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Top 5
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Whether they are moving locally or relocating from afar, clients are always asking me for various local recommendations. And it's really a perk of the job - I need to check out the best attractions frequently to be able to give you my opinion!
This month I'm focusing on kid-friendly restaurants. My criteria for kid-friendly is pretty simple: it has food my kids will eat, we aren't sneered at for bringing two small, excited, loud, and sometimes messy humans, and it serves adult friendly beverages.
For the purposes of this blog, no chains will be included (but we're lovers of Moe's and the Olive Garden and we feel zero shame for it.)
Enjoy! And be sure to let me know your favorite!
February 2023
ELRE Top 5
www.erinlewisrealestate.com
#5
Festivals
Pick a festival, any festival! One of the many reasons I see no reason to travel in the summer is our bustling festival scene. Start out at the Lilac Festival in May, continue through the summer until the Fringe Festival at the end of September, and you've got 6 months of food and fun to check out!
Everyone will be able to find a food truck with something scrumptious (my forever favorite is the Meatball Truck!). I can't think of a festival that doesn't include at least tastings of local wine and/or craft beer and if your kids are anything like mine, they will run and play and dance and head home exhausted with some powered sugar stuck to their lips.
Try: meatballs in a cup
February 2023
ELRE Top 5
www.erinlewisrealestate.com
#4
If you're looking for something a little fancier for a special celebration (or a Tuesday), Compane is the spot. While it doesn't have a dedicated kids menu, there are a few delicious options that most kiddos will enjoy.
I have a burger LOVER in my house. And when I say burger, I mean a bun, the burger, and some cheese. NOTHING else. My little guy devoured the cheeseburger at Compane.
My daughter shies away from most meats, so she opted for the cheese pizza (and our server did his best Kevin McAllister impression for her: "a large cheese pizza just for me!")
They also offer butter noodles for the pasta loving, sauce avoiding kids.
Try: the house meatballs
February 2023
ELRE Top 5
www.erinlewisrealestate.com
Believe it or not, breweries are awesome spots for families. They are all casual, kid friendly, and usually have a game or two to play. We love the Brew House for the atmosphere, some good pub fare, and a brewski or two.
The kids are happy to eat a quesadilla or burger and to check out the gift shop. The view of high falls is unmatched and you can walk to a Red Wings game from there - perfect for a fun family day.
Try: the bavarian pretzels
February 2023
ELRE Top 5
www.erinlewisrealestate.com
As former Park Avenue neighborhood residents, we spent many Saturday afternoons grabbing lunch here - and we never stopped! We'll happily drive there now that we live out in the burbs (even if the parking can be dicey).
Our kids will scarf down the mac and cheese, pizza, and even the egg salad sandwich. A great spot for people watching, sit outside on a beautiful day and odds are good you'll be able to pet an adorable pup too!
A bonus: you can sit in the chair President Obama sat in when he ate lunch there!
Try: the Obama Special
February 2023
ELRE Top 5
www.erinlewisrealestate.com
#1
We've been big fans of Salena's since my firstborn was about 3 months old and the manager gave us free flan after mistaking her for a boy (to be fair, she was bald and wearing blue).
My kids love Mexican food (because they are humans with taste buds) and Salena's includes a "decorate your own cookie" with all kid's meals. So that means they take their time frosting a cookie while I finish up my second margarita. It's a win-win.
Try: the stuffed avocados
February 2023