School’s back in session, which means rushing around to get to soccer and softball practices in time, worrying and hurrying to feed hungry kids. To help our local parents out, here are some excellent family-friendly eateries! Bring the whole gang — and a big appetite!
El Tio Tex Mex Grill — Where can you take your little lovelies and not worry when they start to whimper or have a spill? This Tex Mex eatery is the place! It’s very kid friendly—chips, quesadillas, tacos, grilled chicken—they love it all and parents are happy with the quality of the food.
1433 Center St. McLean, VA / 7630 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA
Metro 29 — A once small time mom-n-pop diner, Metro 29 was made an overnight sensation when it was featured on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2010. Fieri raved about the French toast and the leg of lamb. In turn, Metro 29 got a little taste of Hollywood. Now families come from far and wide to indulge in this New York style diner.
4711 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA
Skorpios Maggio’s — In the strip malls that line Vienna’s Maple Avenue, you might miss Skorpios Maggio’s Family Restaurant. Don’t. The family-owned Greek diner since 1990, offers Mediterranean selections such as Greek Festive Rotisserie Chicken, Classic Gyros, Souvlaki, Moussaka, Pita Wraps, and Falafel, as well as their popular Marinated Flame Broiled Lamb Chops, and Italian Specialties. Committed to healthy eating, they use only the freshest, high quality ingredients and cooking methods.
421 Maple Ave., East, Vienna, VA
Pizzeria Orso — Every Tuesday for both Lunch and Dinner, Kids 10 and under get one free item from the children’s menu for each Traditional or House Specialty Pizza. Kids love the Brick oven pizza!
400 S. Maple Ave. Falls Church, VA
McLean Family Restaurant (MFR) — For many families, weekend breakfasts are a tradition, especially when the it’s at this family-owned restaurant established in 1969. From cozy booths come peals of laughter as kids feast on their famous chocolate chip pancakes, where breakfast is served daily till 3 p.m.
1321 Chain Bridge Rd. McLean, VA
Rocco’s Italian Restaurant — This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving families in McLean with fine Italian cuisine for more than 30 years. Kids love the pizza!
1357 Chain Bridge Rd. McLean, VA
True Food Kitchen — Parents who want to eat healthy, or have kids with food allergies or restricted diets often struggle to find a place to eat out. Look no further! True Food Kitchen located in the Mosaic District serves up vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu items that encompass the anti-inflammatory diet. Don’t worry—this place has kid-faves like pizza, burgers, and soups. But one of the kid menu hits is the super simple almond butter, apple, and banana sandwich.
2910 District Ave #170, Fairfax, VA
Luciano Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria — Serving authentic New York style pizza by the slice, the kids love getting a balloon, crayons and coloring paper—it’s a pretty cozy place in a sea of chaos. Stop in for ice cream or a kid-sized plain pizza “with no weird things on it.”
1961 Chain Bridge Rd. McLean, VA
The Virginian Restaurant — Enjoy a little piece of Americana in this old-fashioned neighborhood diner known for hearty breakfasts and Southern comfort food. It’s a popular stop for families with young children who love the pancakes and biscuits with their famous sweet gravy served any time of the day. Older kids will enjoy the vintage high swivel chairs and the campy signs.
The Vienna Shopping Center: 169 Glyndon Street, SE Vienna, VA
Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae — With a premier location on the W&OD Trail, this diner-style deli serves breakfast all day, burgers, sandwiches and soups made from scratch, shakes, and as the name says, primo ice cream sundaes. Popular with hikers, cyclists, and families, Mike’s Deli has a loyal following and aims to please with friendly, upbeat service and homemade ice cream with flavors that change daily. Vegetarian and vegan options available.
112 North West St. Falls Church, VA
Social Burger — A family owned and operated restaurant, has received rave reviews from families who enjoy the generous portions, high quality burgers and efficient, friendly service. Using only all natural, hormone free beef, buns baked daily and a number of innovative toppings—cranberry sauce, fried egg, bacon jam, homemade pickles, red curry mayo—appeals to Mom and Dad. When parents are happy, kids are usually happy too.
