[[{“value”:”If you have kids, you know some restaurants are better for families than others. I never really understood this until I became a mother. Luckily, some great family restaurant chains exist across the country. To me, a family restaurant has to check a few boxes, including a great kids’ menu and a relaxed environment where kids feel comfortable and it’s still fun. What are the best places for kids and parents to dine? Here are the 7 best family restaurant chains in America, according to diners.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel has amassed a huge national fanbase, especially with families. They have an old-country store filled with fun toys and kitschy items for kids, plus table games and a super extensive kids’ menu. The down-country setting also suits loud kids.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is one of the most family-friendly steakhouses. It also has a great kids’ menu and massive portions of delicious meat, plus buttery sides for everyone in the family. Kids also love filling up on the baskets of free rolls. “I read an article that said a family take out meal of chicken strips at Texas roadhouse is $40 and you get chicken strips, salad, and I think two sides and rolls. The article said it can make several meals,” a person says.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden is the most family-friendly Italian chain in America. My kids have been ordering off the kids menu forever, which offers serious value. And they love the unlimited breadsticks. As an adult, I appreciate the endless soup, salad, and breadsticks. “I like their salad. And breadsticks. That’s worth it to me by itself,” a Redditor says. One Redditor shared, “I had the Olive Garden toasted ravioli appetizer months ago and cannot stop thinking about it.”
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Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen serves up affordable from-scratch meals that are handcrafted and family-friendly. Diners say some meals are big enough for a family to share, and the chain also has a great kids’ menu. “I got like 20 tenders, huge batch of fries, rice, beans, and six croissants from Cheddar’s the other day for $30,” one person revealed. “For Cheddars specifically, the buffalo chicken wrap is awesome for multiple meals. I have no idea why but instead of one large wrap, you get two. Each one is cut in half, and one half is enough for me – so I can get 4 meals out of the one entree,” another agreed.
Black Bear Diner
Black Bear Diner is famous for hearty, family-sized portions in a comforting setting. “They give you a ton of food, they make it part of their mission, as written on the paper menu, to make sure you don’t leave hungry,” says a Redditor. “Their portions are insane!” another agrees. “Black Bear Diner typically has large portions for many of their items. For example, just the other day, I got a meatloaf dinner, you pick two sides, and also get a big cornbread muffin and soup or salad. Depending on your appetite and side choices, it could’ve stretched to 2-3 meals easily,” a third says.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is a great family dining spot, especially for breakfast. The national chain is known for serving everything from large breakfast plates with pancakes, meat, and eggs to pot roast, meatloaf, steaks, and seasonal pies. They also have a great kids’ menu.
Metro Diner
Metro Diner offers an elevated diner experience, with everything from all-day breakfast to Asian and Italian dishes. I love it because there is something for every kid, and adults can order more complex meals. “The service was amazing,” writes a Yelper, noting that it has a “great environment,” the “staff is very helpful and kind,” and “the food is great.” Lots of people appreciate the environment. “Metro Diner is excellent in its ambiance, dishes, service and vibe. A rare gem in a world corporate chains, Metro Diner beats them all hands down,” another writes.
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