Best of 19 kid-friendly restaurants in Kearny Mesa
When it comes to dining out with the family, finding kid-friendly restaurants in Kearny Mesa is key. These establishments offer menus that cater to young palates, as well as fun and safe environments that keep children engaged. From play areas to coloring pages, these restaurants go the extra mile to ensure that both parents and kids have a great dining experience. Let's explore some of the top options for family-friendly dining in Kearny Mesa.
- 1. Studio Diner in Kearny Mesa
- 2. Country Waffles CLAIREMONT
- 3. The Friendly
- 4. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Kearny Mesa
- 5. Common Theory
- 6. Burros & Fries - Kearny Mesa
- 7. In-N-Out Burger in Kearny Mesa
- 8. Denny's
- 9. Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa
- 10. Park Social
- 11. Jack in the Box
- 12. La Fuente Mexican Food
- 13. Lil' Farmers Cafe
- 14. Steamy Piggy
- 15. Shogun Restaurant
- 16. Flama Llama
- 17. Firehouse Subs Kearny Mesa
- 18. Yuk Dae Jang San Diego / 육대장 샌디에고
- 19. MARISCOS BORQUEZ in Kearny Mesa
1. Studio Diner in Kearny Mesa
Open until late, offers outdoor seating, and a diner atmosphere

The location is ideal for families, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a kid-friendly menu. Children can enjoy a variety of delicious options, making it a perfect spot for a family outing. The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate families, providing excellent service.
Families find this place to be an excellent choice due to its kid-friendly offerings and staff accommodations. Kids particularly love the milkshakes, adding to the overall enjoyment of the family outing. The positive experience is further enhanced by the welcoming ambiance, making it a great place for families to spend time together.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Budget-Friendly Eats
2. Country Waffles CLAIREMONT
Family-owned and operated, uses high-quality ingredients

Country Waffles Clairemont is a small, family-friendly breakfast spot known for its delicious waffles. They offer a kid-friendly menu and are wheelchair accessible inside, making it a convenient spot for families and individuals with mobility needs. The service is quick and unobtrusive, making it an ideal location for adults on lunch breaks as well.
For families in particular, Country Waffles Clairemont is an excellent choice. The kid-friendly menu options and welcoming atmosphere create a perfect spot for breakfast with young children. Whether looking for a weekend morning activity or a quick bite during a busy weekday, Country Waffles Clairemont provides a tasty and enjoyable dining experience for all ages.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Breakfast
- Budget-Friendly Eats
3. The Friendly
Pet-friendly outdoor seating, TVs for sports events

Several kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego provide enjoyable experiences for families, offering interactive activities and menus that cater to all ages. These establishments, which include play areas and arcade games, ensure a welcoming atmosphere for both children and adults. Even if you don't have kids, these restaurants are still great options for quality food and service, with understanding staff and an environment free of judgment towards parents with restless or hungry children.
Restaurants such as The Wave House and Corvette Diner are popular choices for families, with The Wave House featuring a man-made wave machine and Corvette Diner offering classic American fare along with an arcade. These dining spots prioritize the needs of families, ensuring a positive experience for all ages. The Wave House has a beachside vibe and a menu with options for both kids and adults, while Corvette Diner captures a 1950s aesthetic with milkshakes and burgers. Visiting these family-friendly establishments allows parents and children to enjoy meals together in a fun, engaging atmosphere without worrying about disrupting other patrons.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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4. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Kearny Mesa
Family-owned Italian restaurant since 1950, famous for its cozy and romantic ambiance

The restaurant offers an excellent dining experience for families with children. The kids' menu has a variety of options, ensuring that there is something for every child to enjoy. The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and inviting for young diners, making it an ideal spot for a family meal.
During our visit, we had a great time with our children at the restaurant. The staff were friendly and approachable, contributing to our overall positive experience. Our kids were delighted with their meals and enjoyed the food, which added to our satisfaction.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
5. Common Theory
Spacious and modern interior, quality food, and friendly service