350 Maple Ave., Vienna, VA
Coastal Flats — The whole family can enjoy a meal at Coastal Flats with its southern coastal-influenced dishes with mammoth portions, big flavors and a giddy mix of the south. Another Great American Restaurant (GAR) known for always offering great service. For kids with special allergies a Gluten Sensitive Menu is also available.
7860-L Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA
Original Pancake House — Kids, pancakes. Pancakes, kids. Yes these two things go together nicely. So, if you’re kid loves pancakes, they will love the food here. It’s a cheery place, with enormous portions that can be easily shared. The OPH is known for its popular Dutch Baby, a puffy donut with lemon and powdered sugar, and for their fluffy crepes. They also serve gluten free dishes.
7395 Lee Highway Falls Church, VA
Open Road Bar & Icehouse — Families should go early in the evening before the live music starts. Servers here have been known to comp a kid’s meal when the little customer is “well behaved.” But even if your little critter has a meltdown, it won’t be noticed much since the restaurant is usually noisy. The Harley motorcycle on display fascinate kids who love vehicles (what kid doesn’t?). Another big draw is the free popcorn while you wait for your meal.
8100 Lee Highway Falls Church, VA
Lost Dog Café — Serving up great pizza, hot sandwiches and beer and all at a great price. Kids menu has limited options but all are just $5.95. Café owners Ross Underwood and Pam McAlwee have been rescuing stray dogs and cats almost as long as they have been in business and the effort continues. Since 2001, Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation has saved the lives of over 18,000 dogs and cats, helping them connect with loving families and forever homes. Two Tysons Corner area locations:
1690A Anderson Rd. McLean, VA
Halstead Square: 2729A Merrilee Dr. Fairfax, VA
Glory Days Grill — As a neighborhood sports bar, and the owners often sponsor local kids’ sports teams. As a result, there are often oodles of kids celebrating here after their games. Multiple TVs screens with your own tableside speaker keep little ones entertained, and the kids’ menu has special dishes like BBQ ribs, fried shrimp and pizza bagels. For kids with special allergies a Gluten Free menu is available.
3059 Nutley St. Fairfax, VA
Dogfish Head Alehouse — Load up the mini-van and bring the whole fam — they’ll love the menu and laid-back atmosphere as much as mom and dad. Dogfish Head Alehouse offers tasty American classics. As you’d expect from an alehouse, Dogdish Head offers a fine selection of wines, beers, and beyond. For those in a hurry, the restaurant lets you take your meal or snack to go. (For kids with special allergies a Gluten Free Menu is also available.)
6220 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA
Tachibana Japanese Restaurant — With fresh fish and seafood from all parts of the world as sushi, sashimi, and in a wide variety of delectable makis, there is something delicious to satisfy everyone’s taste. Enjoy this truly authentic Japanese restaurant, but tots and tykes will be right at home here with its kid-approved food, casual dress code and laid-back ambiance.
6715 Lowell Ave, McLean, VA
Maggianos Little Italy – This family-style Italian eatery offers such large portions for their adult entrees, toddlers and young children could easily share with a parent. It’s a fun environment where families can dine without worrying about using hushed inside voices. 2001 International Dr., McLean, VA
Blackfinn Ameripub — Lively, modern gastropub for eclectic American fare with creative twists, and craft beer and cocktails for parents. Kids have a wide variety of options to choose from and is just $4.99 which includes, drink, sides and dessert. (For kids with special allergies a Gluten Free Menu is also available.)
2750 Gallows Rd, Vienna, VA
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse — This high-energy restaurant is designed to be family-friendly where kids and adults alike can enjoy. Their kid’s menu packed with more than just fried food make parents happy while kids love being able to create their own menu with choices of entrees, sides and drinks. Don’t forget to tell the kiddies to finish their plate so that they can have a Mini-Pizookie!
8027 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA
