Finding family-friendly dining in a bustling city like San Francisco can be a challenge. Union Square, with its upscale shops and theaters, might seem intimidating for families with young children. But fear not! This guide highlights the top 10 kid-friendly restaurants in Union Square, offering a variety of cuisines and atmospheres to suit every family's needs. We've considered factors like high chairs, kids' menus, spacious seating, and overall welcoming ambiance to curate this list.
Kid-Friendly Eats: Top Choices in Union Square
This section dives into our top 10 picks, providing detailed information to help you make the perfect choice for your family's next meal.
1. The Cheesecake Factory (Upscale Casual Dining with Kid Appeal)
The Cheesecake Factory is a classic choice for families. Its extensive menu caters to a wide range of tastes, with plenty of kid-friendly options like mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and pasta dishes. The portions are generous (perfect for sharing!), and the atmosphere is generally relaxed, making it suitable for even the most boisterous children. High chairs are readily available, and the servers are usually accommodating to families.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (extensive menu, large portions, accommodating staff)
- Cuisine: American
- Price Range: $$
2. Slanted Door (Sophisticated Vietnamese with a Family-Friendly Twist)
While known for its upscale Vietnamese cuisine, Slanted Door can be surprisingly accommodating to families. The spacious setting and generally relaxed atmosphere make it a viable option. While it might not have a dedicated kids' menu, many dishes are easily adaptable to younger palates. Be sure to check their website for current availability and to make a reservation, as this popular spot often books up.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: Medium (relaxed atmosphere, adaptable menu, may require some menu modification)
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Price Range: $$
3. California Pizza Kitchen (Reliable, Family-Friendly Pizza)
A reliable choice for families, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) offers a consistently good experience. Their extensive pizza menu has options to please everyone, including plenty of vegetarian and kid-friendly toppings. They also offer pasta dishes, salads, and other options for those who don't want pizza. High chairs are always available, and the servers are generally used to handling families.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (extensive menu, familiar food, accommodating staff)
- Cuisine: Pizza, Californian
- Price Range: $
4. The North Face (Unexpected Kid-Friendly Option!)
While primarily an outdoor gear store, The North Face in Union Square has a surprisingly popular cafe. It offers simple, kid-friendly options like sandwiches, salads, and snacks, making it a convenient pit stop during a shopping spree. The atmosphere is casual, and it's often less crowded than traditional restaurants.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: Medium (casual atmosphere, simple menu, convenient location)
- Cuisine: Cafe fare, Sandwiches
- Price Range: $
5. Magnolia Bakery (Sweet Treat Stop)
Magnolia Bakery is a perfect place for a sweet treat after a busy day of sightseeing. Their cupcakes and banana pudding are famous, and kids (and adults!) will adore them. While not a full meal replacement, it's an excellent option for a dessert stop or a quick snack.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (sweet treats, casual atmosphere)
- Cuisine: Bakery goods
- Price Range: $
6. Foreign Cinema (Outdoor Dining with a View)
Foreign Cinema offers a unique dining experience, with its beautiful outdoor patio and independent film screenings. While it's more upscale, the relaxed outdoor setting can be surprisingly kid-friendly, particularly during the day. Check their menu for child-friendly options or plan to share some of the adult dishes.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: Medium (beautiful outdoor setting, may require menu adaptation)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Californian
- Price Range: $$
7. Bushi Ramen (Fun, Interactive Ramen Experience)
Bushi Ramen can be a fun and interactive dining experience for families, especially for kids who enjoy watching their food being prepared. The ramen is delicious and usually available in kid-sized portions. This is a more casual eatery, with high chairs typically available.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (interactive experience, kid-sized portions)
- Cuisine: Japanese (Ramen)
- Price Range: $
8. Swan Oyster Depot (Seafood with Kid-Friendly Sides)
Swan Oyster Depot, while known for its amazing seafood, can be surprising for families. While the menu is primarily seafood, they often have simple sides like french fries or rice that can please children. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, so it may be better for older children.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: Medium (limited kid options, lively atmosphere)
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Price Range: $$
9. Gott's Roadside (Burgers and Shakes)
Gott's Roadside offers classic American fare, with burgers, fries, and shakes that are always a hit with kids. The atmosphere is casual, and it's a great spot for a quick and easy meal.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (classic kid-friendly menu, casual atmosphere)
- Cuisine: American (Burgers)
- Price Range: $
10. House of Nanking (Excellent and Affordable Chinese)
House of Nanking is a beloved San Francisco institution offering delicious and affordable Chinese food. They have a large menu with plenty of kid-friendly options. This is a more casual eatery and it tends to be quite busy, so be prepared for a wait.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (extensive menu, affordable pricing)
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Price Range: $
Tips for Dining Out with Kids in Union Square
- Make Reservations: Especially during peak hours and weekends, making reservations is highly recommended.
- Check Menus in Advance: Familiarize yourself with the menu online to ensure there are options your children will enjoy.
- Pack Snacks: A small bag of snacks can prevent meltdowns if your child gets hungry before your meal arrives.
- Bring Entertainment: Books, tablets, or small toys can help keep children occupied while waiting for food.
- Be Prepared for Crowds: Union Square can be busy, so expect some noise and crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
This list provides a great starting point for your family dining adventures in Union Square. Remember to check individual restaurant websites for the most up-to-date information on menus, hours, and kid-friendly amenities. Enjoy your meal!