Common Theory is a restaurant that offers a kid-friendly environment, making it a great spot for families. During my visit with my family, we found the restaurant to be very accommodating to our little ones. The spacious seating allowed our children to move around comfortably, and the friendly staff went out of their way to ensure we had a pleasant dining experience.
The menu at Common Theory has options that are sure to satisfy kids' taste buds. My little ones enjoyed the food, particularly the fries, which were a big hit. Overall, our visit to Common Theory was a positive experience, and I would recommend it to families looking for a kid-friendly dining option.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
6. Burros & Fries - Kearny Mesa
Features a unique fusion of American and Mexican cuisine

This is a great location to visit with kids. The staff is friendly and the menu offers options that are sure to please children. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it an ideal place for families.
I highly recommend this spot for a family meal. The kids' menu is a hit with young children, and the portions are generous. If you're looking for a family-friendly dining option, this place is an excellent choice.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Hidden Gems
7. In-N-Out Burger in Kearny Mesa
Uses fresh ingredients, never frozen, and homemade fries

This dining location is an excellent choice for families due to the staff's friendliness and accommodation. They create a welcoming atmosphere for children, making it an enjoyable place for a family meal. Highchairs are available for families with young children.
The staff at this establishment is not only friendly but also patient and understanding when it comes to dealing with young children. This makes it an ideal place for families with young kids to have a meal, as they go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, including children, feels comfortable and welcome.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
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8. Denny's
Open 24/7, free Wi-Fi, and friendly service

This place is a popular family destination, offering a kids' menu and crayons to keep young ones entertained. Many families, including mine, enjoy coming here for breakfast. The "kids eat free" promotion is a particularly appealing feature for families.
The atmosphere is kid-friendly, making it an ideal location for families to enjoy a meal together. The affordability of the "kids eat free" promotion adds to the appeal of the restaurant for families, allowing them to save money while still enjoying a quality meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
9. Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa
PetesPies™ available by the slice or whole, gluten-free options

This establishment is a fantastic destination for families with children. The pizza served here is delicious and the atmosphere is casual and kid-friendly. The Detroit-style pizza in particular was a hit with the kids. The staff at the restaurant were also very friendly and contributed to the overall positive experience.
In summary, if you're looking for a great place to take the family for a meal, this restaurant is an excellent choice. The delicious pizza and welcoming environment make it an ideal destination for families with children. The staff's friendly demeanor is an added bonus that contributes to a positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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10. Park Social
Spacious outdoor seating, happy hour deals, and live music

Brothers Family Restaurant is a well-loved dining destination known for its inviting and comfortable atmosphere. It is a family-friendly establishment that provides a diverse menu to satisfy a range of palates. The restaurant's offerings include a variety of delicious dishes, appealing to different tastes and preferences.
The Waffle Spot is a San Diego-based eatery specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunch. This family-friendly restaurant is an excellent choice for families with kids and is famous for its fresh waffles, available every day of the week. The Waffle Spot's menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes that leave customers coming back for more.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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11. Jack in the Box
Open 24/7 with a drive-thru window

This place has a welcoming and accommodating staff, making it an appropriate location for a family meal with young children. The quick service and affordable prices are attractive features for families, especially those with young children to feed.
The staff's friendliness and attentiveness create a comfortable atmosphere for families with children. The quick service ensures that families can enjoy their meals without waiting too long, which is important when dining with young children. Additionally, the affordability of the meals is a great advantage for families, who may need to stick to a budget.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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12. La Fuente Mexican Food
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years

