Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Columbus... Crowdsourced!

Katie G.:  At Milestone 229 it's hard to choose which is better - the food or the view. Located on the Scioto Mile overlooking the Columbus riverfront and skyline, Milestone 229 is open for lunch, dinner and brunch on Sunday. The upscale menu includes entrees such as chicken, steak and seafood along with salads, soups and sandwiches. Kids can choose from burgers, grilled cheese, fried shrimp and more off the kids menu. If the weather is nice, sit outside to enjoy the view of the city.

Kelly R:  This place is a favorite among Columbus families for its lively atmosphere and crazy hot dogs. The menu boasts over 30 differently-dressed dogs, from the traditional to the ridiculous. Depending on how you feel about meat, you can choose anything from bacon-wrapped to vegetarian or vegan options for your dog. And if you want to skip the traditional bun, they offer gluten free buns or lettuce wraps. A great choice for a cheap and fun meal out with the family.

Katie G.:  This Nashville-inspired restaurant is about a hot as any in town. Hot Chicken Takeover is a simple concept with a great homemade feel and a mouthwatering menu. Choose your favorite chicken and decide how spicy you want it. Don't forget the incredible sides of coleslaw and homemade mac and cheese. To keep with the southern feel, sweet tea is available and always FREE! Kids meal includes a kid portion of non-spicy chicken and a side.

Katie G.:  Katzinger's Deli has been a part of Columbus for over 30 years. Located in the heart of German Village, Katzinger's is a New York-style deli known for their giant corned beef sandwiches prepared with a special secret ingredient. If corned beef isn't your thing, there are plenty of other homemade sandwiches, salads, soups and sides to choose from. The casual, quick service restaurant draws a big lunch crowd, but is great to visit for a meal at anytime.

Kelly R:  Brassica is a Mediterranean counter-service restaurant with a very kid-friendly atmosphere, but don't let that fool you - the food is phenomenal. Choose a sandwich, salad, or hummus plate, and employees customize your creation in an assembly line. The ingredients are fresh, high-quality, and often local. Many of the choices are vegetarian friendly - wonderful falafel and a variety of interesting and creative vegetable add-ons. Craft beer is offered on draft.

Katie G.:  Melt Bar and Grilled is a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant offering tasty options for the whole family. Diners can choose from several varieties of grilled cheeses, from traditional to beef, chicken, veggie or seafood. If melted cheese isn't your thing, there are plenty of other options on the menu including appetizers, salads and soups along with kids menu items for kids under 10. Options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten free diners are available.

Katie G.:  Schmidt's Sausage Haus, located in German Village, has been entertaining and serving Columbus for over 130 years. Schmidt's makes all their German sausages fresh and in-house with several varieties to choose from mild to spicy. Save room for dessert, as Schmidt's is known for a jumbo cream puff which is big enough for the whole family to share.

Kelly R:  Northstar Cafe serves food made with carefully selected locally grown, organic, and artisan produced ingredients, in a casual and friendly environment. The kids menu is wonderful and has a nice variety!

Katie G.:  With four locations in Central Ohio, Harvest Pizzeria strives to offer food made with the freshest quality, seasonal ingredients. Sourced from local farmers right here in Ohio, Harvest is not only known for their unique pizzas, but also their salads and burgers.

Kelly R:  Hofbräuhaus Columbus' large menu includes German specialties and more traditional favorites, with something to appeal to everyone. Beer is brewed on site. Check out their calendar for upcoming live music and family night events where kids eat free.

Kelly R:  The menu at Katalina's is filled with homemade creations that are Latin/Southern/delicious, and elevated far beyond its unassuming origins - the original location is housed in a former gas station! Try the famous pancake balls, filled with Nutella, dulce de leche, or local pumpkin-apple butter. The diverse menu also includes soups, sandwiches, tacos, and much more. Ethical, local, and organic ingredients are used whenever possible. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

Katie G.:  If you're in the mood for a meatloaf dinner, all American cheeseburger or blue plate special, then Cap City is the spot for you. With three kid friendly restaurants around Columbus, the ambiance and the food are more upscale than your traditional diner but still inviting for families. Kids can dine on homemade mac and cheese, chicken fingers, grilled cheese with tomato soup and more off the kids menu. Save room for dessert which includes homemade cakes, pies and milkshakes.

Kelly R:  Dewey's offers a menu of specialty pizzas with options from safe to sophisticated, and the diverse and creative toppings are also available to build your own pie (thanks for getting my kids hooked on prosciutto!). All pies can be ordered half-and-half, so everyone can get what they want. Don't skip over the salads, which are delicious and creative and plenty large enough to share. The service is welcoming and attentive, and the large window looking into the kitchen means you might get to fit in some adult conversation while the kids watch the pizzas being tossed and assembled.

Kelly R:  Sweet Carrot grew from a favorite food truck into a brick-and-mortar restaurant, serving a small but unique menu of fresh comfort food including smothered corncakes, house-smoked meats, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and fresh soups. Meals are ordered in a build-your-own style.

Katie G.:  Head to the quaint neighborhood of Grandview Heights to enjoy a family meal at DK Diner, serving up traditional diner food in a casual environment. Start the day off with a tasty homemade donut, homemade pancakes or several egg specialties. Lunch and dinner selections include burgers, salads, sandwiches, chicken tenders and more all served with fresh cut chips. Breakfast is served all day. The donuts are popular on the weekends and will sell out, so get there early.