There is nothing quite like gathering around a table to enjoy a family meal, especially one that mom and dad did not have to shop for, prepare, or clean up after everyone is done. Here are three great sit-down spots that welcome younger guests with open arms.
Culinary Dropout
The Culinary Dropout Tempe outpost is relaxed yet lively, blending delicious food and refreshing craft cocktails with entertainment for the whole family, including an expansive indoor-outdoor space with patio games including ping pong, corn hole, and foosball. There is also often live music, and big screen televisions always air all local and popular sporting events. And the kids’ menu? Lovingly called the Little Monsters menu, there are an array of palate-pleasing favorites for toddlers to tweens ranging from chicken tenders and crispy shrimp to macaroni and cheese and hamburgers, all served with fries (unless a substitution is requested) for just $10. CulinaryDropout.com
Drink Me Tea Room
Modern yet whimsical with photo opportunities in every direction, Drink Me Tea Room transports families to Alice in Wonderland—and often to other realms, thanks to special events themed around Harry Potter, Hamilton, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more—and is the perfect alternative to a traditional family brunch or lunch. Boasting traditional tea as well as kids-themed flavors (and even tea-infused cocktails for the parents), the Drink Me experience focuses on providing vegan, gluten-free alternatives to standard sandwiches and sweets with all ages in mind so that everyone in the family—no matter the food allergy or restriction—can happily take part. DrinkMeTeaRoom.com
Postino
Wine-loving parents, rejoice! Postino has two locations in Tempe—Postino Annex and Postino South Tempe—that both offer a bevy of unique glasses of wine by the glass and bottle, epic bruschetta boards, sensational salads and sandwiches, and a fabulous Postino’s Kids Eats menu. There are activities for the kiddos to work on at the table, including coloring, connect the dots, fun facts, and Tic-Tac-Toe, and the menu includes items such as lemonade, apples, peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, and sliced chicken with dipping sauce. A bonus for the parents: earlier this year, Postino also began carrying cocktails. PostinoWineCafe.com