On the day of your family’ photo session, you may not want the hassle of having to get ready everyone ready in coordinated outfits AND provide a nourishing meal. Instead you may opt to have you meal out. Asheville has so many amazing one of a kind and chain restaurants to choose from. Here are some of my favorite kid-friendly Asheville Restaurants to go to when you have young kiddos!
Second to (or maybe even tied with) Asheville’s beer scene, the restaurants in the area are a huge draw for many.
However, what happens when you are a big foodie but your child lives off only the kid menu favorites? Or maybe you’re looking for a restaurant that’s just a little extra kid friendly to make things more enjoyable for everyone?
While photographing for out-of-towners, I’m often asked for recommendations and this is my current go-to list:
For more typical kid-friendly Asheville Restaurants options:
Entertainment and a good meal?!?! Yes, please!
Located in West Asheville, Pizza Mind lets kids 12 and under try their hands at making their own, perfect pizza. Once you order, servers will bring out dough for them to shape and then sauce, cheese and a choice of one topping for them to finish creating their masterpiece.
As an added bonus, Pizza Mind also has some of the best and most creative pizza options in the area.
This is a perfect one-stop-shop to find condensed menus of some of the most popular eating spots in Asheville.
Serving everything from chicken nuggets and sandwiches at Buxton Chicken Palace (of Buxton Hall BBQ fame) to Thai inspired buns at Bun Intended (one of the best food trucks in the area), this fabulous food hall in the historic S&W building is always one of my top recommendations.
It is sure to satisfy and give you a wonderful “best of Asheville” experience in one, family friendly location.
Current on-site restaurants include: Farm Dogs, Bun Intended, Mikasa Criolla, Buxton Chicken Palace, Gourmand, The Hop Ice Cream, and Highland Brewery.
While there are 3 locations in Asheville, the River Arts is my favorite (especially with kids)!
Located right on the river, you can enjoy the outdoors from one of the many picnic tables they have set up overlooking the river. Meanwhile, your kids can run around and play in the grass nearby.
Duck Taco is another restaurant that blends great kid options (ground beef tacos, chicken tender tacos and quesadillas) with an eclectic selection that adults can get excited about (think lamb gyro, lump crab, and Duck with Mole).
Don’t let the combination of kids and spicy food scare you away from this hugely popular spot.
Not only can all items be made mild enough for even the most sensitive stomach, kids also have an option between a chicken tender (they’re huge!), chicken leg or even a “non-chick” cutlet with a choice of side (everything from mac & cheese to waffles!) on their kids’ menu.
Their south Asheville location even has a playground next door!
Located in an old fire station right next to Pack’s Square (and a super fun splash pad in the summer!) Pack’s Tavern is super popular with both tourists and locals alike.
Think elevated bar food and a large assortment of local taps for adults and a kids menu with all the standards ( chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, etc).
This is a great spot to enjoy when you’re exploring downtown.
For when you want something a little more “special” but also want to make sure your picky eaters will find something they like:
Maybe you’re a foodie wanting more than a casual bite or a parent hoping for something a little more special but also want to make sure you won’t have to worry about your kids getting the stink eye or not being able to find anything they would eat.
Asheville actually has many restaurants that are way more kid friendly than they may initially seem.
Serving some of the best Italian food (and pizza!) in the area, it manages to combine family friendly with a date night favorite, perfectly! Did you know they also offer rooftop dining?
Located in Weaverville this is one of my favorite restaurants with or without kids. Luckily, they have a kids menu that even I’ve been known to munch off of a time or two (think burgers, pasta, chicken fingers and a yummy grilled cheese).
Want sushi but know there’s no way your kid will look at it and not gag? This fun spot could be perfect for you! They have locations in West and North Asheville and serve up a huge menu of burgers and Asian fare. My kids absolutely LOVE their bento boxes!
With what may be the best rooftop in downtown Asheville, this is one of the top tourist destinations in the city. While the regular menu is mainly cuban food, they do have a kids menu with all the basics (burger, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, etc).
Don’t let your fear of your kids’ unadventurous taste buds keep you away from some of the amazing food options Asheville has to offer. Do you know of other kid-friendly Asheville Restaurants? Drop your favorites in the comments.
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