This establishment is an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy a meal together. The kids particularly enjoyed the enchiladas, which suggests that the restaurant has a kid-friendly menu. Moreover, the staff went out of their way to ensure that the families had a great dining experience, which is always a plus.
If you're in the mood for some delicious tacos, this family-friendly spot is worth checking out. The casual setting allowed families to unwind and enjoy their meal without feeling uptight or uncomfortable. Parents can relax while their kids savor the tasty tacos and other offerings on the menu. Both the food and the atmosphere make this restaurant an ideal place for a family dinner.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
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13. Lil' Farmers Cafe
Local organic ingredients, supports sustainable farming

If you're looking for a healthy meal that doesn't require a long wait, this place is a great option. I recently enjoyed a Greek Chicken Wrap while sitting in the outdoor seating area, making the most of the California sun. This location is particularly well-suited for families, with a kid-friendly atmosphere that ensures everyone has a great time.
The staff at this establishment are accommodating and excellent with families. There's a spacious outdoor seating area where kids can run around and play, making it an ideal spot for families to relax and enjoy a meal together. Whether you're looking for a quick and healthy meal or a family-friendly dining experience, this place is a great choice.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. Steamy Piggy
Offers both Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine

This establishment is a hit with families, including my own, thanks to its combination of indoor and outdoor seating and dog-friendly policy. The bulgogi rice bowl and ramen are popular choices, but there are many other delicious items on the menu. While the service can vary in speed depending on staff availability, the quality of the food remains consistently high.
Families with children are particularly drawn to this location. My kids, for instance, loved the bao buns and the lively atmosphere. The outdoor seating area is an added bonus for families with young children. The menu offers a variety of options that cater to different tastes and preferences, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy a meal together.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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15. Shogun Restaurant
Hibachi-style cooking shows, full bar with specialty cocktails

The restaurant has a cool and relaxing atmosphere, with friendly staff to greet and assist guests. The tepanyaki chef provides entertainment for the diners. Despite the high prices, customers enjoy the delicious food and the unique dining experience. However, the children's menu is lacking, which may make it less suitable for families with young children.
The food at the restaurant is delicious and the tepanyaki chef puts on a great show. The staff is friendly, and the overall atmosphere is cool and relaxing. However, the restaurant's high prices may be a drawback for some customers. Additionally, families with young children may find the lack of a children's menu to be a problem.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. Flama Llama
Colorful and lively atmosphere, dog-friendly patio

Flama Llama on Convoy provides a charming atmosphere with an abundance of plants, making it a pleasant place to dine. The food served is exceptional, offering a fusion of flavors in dishes such as noodles, fried chicken, calamari, and fried plantains. Two servers, Charlie and Ernesto, were mentioned for their quick and efficient service.
Despite minor service issues like haphazard food delivery and occasional order mix-ups, Flama Llama remains a popular choice for dining out. This is largely due to its affordability, which offers customers good value for their money. The restaurant's delicious and unique fusion cuisine has made it a go-to destination for food lovers seeking something out of the ordinary.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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17. Firehouse Subs Kearny Mesa
Supporting first responders with every purchase

This establishment is an excellent choice for families with children. The kids were particularly delighted with their meals and the staff went out of their way to accommodate them. The restaurant provided a wonderful experience for the family, with a menu that includes great options for children.
The service at the restaurant was friendly and attentive, contributing to the positive experience of the family. The children were excited about the food and the staff ensured that their needs were met, making the dining experience enjoyable for everyone.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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18. Yuk Dae Jang San Diego / 육대장 샌디에고
Authentic Korean BBQ experience, all-you-can-eat option

Our restaurant offers a signature dish featuring premium hand-shredded Brisket, Green onion, and Glass noodles in a spicy ox bone broth. This specialty is a constant favorite among our customers. The dish stands out for its affordability and delightful taste.
The ox bone broth is somewhat spicy and loaded with rich flavors. The Brisket is delicately shredded and cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and scrumptious texture. The owner or manager takes the time to connect with customers, answering questions and ensuring their dining experience is positive. Her friendly demeanor adds to the enjoyable atmosphere of the Korean restaurant.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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19. MARISCOS BORQUEZ in Kearny Mesa

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings