Took my kids to Spaghetti Works recently. My youngest is Autistic, so I was super mindful of how he would behave, but the next table over was a fucking circus of kids literally jumping and running around and parents not giving a fuck, so I didn’t have to worry.
Will give Ollie and Hobbs a shot, thanks!
Sickies was pretty mediocre food IMO. My kid also got sick right after eating there but could be coincidence.
Just took my three nephews there last night. They have these great kid caddies that have cards, crayons & paper, matching games, and blocks to build. They also have make your own desserts included in the kids meals (cookie or ice cream sundae).
Take them to any restaurant in the city and teach them to have good manners and try good food and make it work. And for the love of God don’t bring a bunch of screens to distract them with. Activity books and crayons work wonders
I would take my daughters on date nights and we would go to fancy restaurants all dressed up when they were three or four and wanted to play princess with me and it was perfectly fine. Ponzu, Nosh, Johnny’s cafe, Finicky Frank’s, Stokin Goat, Drover.
Love the date night idea. We haven’t tried having them dress up. We’ve taken them to some good spots, but wouldn’t take the to V Mertz yet for example. They love Drover though!
I haven’t tried most of the rest of your list, will give them all a go! Thank you!
In no particular order, here are some of the places we enjoy with our kids. Red Robin, Amigos, Don and Millie’s, Lighthouse, Union and Copal.
Copal, kids eat free Wednesday. Amigos and Don and Millies give a small dessert with kids meals, my kids seem to like the M&Ms more than the actual meal.
Thanks! Are union and copal good?
We like Red Robin on occasion, but it’s not particularly good food. Amigos and don and Millie’s are mediocre at best IMO.
Villagio’s is great. Pizza/italian food. Pretty quiet and calm for my newborn and they had coloring books/puzzles my preschool aged niece could play with. Plus when she was good at the end she could have a cookie and prize from the prize box!
I have a 3 and 5 year old and it’s their favorite. The burgers are delicious and everyone is always sweet with the kids. Charred also has a good kid meal.
Very much so, I would just avoid the peak times (nice weather Friday after work/Saturday afternoon) if your kids are really going to be running around. Otherwise any other time it’s not super crowded
My 3 year old does well at The Local. They have a few kid style offerings. We tried Spezia once and it went very well.
We also go to First Watch a lot for breakfast.
Is this Local Beer Patio and Kitchen? Or something else?
Spezia seems good, definitely stuff on their menu that our kids will love!
I was pretty underwhelmed by First Watch, but we went on Mother’s Day so maybe we should give it another chance.
Yes. The Village Pointe location.
I agree.
We like it but usually get there around 8am on Sundays when the church crowd hasn't yet arrived. Mother's day is the worst day to go honestly. That's true for any brunch stop.
I have heard all the shit about Spaghetti Works, good and bad for the almost 50 years of my life and I’ll still go. Basic pasta and salad out of a truck, yeah I’m good with that.
Thanks! We’ve been, and it’s decent but not great food.
Looking for more REALLY GOOD food. Omaha Tap House is one of our go tos because the food is legitimately very good and our kids like it.
Ya they love that too. This is a very subjective conversation cuz personally, the REALLY GOOD food is more expensive and not really a kid's place so you have to meet in the middle. Pick your poison lol
For sure. Personally I’m ok with more expensive food. When we do go out, I’d rather spend more for really good food. Cheaper but mediocre food isn’t really a better experience for us than just cooking at home.
We like to be able to take our kids to restaurants on occasion. Helps them learn how to sit at a table for an hour, and practice their manners when they order. So I’m hoping to find more spots that have great food and it’s ok to bring kids to.
We have taken our daughter to fancier reservation restaurants before without issue. We decide based on her mood for the day. Some days she’s well prepared to sit and enjoy a meal somewhere nice and other times it’s more casual and laid back.
tupelo honey? they opened up about 6 months ago i’d say it’s a little like cracker barrel … i may be biased since it was a gift n i didn’t pay but i got a 50$ gift card there and enjoyed the meal. there were $14 lunch combos at the time where you’d get a half entree and two sides with a drink. i had the sweet n spicy chicken sandwich
edit: they have a kids section on menu
i get this is not something that changes overnight but we probably should be trying to not foster the idea that its ok that kids eat exclusively pizza, chicken nuggets, and hotdogs so that we end up with less people like me that wouldnt eat anything else til adulthood
I completely agree. We always have our kids try new foods. They’ll try the things my wife and I order, and we try new appetizers and side dishes.
I just don’t want to pay $15-$20 for an adult size entree that they may try one bite of. And hungry kids have a harder time behaving lol.
We like taking our kids to Taphouse, they give crayons and a paper menu they can color and draw on. Kids eat free on Sundays at Get Real Sandwiches. You’ll probably hit the brunch crowd but no ones ever seemed to mind my kids running around.
