Most parents agree: Eating out with littles is hard. Whether you’re working with a picky eater in your family, trying to find nutritious options, or needing a nice-but-casual atmosphere, it can be tough to find a place where adults can dine well and littles eat happily.
Personally, my husband and I gravitate towards local establishments that create plates with quality ingredients and also have laid-back environments (meaning no one raises an eyebrow when we need to take our busy three-year-old for an impromptu stroll around the dining room). Check out some of these local favorites next time you’re headed out to eat with the kids.
Toot's
Known by adults for its great beer selection and legendary burgers, ribs, and wings, Toot’s also offers an award-winning kid’s menu for the 12 and under crowd. It’s hard to beat the free hot dog basket available with an adult meal purchase, or the $4.99 four-course kid’s menu offering favorites like chicken tenders, steamed broccoli, fresh fruit, and that crucial cup of ice cream with toppings children clean their plates for. Got a restless tot among you? Peruse the arcade or play the claw machine in the game room for prizes.
📍 Multiple locations in Rutherford County, TN | 🔗 toots.com
The Alley on Main
Adults love the personable staff, hand-crafted cocktails, and craveable plates like the steaks, fish, and signature spinach dip. Kids love the complementary goldfish appetizers and no-fuss options just for them like The Huck—a homemade meatball and hand-cut fries. The $4.99 kid’s meal comes with a homemade cookie to round out lunch or dinner. Kiddos with wiggles will enjoy looking out of the restaurant’s big windows and noticing the pictures and memorabilia on the walls.
📍 223 W. Main St. Murfreesboro | 📞 615-203-3498 | 🔗 thealleyonmain.com
Demos' Restaurant
The family that made one of the area’s most successful restaurants continues to be good to the families who dine with them by offering flavorful low-calorie, gluten-free, and other need-sensitive menus next to famous staples like lasagna, seafood, and steaks. From the kid's menu little diners 10 and under can order generous portions of grilled chicken tenderloin, spaghetti with meat sauce or Alfredo, hamburger, or steak medallions with hash browns alongside the restaurant's legendary "The" baked chicken soup. Kid’s menu items range from $4.29-$7.99.
📍 1115 NW Broad St. Murfreesboro | 📞 615-895-3701 | 🔗 demosrestaurant.com
The City Cafe
After 120 years of business, Tennessee's oldest restaurant continues its tradition of serving its patrons, from the heartiest eater to the smallest, with tasty family recipes and a home kitchen feel. Little ones can get a PB & J or grilled cheese, chicken tenders, fish, or the owners are happy to make a custom meal to fit a children’s menu for around $6 or less. Check out the daily chalkboard specials for homemade sides like turnip greens, creamed corn, and purple hulled peas, or scratch-made desserts like fudge pie, chess pie, and fruit cobblers.
📍 113 East Main St. Murfreesboro | 📞 615-893-1303 | 🔗 citycafemboro.com
Slick Pig BBQ and Catering
Heralded for its hickory-smoked wings and slow-smoked Boston Butt, Slick Pig is a favorite with diners of all ages and stages. Little eaters can get their own $1.50 pulled pork sandwiches or grilled cheese any day, with a $4.99 kid's meal including any entrée and favorite homemade side (like the mac and cheese, or baked or white beans). Picky eaters can enjoy a hot dog, burger, or piece of fried fish for less than $3, and kids eat free on Thursdays. TVs and benches mean that seating is casual, and no one minds busy little feet.
📍 1920 East Main St. Murfreesboro | 📞 615-890-3583 🔗 slickpigbbq.com
Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama living in the Blackman Community of Murfreesboro with her husband Nathan and their two children. Follow @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram for more family fun in and around the city.