Lincoln Tavern (Dinner)

425 West Broadway (617) 765-8636

My personal favorite on the list. They feature a good kids menu, but you also can’t go wrong with ordering a (mouth-watering) brick oven pizza. The staff here goes out of their way to create a fun family environment from 5-7 pm (before Southie bar-goers take over.)  Not only are crayons and paper supplied at the table, each child gets a personal galvanized tub of Lincoln Logs.  A fun blast-from-the-past for adults, too.  There are outlets right under the table just in case that iPad runs out of juice, and infants go home with an adorable onesie with Lincoln's logo.  Say hi to managers Mike Shaw and Will Clark and mention this post. 

Local149  (Dinner)

149 P Street (617) 269-0900

The tables here are made out of chalkboard. When kids come in, they are given plenty of chalk for dinner-time creativity.  This is primarily a bar, but there is a great seating section to the left of the restaurant that can accommodate high chairs.  I like to sit by the fireplace in the back and get “comfy cozy” (as my three year old likes to describe it).

Franklin Cafe (Dinner/Brunch)

152 Dorchester Avenue (617) 269-1003

Pages of Dora coloring books and crayons will keep your children busy inside or, (if the weather cooperates) sit outside in the gorgeous private patio.  Bring your kids “cool dude” glasses and watch the sun go down.  Lots of healthy options here, and feel free to ask for the Vegetarian menu for even more.   If you really want to watch your child's eyes grow big, get a bunch of families together for their signature pig roast ($45 per person for 10 or more.)

Paramount (Dinner/Brunch)

667 East Broadway (617) 269-9999

Watch your breakfast being cooked on the line before sitting down in this lovely local eatery made famous first on Charles Street.  The food for breakfast or dinner is divine and the waiters are always sweet to tots.  The kid’s menu features games, mazes, and coloring.  Grab the window seat and watch the Southie scene on Broadway go by. 

Salsa’s (Dinner/Lunch)

118 Dorchester Street (617) 269-7878

With plenty of room for kids to roam in the new addition, this space is great for active kids.  I’m sure they wouldn’t advertise this, but when my toddler rode her bike around our table while she waited for us to finish our (amazing) Margaritas, we were greeted with laughs (not looks) from the light-hearted staff.  Go early.  Try the veggie and cheese Quesadilla for kids - a great way to get them to eat broccoli (albeit smothered in cheese).

Mul’s Diner (Breakfast)

75 W. Broadway (617) 268-5748

Monday through Saturday come in for the “Working Man’s Special” - Three eggs, home fries, and toast for just $4.95. You also can’t go wrong with the pancakes topped with Strawberries, Blueberries, Bananas, or better yet...Chocolate Chips.  If they aren’t too busy ask for them in the shape of Mickey Mouse ears. 

Sullivans (Lunch/Seasonal)

Castle Island, Day Blvd. (617) 268-5685

A long-time Boston favorite.  Make a day out of it at Castle Island and make sure to obey the local food-ordering rules!

Photo Courtesy of Paramount South Boston