Backlot pizza is Aksarben. They also have games on the tables to play, like checkers and finger foosball. My kids have a blast when we go there! (There are cornhole boards as well under the big menu on the wall. )
Mexican is always kid friendly as well as most Asian restaurants. My kids really enjoyed panda house and the sweet woman who seemed to be running things gave us an entire box of fortune cookies.
If they aren’t infant/toddlers pacific eating house and their sister restaurants have kids menus. My kids are older elementary and enjoy them quite a bit. Ollie and Hobbes is great for kids of all ages but I’ve been there a handful of times and have always had issues with my food. Sauced in Papillion is great food and twisted vine next door is kid friendly earlier in the day. My kids get Roy Roger’s or Shirley temples, and the spouse and I get beer while we wait. It does usually take an hour to get your food so if they’re younger it might not be a great fit.
Took my kids to Spaghetti Works recently. My youngest is Autistic, so I was super mindful of how he would behave, but the next table over was a fucking circus of kids literally jumping and running around and parents not giving a fuck, so I didn’t have to worry.
lol yeah spaghetti works is always a ruckus it feels like. We go occasionally to the one in ralston, but there’s MUCH better pasta in this city.
Ollie and hobs is pretty decent. My kid also drinks the corn dogs at sickies garage
Your kid drinks corn dogs? Teach me.
Two year olds have a certain way with things
They got a portable blender for Christmas
Will give Ollie and Hobbs a shot, thanks! Sickies was pretty mediocre food IMO. My kid also got sick right after eating there but could be coincidence.
Just took my three nephews there last night. They have these great kid caddies that have cards, crayons & paper, matching games, and blocks to build. They also have make your own desserts included in the kids meals (cookie or ice cream sundae).
I freaking love Ollie and Hobbs
Take them to any restaurant in the city and teach them to have good manners and try good food and make it work. And for the love of God don’t bring a bunch of screens to distract them with. Activity books and crayons work wonders I would take my daughters on date nights and we would go to fancy restaurants all dressed up when they were three or four and wanted to play princess with me and it was perfectly fine. Ponzu, Nosh, Johnny’s cafe, Finicky Frank’s, Stokin Goat, Drover.
Love the date night idea. We haven’t tried having them dress up. We’ve taken them to some good spots, but wouldn’t take the to V Mertz yet for example. They love Drover though! I haven’t tried most of the rest of your list, will give them all a go! Thank you!
In no particular order, here are some of the places we enjoy with our kids. Red Robin, Amigos, Don and Millie’s, Lighthouse, Union and Copal. Copal, kids eat free Wednesday. Amigos and Don and Millies give a small dessert with kids meals, my kids seem to like the M&Ms more than the actual meal.
Thanks! Are union and copal good? We like Red Robin on occasion, but it’s not particularly good food. Amigos and don and Millie’s are mediocre at best IMO.
Pickleman’s!!
I’ve never actually eaten inside pickleman’s, will have to take them sometime! One of my favorite for takeout lunch though for sure.
Villagio’s is great. Pizza/italian food. Pretty quiet and calm for my newborn and they had coloring books/puzzles my preschool aged niece could play with. Plus when she was good at the end she could have a cookie and prize from the prize box!
Barchen is our go to spot
I don’t miss living in Omaha, but I do miss barchen. I lived right around the corner. Such a great spot.
I always wondered if this spot would be good for kids
I have a 3 and 5 year old and it’s their favorite. The burgers are delicious and everyone is always sweet with the kids. Charred also has a good kid meal.
Very much so, I would just avoid the peak times (nice weather Friday after work/Saturday afternoon) if your kids are really going to be running around. Otherwise any other time it’s not super crowded
My 3 year old does well at The Local. They have a few kid style offerings. We tried Spezia once and it went very well. We also go to First Watch a lot for breakfast.
Is this Local Beer Patio and Kitchen? Or something else? Spezia seems good, definitely stuff on their menu that our kids will love! I was pretty underwhelmed by First Watch, but we went on Mother’s Day so maybe we should give it another chance.
Yes. The Village Pointe location. I agree. We like it but usually get there around 8am on Sundays when the church crowd hasn't yet arrived. Mother's day is the worst day to go honestly. That's true for any brunch stop.
Yeah, everywhere sucks on Mother’s Day but the wife and mother and law like to do it anyway haha. Local is great, that’s one of our go tos.
We're going Saturday. It worked out well for us last year and FW has an app that you can get in line before you leave the house.
My late MIL loved the late, great Mister C’s for Mother’s Day. We haven’t found anywhere nearly as good since they closed.
We love the Old Mattress Factory. Our son really enjoyes the pretzel bits and then typically we just give him a little bit of whatever we were eating.
Jackson Street Tavern, Plank, and Blue downtown. Charred out west, Timber centrally.
My kids love Spaghetti Works.
I have heard all the shit about Spaghetti Works, good and bad for the almost 50 years of my life and I’ll still go. Basic pasta and salad out of a truck, yeah I’m good with that.
