
Memphis is such a fun town to explore with kids. As former residents of the home of Beale Street, Elvis Presley, great barbecue, and the birthplace of rock music, we found several great kid-friendly restaurants in Memphis. I hope this post helps you discover the best family friendly restaurants in Memphis with kids in tow.
Central BBQ
If you are a fan of classic Memphis barbecue, Central BBQ is definitely worth a visit. With several locations throughout the city and Southhaven, Mississippi, young diners and parents will enjoy this popular restaurant. You will find Central BBQ in downtown Memphis on East Butler, Midtown on Central, Summer Avenue, and Poplar in East Memphis.
Central BBQ features a variety of dishes like ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken, and smoked turkey with their special dry rub spices. The kids meals feature choices like grilled cheese, hot dogs, bbq pork sandwiches, bbq chicken sandwiches, or mac and cheese with a drink and a side. The kid’s menu runs $6 for kids under age 12. The whole family will love this local favorite, and the laidback atmosphere ensures that no one will mind a little noise from the kids.
Be sure to check out their awesome desserts too! My kids voted this one the best place for their homemade peanut butter pie, cheesecake, homemade banana pudding, and hot fudge brownie with ice cream.
Arcade Restaurant
The Arcade Restaurant is such a great place to explore with kids. Billed as Memphis’ oldest cafe, this classic diner is housed at 540 South Main Street in the Historic South Main Arts District. A visit is an experience in itself, like a trip back in time to an old soda fountain. The Arcade is open every day from 7 AM – 3 PM and offers classic breakfast options like french toast, sweet potato pancakes, and omelets.
Their lunch specials offer great food, and traditional dishes like chicken and dumplings, vegetable plates, chicken casserole, and country-fried steak. Elvis was even a regular here! One of the fun things about the Arcade is that many movies feature the restaurant, including Great Balls of Fire, The Client, and Walk the Line.
The Arcade is the perfect place for families to stop for great food after a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum or the South Main Farmer’s Market. It is also a great location for special occasions, as the restaurant has private spaces that can be rented out for your next party or special event.

Gus’ Fried Chicken
Gus’ Fried Chicken has to make the list of the perfect spot for a family-friendly place to eat in Memphis. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you are 4 or 84, if you want some delicious fried chicken, you need to make a stop at Gus’. This is a personal favorite of our family and one place we miss the most from Memphis!
If you are looking for a fancy, red carpet experience, go somewhere else but if you want classic fried chicken served hot and spicy, you need to try it. Sides include mac and cheese, potato salad, french fries, baked beans, collards, okra and slaw.
The kids menu for those 12 and under includes options like grilled cheese, chicken tenders, or chicken legs or wings with a side and a drink. This place was always a favorite with my kids after a trip to the Memphis Zoo or the Fire Museum of Memphis. The great local paper in Memphis, the Commercial Appeal, made Gus’ famous back in the late 1980s and the reputation is well earned.
Cozy Corner BBQ
If you want another great barbecue option in Memphis, Cozy Corner is a great place to check out. After all, one of the best things about Memphis is all the great bbq options. Located at 735 N. Parkway in Memphis, Cozy Corner is another great family friendly option. Take note, the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
The menu is simple with ribs, wings, and barbecue chicken. Though they don’t advertise a kid menu specifically, my little ones usually split an order of nachos or a pork sandwich. Sides include bbq beans, bbq spaghetti and slaw. Call in and catering orders are also welcome.
Huey’s Burgers
Huey’s is a classic choice for families in Memphis. With multiple locations throughout the city, including Olive Branch, Collierville, Cordova, Downtown, Germantown, Midtown, East Memphis, Southhaven and Southwind, you can usually find a location near you.
This was one of our favorite spots on Friday nights because they have the best burger for my kids. Their kids menu burger comes with fries or oranges or applesauce along with an ice cream. My kids also love their grilled cheese, corn dog nuggets, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders and mac and cheese.
Live music is often featured on the weekends and it’s a fun place to sit out on the patio to enjoy some good weather and happy hour in West Tennessee. We often stopped in at Huey’s after a trip to the Pink Palace Museum or the Memphis Botanic Gardens.

Mosa Asian Bistro
If you have a desire to some great Asian cuisine with your kids, check out Mosa Asian Bistro. Located in the White Station area, it’s a great place to grab some fantastic wontons, potstickers, noodles or Korean beef.
If your kids want to order off of the adult menu, you can always split am adult entree noodle dish or rice plate. Their Mosa Kids menu is for dine in only and for kids 10 and under. It includes lo mein chicken, teriyaki chicken, sesame chicken or sweet and sour chicken. Kids meals include white or brown rice and a drink.
A fun happy hour takes place Tuesday to Thursday from 5:00-7:30 and Friday from 5-8:30. Check it out the next time you are in East Memphis!

Brother Juniper’s
Brother Juniper’s is one of our favorite breakfast spots in Memphis, with or without our kids. Located near the University of Memphis at 3519 Walker Ave, this great restaurant is so welcoming and comfortable. The food is also delicious! They are well known for their San Diego omelet, Garden and Lamb Omelet, and their amazing cinnamon roll pancakes. The Egg Benedict dishes and the breakfast specials are a great way to start the day!
We used to combine a trip to Brother Juniper’s on a Saturday morning with a trip to the Mississippi River and Mud Island River Park. There is quite a line on the weekends, so arrive early or plan some waiting activities if you get there mid-morning.
Peabody Hotel Tea
It is so fun to take your children to a tea party to drink fancy beverages and see the famous Peabody ducks in the hotel lobby. One of our favorite memories of Memphis is attending a sweet birthday party for one of our young friends at the Peabody. The girls enjoyed a delightful tea party finished with presents and chocolate cake.
Afternoon tea at the Peabody is called “Duckie Tea.” It includes three courses which feature a savory course, and a scone. and some classic desserts. The children’s teas are decaffeinated including scarlet tea, peach blossom, mulberry hibiscus, and blueberry. A full service restaurant is also available in the hotel.
Tea takes place on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 1-3:30 and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-5:00. Advance reservations are highly recommended. This is such a fun afternoon in Memphis and perfect for a list of family friendly restaurants in Memphis with kids.

Cafe Eclectic
Cafe Eclectic is another gem in Memphis. This is a great place to meet up with friends or have a cup of coffee while your kids play for a bit. Cafe Eclectic is located in Midtown Memphis and serves breakfast all day! Breakfast is always a hit with our crew.
They have a coffee bar with fresh coffee perking, along with a soda fountain and bakery items. The kids’ breakfast items include eggs, toast, silver dollar pancakes, turkey sausage in a blanket, and french toast. Breakfast ranges from $4-6 for children.
Lunch for kids includes chicken strips, grilled cheese or a burger with chips or fruit. The scrambles and wraps are our favorites for the grown ups, along with a French Press coffee.
This used to be one of our favorite breakfast spots before heading off to Shelby Farms Park or the amazing Children’s Museum of Memphis.

Muddy’s Bake Shop
If you have a sweet treat craving, you must stop into Muddy’s Bake Shop. (You have to have dessert in a post about family friendly restaurants in Memphis with kids). This fantastic bakery is so beautiful and lovely with its bright colors and delicious treats. Our little ones loved it! They have delicious cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and treats. They also have a delightful shop and now offer cooking classes. This is such a special place in Memphis!
I hope this post helps you discover some fantastic family friendly restaurants in Memphis with kids in tow! It is a fantastic town to explore with your family with many great dining options and fun things to do. Keep reading for more fun travel tips and sign up for my free newsletter!
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