Finding a restaurant that caters to both parents and kids can be a challenge. Echo Park, with its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly vibe, offers some fantastic options. This guide highlights 14 of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Echo Park, Los Angeles, ensuring your next family meal is a delightful experience. We'll cover everything from casual eateries to upscale options, all designed to make dining out with children a breeze.
Casual & Fun Family Eats
1. The Trails Cafe: A Neighborhood Gem
The Trails Cafe is a beloved Echo Park institution. It offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, with a menu featuring classic American comfort food. Kids will love the mac and cheese, while parents can enjoy delicious burgers and salads. Their outdoor patio is spacious, providing ample room for little ones to wiggle.
- Kid-Friendly Features: High chairs, spacious seating, simple menu options.
- Price Range: $-$$
- Pro Tip: Check their website for daily specials and kid's menu options.
2. L&E Oyster Bar: Unexpectedly Kid-Friendly
While known for its fresh oysters, L&E Oyster Bar surprisingly welcomes families. The casual ambiance and extensive menu, including kid-friendly choices like fish and chips or grilled cheese, makes it a great option. The lively atmosphere adds to the fun.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Friendly staff, varied menu with kid options.
- Price Range: $$
- Pro Tip: Request a booth for easier kid management.
3. Guerrilla Tacos: Casual Mexican Flair
Guerrilla Tacos offers a unique and delicious take on Mexican street food. While not explicitly a "kid's menu," their tacos are approachable and flavorful, and many kids enjoy the vibrant, fresh ingredients. The casual atmosphere is ideal for families.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Delicious, fresh food, casual setting.
- Price Range: $-$
- Pro Tip: Order a variety of tacos to share family-style.
4. Sqirl: A Hipster Haven (with Kid-Friendly Options)
Sqirl is known for its trendy brunch dishes. While the menu might seem initially adult-focused, many items can be adapted for children or shared family-style. The bright and airy space is welcoming, though it can get busy.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Delicious, shareable dishes, bright atmosphere.
- Price Range: $$
- Pro Tip: Make a reservation, especially on weekends.
Upscale Dining with Kid Considerations
5. Felix Trattoria: Elevated Italian with Kid Appeal
Felix Trattoria offers a sophisticated Italian dining experience, but don't let that deter you. Their pasta dishes are always a hit with kids, and the service is generally accommodating to families.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Excellent pasta dishes, accommodating service.
- Price Range: $$
- Pro Tip: Call ahead to inquire about high chair availability.
6. Bar Flores: Charming Atmosphere, Kid-Friendly Options
Bar Flores, with its charming ambiance and delicious Mexican cuisine, can be a delightful experience for the whole family. While not strictly a children's menu, the food is flavorful and approachable for various palates.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Delicious food, charming ambiance.
- Price Range: $$
- Pro Tip: Enjoy the outdoor patio seating on a pleasant evening.
Diverse Cuisines for the Whole Family
7. Gracias Madre: Vegan Mexican Feast
Gracias Madre, a popular vegan Mexican restaurant, offers a surprisingly kid-friendly menu. Their flavorful dishes, even without meat, appeal to a variety of tastes, and the vibrant atmosphere is enjoyable for families.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Delicious vegan options, vibrant atmosphere.
- Price Range: $-$$
- Pro Tip: Check their kid-friendly options.
8. Little Dom's: Italian Comfort Food with a Twist
Little Dom's provides elevated Italian-American cuisine, with many dishes that are kid-friendly. The casual atmosphere and welcoming staff make it a great option for families.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Classic Italian dishes, family-friendly ambiance.
- Price Range: $-$$
- Pro Tip: Their pizzas are always a big hit with the kids.
9. Yang Chow: A Chinese Food Favorite
Yang Chow is a classic Chinese restaurant providing well-loved dishes that are generally kid-approved. This is a great option for a reliable and familiar meal the entire family can enjoy.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Classic Chinese dishes, consistently reliable.
- Price Range: $-$$
- Pro Tip: Check their lunch specials for value.
Quick Bites & Casual Options
10. Echo Park Time Traveler: Burgers & More
Echo Park Time Traveler offers casual dining with delicious burgers and other options. The laid-back atmosphere is great for a quick and easy family meal.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Casual, quick service, great burger options.
- Price Range: $-$
- Pro Tip: Check their happy hour specials.
11. David's Pizza: A Classic Choice
David's Pizza, a local favorite, provides classic pizza and other Italian-American staples. It's a reliable and easy option for families looking for a casual meal.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Classic pizza, casual and easy.
- Price Range: $-$
- Pro Tip: Order a large pizza to share!
Sweet Treats & Cafes
12. Salt & Straw: Ice Cream for Everyone
Salt & Straw, known for its unique and delicious ice cream flavors, is a fantastic spot for a post-meal treat. Kids will love the variety of options.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Delicious ice cream, lots of choices.
- Price Range: $
- Pro Tip: Try a flight of different flavors.
13. The Federal Bar: A Great Place for Brunch
The Federal Bar offers a delightful brunch experience, perfect for a leisurely family meal on the weekend. They often have kid-friendly options available.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Brunch atmosphere, kid-friendly options.
- Price Range: $-$$
- Pro Tip: Make a reservation, especially on weekends.
14. Cafe Tropical: Casual Cuban Eats
Cafe Tropical offers casual Cuban fare, including items that are family friendly. The atmosphere is easygoing and laid-back, making it a great spot for a relaxed family meal.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Simple menu, casual and easygoing atmosphere.
- Price Range: $-$
- Pro Tip: Their sandwiches are a great choice for sharing.
This list provides a diverse range of options, ensuring there's a perfect kid-friendly restaurant in Echo Park for every family's taste and budget. Remember to check individual restaurant websites for menus, hours, and any special kid-friendly promotions. Enjoy your next family meal out in beautiful Echo Park!