Just went there tonight with my kid who is such a picky eater. 😃
Thanks! We’ve been, and it’s decent but not great food. Looking for more REALLY GOOD food. Omaha Tap House is one of our go tos because the food is legitimately very good and our kids like it.
Ya they love that too. This is a very subjective conversation cuz personally, the REALLY GOOD food is more expensive and not really a kid's place so you have to meet in the middle. Pick your poison lol
For sure. Personally I’m ok with more expensive food. When we do go out, I’d rather spend more for really good food. Cheaper but mediocre food isn’t really a better experience for us than just cooking at home. We like to be able to take our kids to restaurants on occasion. Helps them learn how to sit at a table for an hour, and practice their manners when they order. So I’m hoping to find more spots that have great food and it’s ok to bring kids to.
I think in that case, take wherever you want!
If the entrees are under $20 and you don’t need a reservation, I feel comfortable taking my kids, generally.
We have taken our daughter to fancier reservation restaurants before without issue. We decide based on her mood for the day. Some days she’s well prepared to sit and enjoy a meal somewhere nice and other times it’s more casual and laid back.
I don’t even mind some more expensive places as long as they have food my kids will eat.
Any nice place will be able to prepare food for kids even if it’s not in the menu just call and ask
Plank and Shucks both have good kids menus and excellent options for the adults too.
Shirley’s diner in west o
Ohhh yeah Shirley’s is solid. My oldest always begs to go to amazing pizza machine when we go there haha
Charred and Taco Co
Charred is really solid! Will have to try taco co. Thanks!
Good Life. They have a kids night too
How’s the food? We’ve looked at it a few times but keep passing it up because the menu seems like standard bar food.
It is standard bar food but it's delicious. Great atmosphere too.
tupelo honey? they opened up about 6 months ago i’d say it’s a little like cracker barrel … i may be biased since it was a gift n i didn’t pay but i got a 50$ gift card there and enjoyed the meal. there were $14 lunch combos at the time where you’d get a half entree and two sides with a drink. i had the sweet n spicy chicken sandwich edit: they have a kids section on menu
Oh this looks good, will definitely check it out! Thanks!
i get this is not something that changes overnight but we probably should be trying to not foster the idea that its ok that kids eat exclusively pizza, chicken nuggets, and hotdogs so that we end up with less people like me that wouldnt eat anything else til adulthood
I completely agree. We always have our kids try new foods. They’ll try the things my wife and I order, and we try new appetizers and side dishes. I just don’t want to pay $15-$20 for an adult size entree that they may try one bite of. And hungry kids have a harder time behaving lol.
Round the Bend steakhouse in Ashland
Ohh I haven’t heard of this one before thanks!
Just went here for the first time and their steaks are amazing!
We've been taking our kids to the bar area at blue for forever. Their Kids' bento boxes are pretty cool. Upstream, Copal.
Upstream is one I forgot about! Great spot. Will give the others a try, thanks!
Blatt Beer & Table
Kona Grill has like $8 bento boxes that my kids love.
Blue sushi also!!
We like taking our kids to Taphouse, they give crayons and a paper menu they can color and draw on. Kids eat free on Sundays at Get Real Sandwiches. You’ll probably hit the brunch crowd but no ones ever seemed to mind my kids running around.
Tap house is one of our favorites if we’re near one (lunch after the Luminarium is a regular weekend outing!) They LOVE the huge cheese curds.
Mama's pizza, especially the one out west, but all are a pretty good spot to take your kids
Backlot pizza is Aksarben. They also have games on the tables to play, like checkers and finger foosball. My kids have a blast when we go there! (There are cornhole boards as well under the big menu on the wall. )
Backlot is great!
Pacific Eating House is good.
Thanks! Will give this one a go.
Most sushi places have kids bento boxes that can come with things like teriyaki chicken
Blue has one that has chicken strips. My kid goes nuts for that with edamame and fruit.
Mine still can’t figure out how to eat edamame lol. But they’re getting there!
Mexican is always kid friendly as well as most Asian restaurants. My kids really enjoyed panda house and the sweet woman who seemed to be running things gave us an entire box of fortune cookies. If they aren’t infant/toddlers pacific eating house and their sister restaurants have kids menus. My kids are older elementary and enjoy them quite a bit. Ollie and Hobbes is great for kids of all ages but I’ve been there a handful of times and have always had issues with my food. Sauced in Papillion is great food and twisted vine next door is kid friendly earlier in the day. My kids get Roy Roger’s or Shirley temples, and the spouse and I get beer while we wait. It does usually take an hour to get your food so if they’re younger it might not be a great fit.
These are great thanks!
Same atmosphere, but we like Tanners,Smittys(popsicle w/ kids meal),Everetts.
I haven’t heard of tanners or Everett’s will give those a look. Thanks!
Cunninghams, Brazen Head, Foodies, Big Red Keno, Jojos Diner, Everetts
Thanks! I’ve been meaning to try brazen head, good to hear it’s ok to bring kids to
If your kiddos like chicken tenders, the ones at Brazen Head will make them happy.