10 Best Spots to Eat With Kids in the Twin Cities Gateway
From a kid-friendly brunch to dinners that will satisfy the pickiest eaters, you’ll find plenty of delicious family-friendly fare in the Twin Cities Gateway! Here are our favorite places to eat with kids in the Twin Cities Gateway.
Kids will love picking out a treat from the case at Hans’ Bakery in Anoka. The old-school bakery has been a local landmark since 1973 and serves up donuts, cookies, cupcakes, and more. The extra-large Texas donuts are huge enough to share, and if you can’t decide what to order, the Birkner Box includes all of the bakery’s top sellers.
1423 5th Avenue, Anoka; 763-421-4200; hans-bakery.com
Kendall’s Tavern and Chophouse in Coon Rapids has a family-friendly atmosphere and offers kids meals for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. You’ll find the classics—think pancakes, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and buttered pasta—plus options for little foodies, like steak medallions and fish and chips. FInish with a kid-sized hot fudge sundae.
12800 Bunker Prairie Road NW, Coon Rapids; 763-755-1234; kendallstc.com
At Oliver’s in Shoreview, parents can enjoy modern comfort food while kids dig into mac n’ cheese, chicken strips, cheeseburgers, and individually-sized pizzas. Kids meals include a choice of beverage and side—pick from fries, sweet potato fries, and greens with ranch dressing.
159 Grass Lake Place, Shoreview; 651-370-1970; olivers-shoreview.com
With locations in Anoka, Ham Lake, and Shoreview, Mansetti’s Pizza and Pasta is a go-to for family-friendly fare. Split a pizza with the whole family, or kids can order their own individual one-topping pizza or a kid-sized portion of spaghetti, rigatoni, or fettuccine with garlic toast.
Multiple locations; mansettis.com
From the most adventurous eaters to the pickiest, everyone will find something tasty at Fridley’s Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet. There are over 100 different items to choose from, including pan-Asian vegetarian, chicken, seafood, and pork dishes, plus sushi, pizza, mashed potatoes and gravy, salads, fruit, desserts, and ice cream. Special kids’ pricing is offered based on age, and beverages are included.
268 57th Avenue NE, Fridley; 763-571-3838; teppanyakigrillmn.com
The Tavern Grill, with locations in Arden Hills and Blaine, serves a wide-ranging, crowd-pleasing menu. On Sunday, check out the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet (kids are half-price), which includes a made-to-order pancake bar. There’s also a kids menu for lunch and dinner, with pizza, mac ‘n cheese, chicken strips, mini cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and a quesadilla.
Multiple locations; thetaverngrill.com
Coon Rapids’ El Loro has an interior decorated with colorful murals that match the flavorful cuisine. The kid’s menu features Mexican specialties like burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and cheese quesadillas served with rice and beans, as well as American items like chicken fingers with fries.
44590 Robinson Drive NW, Coon Rapids; 763-754-9065; elloromexican.com
Open seasonally, Flamingo’s Ice Cream and Treats in Fridley makes their own artisan ice cream. Pick from 32 rotating flavors, including cookies ‘n cream, blue moon, raspberry chip, and cookie butter. The menu features kid cones and dirt and worms sundaes, plus ice cream flights so you can try miniature scoops of several flavors. The shop also stocks candy, locally made fudge, and caramels.
1258 E Moore Lake Drive, Fridley; 763-572-2078; flamingosicecream.com
In search of the ultimate breakfast experience in the Twin Cities Gateway? Look no further than RJ Riches Family Restaurant. Come with a hearty appetite because we’re known for serving truly generous portions that practically guarantee leftovers. Whether you opt for a fresh, fluffy omelet paired with a mountain of golden hash browns or dive into a plate of mouthwatering blueberry pancakes, prepare to be wowed. RJ Riches embodies the essence of a timeless family diner—unpretentious but unbeatable when it comes to delicious fare and consistently warm service. While breakfast is a round-the-clock affair, don’t hesitate to explore the menu for classic favorites like burgers or comforting options such as meatloaf when dinnertime calls. Get ready to leave with a satisfied and full stomach!
2145 Hwy Ave Mounds View; 763-780-3888
Two Scoops serves up super-premium ice cream in downtown Anoka, with a rotating list of flavors sure to delight all ages, from old-fashioned vanilla to peanut butter cup. Kid-sized cones are available, as well as malts, shakes, and sundaes. The shop always stocks some dairy-free and gluten-free flavors.
1918 2nd Avenue S, Anoka; 763-323-0622; twoscoopsmn.com
Conveniently located to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the ten communities of the Twin Cities Gateway (Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, and Shoreview) offer tasty eats, trails and parks, recreational facilities, cultural attractions, and affordable hotels with free parking. Book your stay today!
