20 Excellent and Child-Friendly Restaurants in the East Bay

"Bring your appetite, mellow vibes, and a desire to connect with the community to this tiny, funky eatery with a big heart and assorted games — plus an unofficial play structure, the tree out front, for elementary-aged kids to explore while you wait. Mostly takeout, the restaurant does have a few bar stools and tables inside and, weather permitting, outdoors for those who want to linger. It’s a true neighborhood spot, with periodic parking lot concerts and lots of fans from the nearby school. Owner Joe Frankel also works for Drake’s Brewing Co., so beer is big, though a few wines are always available, along with lemonade or root beer for a kid-friendly treat. The eclectic menu features hefty sandwiches and entrees, salads, a fab matzo ball soup, jambalaya, and daily specials (WTF Wednesday and Taco Tuesday have devotees). The kid's menu means grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and butter-cheese pasta, but the regular menu’s pesto pasta has some little ones’ hearts." - Laura Smith Borrman