Best Family Restaurants In Nashville
Family-Friendly Dining in Nashville: Top Spots for Every Taste
Nashville, renowned for its rich musical heritage and Southern hospitality, also shines as a city brimming with family-friendly dining options. Whether you’re seeking a casual spot for a weekend brunch, a lively eatery with a play area for kids, or a restaurant that offers something special for every family member, Nashville’s diverse culinary scene has it all.Â
In this article, we’ll explore the best family restaurants in Nashville, highlighting places where delicious food meets a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring memorable dining experiences for families of all sizes and tastes.
Following are the best bites to grab that will be fun for everyone.
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#1: Elliston Place Soda Shop
This iconic meat and three establishment has been Nashville’s favorite stop for burgers, shakes, and sodas since 1939. Elliston Place offers a nostalgic environment that feels as though it has not changed since the 50s. The breakfast menu (served “all dadgum day”) is full of classic southern dishes. Buttermilk biscuits, eggs, pancakes, and bacon make an appearance. The fried chicken biscuits display the flavors of Tennessee. Two sunny-side-up eggs, crispy fried chicken (Classic or Nashville Hot,) and pepper gravy on a fluffy biscuit.
2105 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
615.327.1090
#2: Fenwick’s 300
This contemporary eatery offers delicious fare. The idea behind this modern spin on a classic diner was simple: create a unique space for a fantastic neighborhood. The owners love Kevin Bacon, so they named the place after his character from the 1982 classic Diner. The 300 is a reference to a perfect bowling game because the establishment used to be a bowling alley. Order the biscuits and jam—warm, fluffy buttermilk biscuits with an assortment of housemade jams. Kiddos will enjoy the giant pancake topped with warm maple syrup. Adults might like the corn beef hash, corned beef brisket, crispy sauerkraut potatoes, grilled onions, a poached egg, and topped off with creamy Hollandaise sauce.
615.840.6462
#3: Hugh-Baby’s
This old-school burger shack is full of french fries and chill vibes. Hugh-Baby’s idea is to offer a simple experience and focus on crafting the small things well. Hence, they have a streamlined menu full of budget-friendly food that has been shown the same dedication as a 5-star steakhouse. The beef is hand-ground, the fries are made from fresh potatoes each morning, and they smoke the BBQ overnight. Everything about Hugh-Baby’s is top quality yet frugal. The cheeseburger comes in at $5.29, and the pulled pork sandwich is $4.29. The real low-cost highlight is available on Fridays. The Slugburger is only $2.79, making it the cheapest sandwich in the city.
615.610.3340
#4: Lockeland Table
Serving children and adults alike since 2012. The Lockeland Table will sit the whole family with an inviting interior and patio seating. Executive Chef Hal cooked with his mother before attending culinary school. Because of his lifetime of experience, Hal has crafted a menu full of delicious options. For the family, order the empanadas of the night. Crispy, piping hot, and full of whatever savory concoction Hal cooked. For adults, the day’s fish makes for a delightful seafood treat. They select the fish from the market each morning, grill it, and serve it over smokey Gouda grits, tomatoes, zucchini, and squash, then top it off with charred capers and onion butter. The pizzas on the “youngins” menu will keep any kid happy — cheese or pepperoni pizza with a crispy crust and tangy tomato sauce.
615.228.4864
#5: Mafiaoza’s
For an educational and interactive dining experience, pick Mafiaoza’s. The ‘build-your-own’ pizza option lets kids roll the dough while the chefs enthrall them with their pizza-throwing prowess before heating your meal to perfection in a brick oven. Enjoy a chewy crust, tasty sauce, and whatever toppings the kids decided were best (Mafiaoza’s provides many, so if children lead the way, be prepared for some weird combinations!) As a side, try their delectable Ravioli Sticks.
615.269.4646
#6: Nicky’s Coal Fired
Nicky’s offers ‘Family Nights’ every Monday, where kids can eat pasta and pizza free with the purchase of an adult meal. And with Tony Galzin, a chef who’s won awards for best new restaurant AND Chef of the Year, that meal will satisfy your taste buds. The Classic Margherita Pie is as good as it gets! If your kids can indulge their sweet tooth, get them the Chocolate Gelato. On weekend mornings, you can grab a bagel and cream cheese from their shop, offering classic bagels and satisfying breakfast sandwiches.
615.678.4289
#7: The Pancake Pantry
The Pancake Pantry offers a fun breakfast for the whole family. Show up early; the lines are often long for Nashville’s favorite flapjacks. The bright color scheme and the staff are always warm and inviting. For starters, order the candied bacon—five strips of thick-cut bacon in brown sugar. For pancakes, it can be difficult to pick one of over a dozen flavors. However, the apricot-lemon rolled cakes are sweet and refreshing. For those in a more savory mindset, the grill cook’s medley will keep anyone satiated. Hash browns with ham, onions, green peppers, and tomatoes, grilled to a crisp, served with melted American and Swiss cheese with eggs on top with wheat toast.
615.383.9333
#8: Pastaria
Pastaria is a contemporary Italian restaurant. This fun eatery features plenty of seating, inside or out, and an open kitchen to watch the magic happen. Plus, crayons are available for the kiddos to draw on the paper tablecloths. For the table, start with the crispy risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella and served with herb aioli and marinara on the side. The Garganelli Pork Ragu is a delectable dish from the main menu. Organic, housemade pasta served with tender braised pork, sauteed mushrooms, and a citrus pecorino. Off the kid’s menu, the pasta shell mac n’ cheese is a classic dish with a modern twist.
615.915.1866
#9: Rosepepper Cantina
This creative Mexican fusion joint offers festive vibes accompanied by a tasty menu and some unique Margaritas for the adults. Rosepeppers’ strives to capture the soul of Old Mexico in the heart of Nashville. They have a large patio and plenty of indoor seating. The cuisine takes inspiration from the Sonoran tradition. For “Antojitos,” try the avocado fries. Crispy, fried avocado with a creamy center, served with a tomatillo dipping sauce. For the kids, the “Los Originales” is perfect. Two grilled tacos, corn or flour tortilla, with either ground beef or chicken, served with Spanish rice and refried beans. For the grown-ups, try the Fajitas Burrito – either shredded chicken breast or marinated beef with grilled veggies, wrapped in a giant flour tortilla and smothered in Rojo sauce.
615.227.4777
#10: Fat Bottom Brewing
Established in 2012, Fat Bottom Brewing opened its doors in East Nashville before expanding to Nations in West Nashville in early 2017. Fat Bottom Brewing produces inventive beers following globally acclaimed recipes. From a smoked pumpkin porter and prickly pear Saison to a bourbon barrel-aged oatmeal stout. Apart from the beers, Fat Bottom offers dishes such as burgers and small bites like crab cakes and wings. The brewery has a play area for kids, a patio, and a beer garden.
615.678.5715
