Looking for a family-friendly restaurant in Boulder? The restaurant scene has shifted since COVID, so we’ve updated the list for 2021. Though some of our old favorites have closed, many have endured and new restaurants have opened! Here are 10 restaurants that stand out as both kid-friendly and enjoyable for adults.
The Southern Sun
Photo Courtesy Southern Sun Pub & Brewery
The Southern Sun Restaurant and Brewery may be the most kid-friendly restaurant in Boulder. Seating is perfect for meeting up with family or friends, with long picnic-like tables as well as booths so that everyone can gather ‘round. The atmosphere is down-to-earth with a super-friendly staff that is helpful and quick! Kids can choose from a variety of options that will please the pickiest of eaters. For the adults, the options range from vegetarian-friendly dishes to burgers and chili. Delicious comfort food paired perfectly with a long list of Colorado craft brews. To top it all off, the Table Mesa location is perfect after a hike at Chautauqua or NCAR, with breathtaking views of the Flatirons.
Pro Tip: Get some cash on the way! Southern Sun does not accept credit cards. But trust me… Worth it!
Tierra y Fuego
Photo Courtesy Tierra y Fuego Taqueria
Tierra y Fuego, the North Boulder taqueria, opened its doors as a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2020 after serving Boulder for many years as a food truck at the Diaz Farm. Tierra y Fuego offers delicious tacos, burritos, tortas & gorditas. Fillings cater to every taste and requirement- chicken, pork, beef, seafood, and of course, veggie. Relaxed indoor and outdoor seating, or order for takeout! Kids will love the cheese quesadillas, made with freshly-baked delicious corn tortillas!
The Buff
Photo Courtesy The Buff
For families seeking a great breakfast and lunch restaurant, The Buff is a great option. The Buff is family owned and renowned not only for its legendary breakfast but for its zero-waste initiative. The Buff’s cozy atmosphere, as well as delicious, home-style breakfasts and lunch, make this restaurant one of the most kid-friendly restaurants in Boulder!
Mustard’s Last Stand
Photo Courtesy Mustard’s Last Stand
Mustard’s Last Stand has been serving Boulder Chicago-style hot dogs, polish sausages, fries, and sandwiches for over 40 years. Vegetarians will be pleased to see that there are not one but several options on the menu, including veggie dogs, veggie burgers, tofu Reubens, and veggie chili. Kids will love the hot dogs and French fries. We like to order our food to go, and then have a picnic creek-side, with Boulder Creek just steps away.
Sushi Zanmai
Sushi Zanmai caters to Boulder’s sushi lovers and their children with a fun environment, a full sushi menu, and amazing kids’ plates. Check out the sushi menu as well as Japanese cuisine, lots of appetizers, and delicious noodles. Kids’ plates include edamame, fruit, miso soup, and rice, as well as a choice of sushi, gyoza, teriyaki tofu, chicken, and more! Plus, they will receive a scoop of ice cream at the end of the meal.
Verde
Photo courtesy of Tyra Sutak
Looking for outstanding Mexican food at an affordable price? Verde’s offerings make this restaurant one of our family’s favorite restaurants in Boulder. Originally started as a food truck, Verde’s delicious Mexican food can now be enjoyed at a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Eat in for a relaxed vibe with plenty of options for picky kids like nachos and burritos. My favorite is the oh-so-decadent grilled vegetables nachos piled high with cheese, tomatoes, onions, grilled peppers with a side of sour cream, and fresh guacamole! Also, a great place to stop by for carry-out to eat at home.
Gondolier Italian Eatery
Photo Courtesy Gondolier Italian Eatery
Gondolier Italian Eatery is everything: relaxed atmosphere, amazing food, and tons of choices. Adults will love the house-made pizza, pasta, and salads… don’t forget the mouth-watering garlic knots! Gondolier also offers all the kid favorites: spaghetti, pizza, and ravioli. Don’t forget the traditional Italian desserts! Gondolier is not only a great choice for a kid-friendly restaurant in Boulder, there is also a location in Longmont.
Walnut Cafe
Photo Courtesy Walnut Cafe
Walnut Cafe, one of our favorite women-owned restaurants in Boulder, has a delicious, full breakfast and lunch menu. Kids will love the relaxed atmosphere and glittery chairs. Walnut Café and its sister restaurant, the Southside Cafe, serve breakfast and lunch favorites as well as gluten-free and vegan options. And pie! So many kinds of homemade pie.
Lindsay’s Boulder Deli
Photo Courtesy Lindsay’s Boulder Deli
Lindsay’s Boulder Deli serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as full-service Haagen-Dazs ice cream! Kids will love the food, and the deli is located right in the heart of Pearl Street. Take the kids to the pop jet fountain afterward in the summer!
Hapa Sushi
Photo Courtesy Hapa Sushi
A Pearl Street favorite, Hapa Sushi is known for its unique Japanese – Hawaiian fusion menu and fun atmosphere. Kids will love the thoughtful kid’s menu, with fun sushi choices, teriyaki plates, and yakisoba noodles, or go super-simple for the picky kids with Austin’s PB & J Roll (PB & J rolled in a slice of bread). For the grown-ups, Hapa offers an extensive sushi menu with classic rolls, hapa originals, vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free sushi. If sushi isn’t your thing, there are salad and bowl menus, with favorites like the Teriyaki Bowl, Hapa’s Poke Bowl, Chukka Seaweed Salad, and the Fuji Apple Bleu.
