Choosing a dining spot can be difficult when you’re trying to find a spot that’ll satisfy the whole family. Here are some kid-friendly outdoor restaurants with options you and the kids will both like—plus some entertainment, too.
North Jersey
Blue Moon Mexican Cafe
Englewood and Wyckoff
Call ahead or use the restaurant’s new app to add your name to the waitlist and avoid a line. In addition to delicious Mexican bites, families can join daily trivia events or catch live entertainment.
Chit Chat Diner
West Orange and Hackensack
Outdoor dining is available at both locations daily from 7 am-10 pm. With a constantly evolving menu, the Chit Chat Diner aims to bring new life to classic favorites—and your family will love the refreshing milkshakes.
Maywood Pancake House
Maywood
With a menu designed around the health-conscious consumer, Maywood Pancake House uses fresh ingredients for all its breakfast and brunch items, which are served all day.
The Walpack Inn
Layton
Known for American classics and comfort food typically served next to fireplaces and antiques, The Walpack Inn has transitioned to “The Walpack Out,” allowing customers to have their favorite meals in the lush landscapes surrounding the restaurant. While table service will not be offered, the restaurant has limited picnic tables available and encourages families to bring their own picnic blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas.
Central Jersey
Asbury Ale House
Asbury Park
This kid-friendly sports bar and grille serves up burgers, sandwiches and award-winning wings. Families can also bring their dogs along to enjoy a “doggy bag.”
Chimney Rock Inn
Bound Brook, Gillette, Flemington
Lauded as one of central New Jersey’s favorite neighborhood eateries, the Chimney Rock Inn serves up casual Italian and American cuisine along with its customer-favorite thin crust pizza. Families with a sweet tooth will enjoy the restaurant’s partnership with The Fudge Shoppe in Flemington and can order an assortment of tasty treats.
The Meeting House
Princeton
Owners and spouses Amar Gautam and Amanda Maher aimed to create a restaurant that would become their favorite place— where they dine out with their friends one night, then also enjoy a meal with their three kids the next. With a menu that caters to all, kids can try a flatbread or burger, or munch on the pancake trio at brunch.
Old Man Rafferty’s
Hillsborough, New Brunswick
The Hillsborough location of this American dining experience is hosting “carhop dining” and live concerts featuring local performers in addition to their patio dining option.
Porta Pizza
Asbury Park
For an extensive variety of pizzas that are sure to please, Porta Pizza has the whole family covered. This Jersey Shore classic eatery is taking reservations for its outdoor dining with last seating at 8:30 pm every night.
22 West
Bridgewater
The families’ favorite classic fares can be enjoyed on 22 West’s new outdoor patio. Reservations are available Wednesday-Sunday and can be booked online. Throughout the summer the restaurant also host live “car concerts.” Information and details about performers and tickets can be found on the restaurant’s Facebook.
South Jersey
Delsea Drive-In
Vineland
Combining dinner and a show, the Delsea Drive-In has a menu full of favorites for the whole family, including gluten-free options. Classic food options pair great with the old-school films and newer movies that change weekly.
Dogtooth Bar and Grille
Wildwood
With dishes inspired by his father’s love for the ocean, owner Brendan Sciara strives to create an environment that caters to all. Families can enjoy live entertainment on the weekends and dogs are always welcome on the outdoor patio.
Harpoons on the Bay
North Cape May
With live music and amazing sunset views (one of the rare spots you can both eat and catch the sunset in Cape May), Harpoons has fresh seafood and classic favorites that all ages will enjoy. Spending the day on the beach? A server will meet you at your beach path—between Scott and Emerson Ave.—with your order to-go.
Luna’s Bar and Grille at the Savoy
East Vineland
With an updated outdoor dining area complete with a firepit, Luna’s is a fun place for families to grab a bite and listen to live entertainment in a casual setting. Featuring Key West-inspired meals, the new menu features bites like the “Island Burger,” “Korean Chicken Lettuce Wraps” and “Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls.”
The Pop Shop
Medford
This 50’s-themed diner offers an extensive menu with something for all ages, including two award-winning children’s menus featuring favorites like “Clifford’s Dog House Dog,” “Miss Mary Mac ‘N’ Cheese” and English muffin pizza. The Pop Shop aims to combine the nostalgic soda fountain shop feel with blue plate sophistication. The restaurant also offers gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
The Shrimp Box
Point Pleasant Beach
With over 300 ft. of dock space, families can park their boat and enjoy seafood, sandwiches and salads in a casual setting with great views.
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