7 Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free You know what this means: Time to spring for dessert!
A dinner out is always more enjoyable when the bill comes and part of the order is on the house. Some of the country’s top restaurant chains know this and offer free kids’ meals throughout the week—because we grown-ups need a little break.
Ruby Tuesday
Guess which days kids eat free? That’s right, every Tuesday after 5 p.m., kids 10 and under get a free entrée with the purchase of an adult entrée. Ruby Tuesday’s kids menu is limited—grilled chicken, mini cheeseburgers, chicken tenders and popcorn shrimp—but the sides are pretty healthy. Tykes can opt for green beans, broccoli, zucchini, grapes, apples or mashed potatoes.
Marie Callender’s
Here, home-cooked happiness comes in many forms, and for kids 12 and under, it’s free on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The former pie shop, now a national chain, offers an extensive kids menu that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. From pasta to pancakes, the gang’s all here, including St. Louis Ribs for the budding barbecue connoisseur. Plus, everything comes with a slice of Marie Callender’s famous you-know-what (pie!).
Denny’s
Talk about a tough decision: dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, a junior Grand Slam breakfast, or swirls of spaghetti and tomato sauce? These are just a few of the free menu items available to kids 10 and under with the purchase of an adult entrée priced at $2.50 or more. Kids eat free at Denny’s every Tuesday from 4 to 10 p.m. at most locations. Included is a side, which might be steamed broccoli or fresh apple or banana slices—or the more decadent vanilla yogurt with strawberry topping. Delish.
IHOP
August is Kids Eat Free Month at IHOP, wherein kids eat free every night of the week. From 4 to 10 p.m., kids 12 and under can have dinner on the house with the purchase of one adult entrée—which, because it’s IHOP, could mean breakfast. Pancakes with a whipped cream face, a junior ham and egg melt, or junior chicken and waffles—they’ll make you want to ask the waiter, “Don’t I look like I’m 12?” This offer lasts through September 25.
Steak ‘n Shake
Every weekend—all day Saturday and Sunday, right after your kid’s soccer game—children 10 and under get one free meal with the purchase of an $8 adult meal. Although the chain is known for its burgers, there’s more to choose from at Steak ‘n Shake. A basket of mini corn dogs, a steak frank (or, as you and I call it, a hot dog), fried chicken fingers and grilled cheese are also on the menu, and they all come with fries. It’s just 99 cents more for a side.
IKEA
Chicken tenders with a side of Scandinavian-chic furniture? We’ll take it! Hit up the bistro first to fuel your family for the shopping expedition that awaits — IKEA spokespeople say you’ll walk an average of 1.75 miles through the store. Now through September 2, you can get up to two kids meals free with the purchase of one adult entrée on weekdays. Choose from grilled chicken, chicken tenders, pasta, or the house specialty: Swedish meatballs.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
No funny-shaped food here. Barbecue is serious business, and at Dickey’s, kids 12 and under get a free mini me (three-ounce version) of the adult sandwiches or plates: brisket, chopped or sliced; pulled pork; chicken or turkey breast; sausage, Polish or stuffed with cheddar cheese. Plus one of a dozen sides. Every Sunday. Makes you want to be a kid again, doesn’t it?