When restaurants have play areas, or even a small basket of chalk and a chalkboard, it can make a parent’s life easier. We are grateful for these East Bay restaurants who welcome our kids with open arms, and a handful of toys.
Headlands Brewing, Berkeley
A KIDS ONLY sign invites young patrons into a semi-enclosed area that’s got turf on the ground. Even our tweens like taking their conversations into the clubhouse area, away from the beer connoisseurs. More info here > And more in the Westbrae neighborhood >
Kensington Circus Pub, Kensington
Take comfort if you feel like you’re bringing a circus into every restaurant you try to enjoy. This British-style pub welcomes diners who get up and play with toys mid-meal. A chalkboard and toys mark off a kid zone. You do need to watch out that they don’t escape out the door, though! Website >
Public Market, Emeryville
There’re lots of great food options at the Public Market, so you’re sure to find something for everyone. Pizza, ramen, burger, ice cream, and more. They also offer free pool tables, foosball, and air hockey to keep kids and adults entertained. For the small kids, grab your food to-go and head out to cute Christie Park playground outside. Website>
Families can play foosball or watch games on the giant screen | Photo: Public Market Emeryville
Monster Pho, Oakland
Monster Pho serves up delicious Vietnamese dishes with a futuristic twist. It is super appealing to kids with its food delivery robots, refurbished robot ride from the 80s, and arcade games. One highlight is a retro claw machine that only works with “monster pho coins,” which are earned by kids who eat all of their food. More about Monster Pho >
Faction Brewery, Alameda
Faction Brewery is a former Alameda Navy base so it’s a neat spot and with pretty views. The brewery is both kid (so long as kids are supervised and able to stay within your seating area) and pet friendly. Faction Brewery allows patrons to bring their own food or to grab bits from partnered food trucks. Skee-ball is always a big hit. Website >
Find other family-friendly breweries in Alameda >
Zocalo Coffeehouse, San Leandro
This coffee company offers a cafe menu for breakfast and lunch and welcomes little ones to sit in a kid-scale dining area to enjoy their cafe treats. Also, Zocalo is home to a train table, a book cart, and two chalkboards. Website >
Miyozen, Emeryville
This large sushi restaurant has a kids’ room, furnished with IKEA stools, blocks, books, and toys. A TV may be playing something animated. Website >
The Junction Beer Garden, Mill Valley
Not in the East Bay, but if you happen to be near the Bay Area Discovery Museum, The Junction Beer Garden is only about a ten-minute drive. Kid-friendly pizza and a fun jumbo boat play structure make this place worth the drive. Read more about our trip there>
Line 51 Brewing Company, Jack London Square-ish
Hot dogs, beer, and a real city bus to play in? Score! This spot is a hit with little kids and their parents. The large 7,500 square-foot space has an actual AC transit bus that kids can go inside while parents sample beer and chow down on some Vienna Beef. Check hours as they are not open every day. Website >
But wait… There are more eateries with fun features!
Here are the next few spots we want to check out, recommended by readers. If you’ve been, please send a photo to info@510Families.com.
Almanac’s Adventureland, Alameda. This brewery has a large sand pit and lots of kid-friendly activities, usually with a food truck on site.
Prescott Market West, Oakland. Almanac also has a location at this happening food hall, which surrounds enclosed outdoor seating with a sandbox and toys, live music, and lots of food options, including pizza, coffee, fried rice, and burgers. Website >
The Backyard, Richmond. An outdoor restaurant in Richmond that offers a super family-friendly outdoor space with games and real food, like tartines, sandwiches, and breakfast favorites. Website >
Ocean View Brew Works, Albany. Look for a giant Connect Four game and a whole collection of toys and games. Ocean View Brew Works often runs events that have something for the whole family. The Kitchenette next door has panini, hot dogs, and smoothies. Website >
Paradise Park, Oakland. This cafe with real food — breakfast burritos and salads — offers a small play area for kids in the back. On the corner of San Pablo and Alcatraz in North Oakland. Website >
Degrees Plato Taproom & Bottle Shop, Oakland. This community gathering restaurant is known for tacos, beer, and most importantly, for being family-friendly. Small tables with coloring books invite kids to enjoy restaurant time, too. Website >
Brezo, Albany. Recommended by a reader, Brezo is a California restaurant with a Latin flair and a back deck for outdoor dining. Toys and books are on hand to entertain the kids. Website >
El Jardín De Los Sueños, Richmond. Recommended by a reader, this cafe has a separate play area with toys and books. Website >
See our whole list of Kid-Friendly Restaurants in the East Bay >>
All photos by {510} Families staff unless otherwise noted.
