After our year long trip RVing through Europe, we returned to the States and stayed in Michigan for the summer. Because my husband’s side of the family lives there, we end up spending a good amount of time there every year.
This summer, in between swim lessons, backyard bbq’s, and library visits, we had a chance to try out some of the best restaurants in Detroit for families…there were a ton of kid-friendly options!
Getting ready for a swim competition!
Many summer days spent out in the backyard
Let it be known that the foodie scene in Detroit is still thriving. It’s a haven for food lovers and is just what we needed this summer in order to transition from our Europe culinary world-schooling adventure back to ‘normal’ life.
Here’s 10 kid-friendly restaurants in Detroit that are worth checking out the next time you visit with the family.
Texas de Brazil
This Brazilian all-you-can-eat restaurant is perfect for satisfying all your meat cravings. While the quality of the meat is excellent, I think I enjoyed the salad bar the most. We recommend going during lunch as the prices are more affordable. Kids 2 and under eat for free, while ages 3-5 cost $5 and 6-12 years are charged 50% off regular prices. It’s a great option if the adults want to eat somewhere upscale but keep the cost affordable.
Address: Texas de Brazil
1000 Woodward Ave,
Detroit,MI 48226
Slows Bar BQ
We’ve wanted to eat here ever since we saw it featured on Man vs Food! Adam had the Triple Threat sandwich, which is of course what we had to try. Aaaand, it was delicious! So were all the sides, especially the mac-n-cheese.
Address: Slows BBQ 2138 Michigan Ave,
Detroit, MI 48216
Buddy’s Pizza
This pizza chain is a Detroit favorite since 1946 serving up square pizzas! With locations all over Detroit, we often head to the restaurant in Dearborn. We always end up trying new combinations when we eat there, and haven’t been disappointed so far, so feel free to experiment!
Kid-Foodie Favorites: Mozzarella Sticks, Coney dog pizza, Margherita, The Henry Ford
Address: Buddy’s Pizza (multiple locations throughout Detroit)
22148 Michigan Ave,
Dearborn, MI 48124
Pegasus
Detroit is famous for its Greektown where you find authentic Greek cuisine. While there are a number of popular Greek restaurants, we enjoy going to Pegasus because of its atmosphere. Mediterranean food has to be one of our top favorites…there’s nothing more delicious than stuffed grape leaves, or pita dipped in some roasted eggplant dip and hummus.
Kid-Foodie Favorites: Lamb chops, Flaming cheese, Semolina Cake with Syrup
The kids really enjoy eating here mainly due to its ‘cool’ decor, as Jaf says! Before it was a restaurant, the space was used as a garage that serviced cars. How very Detroit! It can get crowded, so it’s best to plan ahead, or head there during the week at lunchtime. Great selection burgers that the kids usually end up splitting.
Kid-Foodie Favorites: Tikka fries, Union mac, Classic Detroit coney
Address:
Vinsetta Garage
27799 Woodward Ave,
Berkley, MI 48072
Polish Village Cafe
When we’re not traveling, we like LouLou and Jaf to try as many cuisines as possible. So, we pick a new cuisine to try ever so often, and while we were in Michigan this summer, we opted to try Polish food! The restaurant is situated under an old hotel and serves Eastern European comfort food, which seems like it was straight out of your Polish grandma’s kitchen!
We love desserts! If we’re not in the mood to bake, we always head to Astoria Pastry shop – they’ve been around forever, and is a popular choice amongst the locals.
The menu is extensive, and the kids love trying something new every time they visit. They’ve had the chocolate pretzels, apple strudel and red velvet cupcake, all which are fan favorites! Just know that whatever you try, you won’t be disappointed.
Kid-Foodie Favorites: Red velvet cupcake, apple strudel, Chocolate Rice Krispie bar
There’s really no going back after eating authentic Italian cuisine in Italy. Now that we’re back in the US, we try to find authentic options, which is exactly what Roma’s is. They’ve been in Detroit since 1890, making them the oldest Italian restaurant in Detroit! Eery time we eat there, it feels as if we’re transported straight back to Italy. They also have a great all you can eat buffet for $18 (cheaper for children.)
Kid-Foodie Favorites: Escargots a la Bourguignonne (LouLou’s choice), Homemade Ravioli, Spaghetti & meatballs
Address: Roma Cafe
3401 Riopelle
Detroit, MI 48207
Brooklyn Street Local
We’ve LOVED poutine ever since we first tried it in Canada. But unfortunately, we can’t head to Canada whenever we have a poutine craving. We were so excited when we heard about Brooklyn Street Local this summer – poutine in Michigan?! Count us in! Owned by Canadians, it’s just as good as the stuff served across the border, and of course the kids can’t get enough!
Kid-Foodie Favorites: Breakfast poutine or BSL poutine
Whenever the kids are craving tacos, we head to Mi Pueblo’s. We’re generally not fans of kid’s menus at restaurants, but here the kid’s are served smaller portions of the regular menu! The restaurant is large, and very family friendly – every time we’ve visited the server’s are attentive, and patient with the kids figuring out what they want to eat.
Kid-Foodie Favorites: Mi Pueblo Kids Dinner, Kids Burrito, Tres Leches cake
