city.
#8. Sam La Grassa’s
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Looking for a quick bite and a tasty sandwich? Head to Sam La Grassa’s on Province Street. Service is always speedy and friendly, with a huge choice of meats, salads and sauces served on the freshest bread.
The pastrami, chipotle chicken and corned beef are all highly recommended — and don’t skip the potato salad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What food should we try in Boston with kids?
Look out for Bostonian classics like clam chowder, Boston baked beans with brown bread, seafood such as lobster rolls or whole belly clams, and Boston cream pie — the official dessert of Massachusetts.
Do these restaurants have dedicated kids’ menus?
Yes, most of the spots on this list — including Joe’s, Legal Seafoods, Zaftig’s, Summer Shack and Mr. Bartley’s — offer dedicated kids’ menus with family-friendly options and drinks included.
Is Quincy Market a good choice for a family meal?
It’s a great option if everyone wants something different. With more than 50 food stalls, communal seating, outdoor benches and street performers to watch, it works well for families with mixed tastes.
Where’s a good spot for a quick, kid-friendly lunch?
Sam La Grassa’s on Province Street is ideal for a fast, tasty sandwich, and Regina Pizzeria in Fenway is a solid choice if the kids are after pizza.
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