Ann Arbor boasts a diverse culinary scene, but finding family-friendly restaurants can sometimes feel like a challenge. In a city filled with many amazing eateries, parents often seek out spots where kids can enjoy the food as much as they do. That’s why we’re exploring some of the most kid-friendly restaurants in Ann Arbor!

From menus tailored to young tastes to welcoming atmospheres that cater to families, these eateries provide a hassle-free dining experience for both parents and children. So, if you’re in search of a place where you can enjoy a meal without worrying about your little ones, read on as we explore the top spots in town.

 

Krazy Jim’s Blimpyburger

Photo Courtesy of Richard Magner via Krazy Jim’s Blimpyburger

Since 1953, Krazy Jim’s Blimpyburger has been a staple for Ann Arbor families, university students, and visitors. And while their location has changed since, their exceptional burgers and unique ordering system have not. So much so that Krazy Jim’s caught the attention of Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives a few years back! Their burgers are made with fresh beef, ground in-house daily, and they’re still using the same recipe for their hand-battered and breaded onion rings and veggies. Make sure you know what you want ahead of time, because you’ll order directly from the cook as you watch your order made right in front of your eyes. Kids love Krazy Jim’s Blimpyburger — and parents do too, especially on Tuesdays, when kids eat for free!

 

The Pretzel Bell

The Pretzel Bell has been the place to be for students, residents and visitors for more than 50 years, off and on. The space is steeped in history, adorned with old photographs from Michigan’s past, from iconic football victories to academic achievements. The menu offers a modern take on traditional American comfort food with hearty items like fried chicken and signature burgers. That gourmet style extends to the “Junior Varsity” menu where you’ll find items like Grilled Cheese Bites, Lil’ Bell Burger and Mini Mac, served with your choice of roasted vegetables, crispy French fries, or fresh fruit.

 

Revel & Roll

With more than 2,400 square feet of video screens, 100 different arcade games and 27 lanes of bowling, Revel & Roll might be the most kid-approved option on this list. After you’ve exhausted the games, sit down for some delicious pub food, including several options for kids, including pepperoni pizza and chicken tenders. And top off the experience with one of their rich, thick and creamy milkshakes! And for the adults, Revel & Roll serves a variety of signature cocktails, wine, beer and their massive Dunk Tank drinks designed to be shared between a minimum of four people.

 

Zingerman’s Deli

The first business that opened in the Zingerman’s Company was the historic Zingerman’s Deli, which opened in 1982 with a staff of two. Today, the deli is still located in the small, red brick building across from the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market, but you can now choose from an enormous menu of both classic and creative sandwiches, breakfasts, salads, housemade Jewish specialty foods, handmade pot pies and more. Their Kids Menu includes kid-sized options, such as hot dogs, sandwiches, PB&J, and grilled cheese. And the Kids’ Meal Deal includes a kid-sized sandwich, your choice of rice pudding, chocolate pudding or applesauce, and a juice box.

 

Zingerman’s Roadhouse

Graphic Courtesy of Zingerman’s Roadhouse

The seventh member of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, Zingerman’s Roadhouse opened in 2003 and has been serving quality American food ever since. Boasting a carefully curated Just for Kids menu, the restaurant ensures that even the youngest palates are treated to a delightful culinary journey. From beloved classics like Mac n’ Cheese, BBQ Sliders, the Hot Dog with Natural Casing, to the fresh catch of the day on the Fish Plate or the pasture-raised New York Strip, every dish is crafted with the utmost care to appeal to young taste buds. Under the expert guidance of Chef Bob Bennett, the kitchen team orchestrates a symphony of flavors that captivates both parents and children alike. With its dedication to quality ingredients and unparalleled hospitality, the Roadhouse emerges not just as a restaurant, but as a cherished destination where families come together to savor the joys of good food and great company.

 

Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery

BBQ and beer is a winning combination and no one knows more about it than Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery. But there’s more than BBQ and beer here, as Blue Tractor also has an exceptional kids menu with a cheeseburger, mac and cheese, sliders, grilled cheese, and more. And for adults, you’ll find classic smoked meats and barbecue dishes alongside unique, world-influenced meals. On tap, you’ll find six rotating selections every day, including award winners which have snagged numerous gold, silver and bronze medals at competitions across the nation.

 

Anna’s House

Photo Courtesy of Hannah Sorensen via Anna’s House

Any good day starts at Anna’s House, a retro ‘50s-inspired diner with locations all throughout Michigan, including one right here in Ann Arbor. It has a cheery interior with bright colors and funky decor — including a larger-than-life hand-painted mural. Each of their dishes is made with all-natural, fresh, local, quality ingredients, from the omelets and scrambles to sandwiches and wraps. Plus, they have many vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options for guests with food sensitivities. Their Kids Menu has more options than most, from pancakes and French toast to scrambles and breakfast plates, with a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Pro Tip: Anna’s House doesn’t take reservations on the weekend, but you can click here to join the waitlist!

 

Pizza House

The Pizza House has been the late-night pizza destination in Ann Arbor since they opened in 1986. They serve Chicago-style pizza, plus a variety of mouth-watering appetizers and delectable entrees, like pasta, burgers, sandwiches, ribs, chicken dishes, and more. The kids menu has all the cheesy goodness your kid could want, including cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, cheese lasagna, and cheese ravioli, plus BBQ ribs, spaghetti and meatballs, and more! Top it off with a kid-sized dessert, including shakes, malts, sundaes, brownies and cookies.

 

Union Rec

Photo Courtesy of Union Rec

Located in the former Fingerle Lumber Company building, Union Rec is a bit of everything: a coffee shop, bar and restaurant, all located in one eclectic, vibrant space. The restaurant is focused on comfort food from the three Americas (North, Central and South), with options like Cowboy Caviar, Chicken Mole Enchiladas, Veggie Pozole, a Bandeja Bowl, and more. The space is a little bit retro, a little bit modern, with a focal point fireplace setting the tone for the cozy, inviting atmosphere. It’s a fun, colorful space that kids love, especially because of their kids menu featuring favorites like chicken tacos, a cheeseburger, chicken tenders, a cheese quesadilla, and mac and cheese. Each meal is served with carrots or apple slices.

 

Grizzly Peak

A landmark in downtown Ann Arbor, Grizzly Peak began serving craft beer in August of 1995 from their century-old building with wood floors, tin ceilings and exposed brick walls. While they are certainly known for their beer, Grizzly Peak also has plenty of food options to choose from, including shareable bites, hearth-baked pizzas, salads, burgers, sandwiches, burritos, bowls, tacos and more. Pair your meal with one of their refreshing brews, whether you prefer a sour, a wheat beer, a lager, an IPA, a Kölsch, or a red ale. And for the kids, they have mac and cheese, a cheese pizza, a hamburger, chicken strips, fish and chips, and grilled cheese. Bring your fur baby along as well, as Grizzly Peak is extremely dog-friendly! In fact, they have a special Pups on the Patio menu tailored specifically for dogs with options like their Pup Patty cheeseburger, salmon or chicken served over rice, and everyone’s favorite: the Poochy Cream dessert.

 

What is your family’s favorite?

Let us know in the comments below!