Best Restaurants in San Francisco

 
Photo courtesy of the Park Chalet.

1. Park Chalet — Outer Sunset

This spot sits right behind the Beach Chalet and opens up to a big grassy area that’s perfect for kids to run around while parents hang out with a beer or fish tacos. It’s super close to Ocean Beach and the new Sunset Dunes park, so you can make it part of a bigger outing. It’s casual, stroller-friendly, and there’s often live music on weekends.

2. Spark Social SF — Mission Bay

A food truck park with picnic tables, string lights, and a rotating mix of eats. There’s a big play zone with yard games that is super kid-friendly, especially earlier in the day. Bring a blanket and let the kids go barefoot while you sample bao buns and boba. Tons of family-friendly events are on their calendar like Trivia Night and sports watch parties, making it a fantastic weekend outing. 

3. Precita Park Cafe — Bernal Heights

This neighborhood cafe is right across the street from the playground and butterfly garden, Precita Park. Order coffee and breakfast, sit on the patio, and let the kids burn off some energy while you fuel up. 

4. Parklab Gardens — Mission Bay

Located right next to Spark Social, this outdoor dining food truck and beer garden is a must-visit for families with older and younger kids. The mini golf course (Stagecoach Greens) is great for older kids, while the open turf area is where younger kids can run around while you chill at one of the on-site food vendors. Go on weekday afternoons when the crowds are less.

 
Kids can stretch their legs at Marin County Mart. Photo © Smith+Smith Architects.

Best Restaurants in North Bay

5. The Junction Beer Garden & Bottle Shop — Mill Valley

This place was designed with parents in mind: it’s a beer garden-style hangout with picnic tables, an outdoor play area, and a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes kids and dogs as well. There’s a sandbox, little climbing structures, and even a mini library, so you can sit for a bit while the kids stay entertained. Pro tip: go early for lunch or late afternoon, as parking can get tight.

6. Marin County Mart — Larkspur

This isn’t one restaurant, but a whole cluster of family-friendly spots (Johnny Doughnuts, Huarache Loco, Hog Island, and others) that share a central green space with play structures and room to roam. On weekends, there’s usually live music or kid-centric events like yoga and pony rides, and it is very stroller-heavy. Bonus: Check out Music with Mr. Andrew on Wednesdays and storytime at Copperfield Books on Thursdays. 

7. Way Station — Fairfax

A funky, low-key family-friendly beer garden and BBQ smokehouse, this Fairfax spot has an awesome backyard setup with toys and space to run around. Check out live music and delicious food options where kids can have fun while parents eat. 

8. Fox & Kit — San Rafael

This one is a total unicorn: a coffee shop with a built-in indoor play space. There are toys, books, and an enclosed toddler area, so you can sit and actually finish your latte, croissant or breakfast bagel while the kids stay entertained. Great rainy-day option.

9. Kivelstadt Cellars — Sonoma

Wineries can be surprisingly kid-friendly, and this one in Sonoma has a huge patio, games, and even a “family zone” with toys and space to spread out. Feels fancy enough for a special treat but welcoming enough for toddlers with goldfish in hand.

RELATED: Best Kid-Friendly Wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and the San Francisco Bay Area

Best Restaurants in the East Bay

10. Prescott Market — West Oakland

This hidden gem in the East Bay recently opened. It's an indoor/outdoor food hall with great dining options (wood-fired pizzas, tacos, rotisserie chicken) and a big enclosed patio with picnic tables and a kids' play area that feels like someone’s cool backyard. There's a sandbox, toys, and space for scooters, so you can have a moment to eat while your kids entertain themselves. Go for weekend brunch or early dinner, as it does get busy.

11. Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack — Oakland and Emeryville

With two locations, the original one being near MacArthur BART in Oakland, this fun spot has a large patio, fire pits, picnic tables, retro arcade games, and a built-in kids’ zone for the younger set. The beer list is legit, and the pizza and wings are solid crowd-pleasers for all ages. It’s loud enough that a little kid's chaos blends right in, and the casual vibe makes it easy to relax.

12. Headlands Brewery — Berkeley

This low-key, open-air beer spot has food trucks, beer and a built-in sandbox. You’ll often find other parents here letting kids roam while they enjoy a cold one. The brewery also hosts events like Trivia Night, live music, and Taco Thursdays. 

13. Almanac Beer Co — Alameda

This huge beer garden has picnic tables and yard games and welcomes all the kids' energy. The kid-friendly space, Adventureland, has two sandboxes, an arcade, a beer garden, and even (sometimes) a ball pit and bouncy house set up. 

14. Victory Point Cafe — Berkeley

This board game café is a total gem for rainy days or casual afternoons with older kids (around 6 and up). For a small cover, you get access to shelves of board games while ordering food and drinks. It's surprisingly fun for the whole family and quieter than most spots with screens.

15. The Yard — Brentwood

The super family-friendly outdoor spot has food, beer, and a playground-like area. There are often events and music, games like Connect 4 and corn hole, and the space is ideal for school-age kids who need to move.

RELATED: The Lawrence Hall of Science: A Parent's Guide 

 
Combine a meal with bowling. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes

Best Restaurants in the South Bay

16. Pinstripes — San Mateo

Located in Hillsdale Mall, Pinstripes combines a bistro with bowling and bocce. They host Kids Weekday Playdates with half off bowling for kids and free bowling for adults on weekdays until 2pm. The venue also features an Italian-American menu and hosts monthly Kids Club events, making it a great spot for both dining and play. 

17. Devil's Canyon Brewing Co — San Carlos

This San Carlos family-friendly brewery has food trucks, live music, and a dedicated kids’ area on Friday nights, making it a great time to visit with family and friends. Dogs on leashes are also welcome.

18. Mints and Honey — San Carlos

This charming café offers a cozy atmosphere with a dedicated play area for toddlers and preschoolers with a play kitchen, chalkboard and books. It's an ideal spot for parents to relax with a cup of coffee or tea while the kids engage in safe, indoor play. 

19. San Pedro Social — Santa Clara

Located in downtown San Jose, San Pedro Social offers a variety of activities, including bowling and arcade games downstairs. It's a great spot for families looking to enjoy a meal while keeping the kids entertained before the food arrives.