Children are Welcome Here!

To enjoy a meal with children in tow, a restaurant should offer a kids’ menu with several options for young appetites and a friendly atmosphere where there is no need to shush the little ones. Although most Park City restaurants welcome families, there are a few eating establishments that make dining with tots a true pleasure.

Children Going Loco

Kids will be dancing at Loco Lizard as they listen to lively Latin tunes and admire the colorful artwork. This eating spot is a favorite with local families because children love the vibrant paintings of lizards and treasure the adventure of tracking the reptiles’ footprints across the walls. Children are offered a separate menu that includes all the Mexican favorites with a Loco Lizard twist. For example, they can order lizard legs (if they taste suspiciously like chicken, there is good reason—they are chicken wings), or a hot dog in a flour tortilla. Manager David Randolph explains why families feel comfortable dining with them. “We actually become a romper room a few nights a week and we like it! We train our staff to be kid-friendly because we are a family-oriented business,” he says. “If the kids are happy, then the parents want to come back.” As a bonus, whenever a child wears a sports team uniform to Loco Lizard, he or she eats free when parents purchase an adult entrée. Fried ice cream or chocolate sundaes finish off kids’ meals in style. To enjoy your own family fiesta, make tracks to 1612 Ute Boulevard in Kimball Junction.

Tot Triumvirate

When Stephen and Cissy McComb opened the Baja Cantina in 1982, they embraced the philosophy that their restaurant would be kid-friendly in order to make families with small children feel welcome. Baja Cantina is nestled within the shops at Park City Mountain Resort and is a favorite of parents throughout the year, whether it is to ski on snowy days or take the kids to the alpine slide during warmer months. Manager Melody Casias explains, “Children love visiting because they get balloons, a free toy and a coloring book,” she says. “They also enjoy the mini tacos and special child-size Mexican food.” With the success of the cantina, the McCombs then opened Ciseros (on Main Street) and in doing so, didn’t leave the family-friendly philosophy behind. “The tables at Ciseros are covered with paper so that the kids can color like crazy,” explains Casias. “The kids never get bored at our restaurants.” This Italian eatery offers special pasta dishes for children and the customary free toys. Two years ago, the McCombs opened Bistro 412 on Main Street. Keeping with tradition, this dining destination also attracts families. Children gobble up the petite fries, tiny and flavored just right for kids.

Tourists will especially appreciate these three locations because they are not as expensive as many resort dining spots. “In creating these restaurants, the owners wanted to guarantee that families with young children could have a good time and not break the bank,” says Casias.

Get Rocking

Shantel Sorensen, manager of Red Rock, knows exactly why children keep coming back to her restaurant. “Red Rock offers a full kids menu and is always willing to do something special for our diners, young or old,” she says. “If kids would like mac and cheese we will make it for them. We can accommodate almost any picky eater.” High-chairs and booster seats are available and restaurant employees understand what it takes for families to feel comfortable. Sorensen explains, “We don’t worry when kids make a mess. Our employees are right there to clean up spills.” Sorensen says that in addition to regular menu items, the chefs are willing to make special dishes for anyone with food allergies or dietary restrictions. This family-friendly establishment is located in the Redstone shopping center at 1640 West Redstone Center Drive.

A Sweet Finish

Families who only need to satisfy a sweet tooth can also have their hearts’ desires fulfilled. While in the Redstone shopping area, wander over to the Coldstone Creamery for a playful, scrumptious dessert. On Main Street, head into Cows Ice Cream for a cone or a creamy mocha drink. You might also want to visit the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to splurge on their fabulous caramel apples and confections.

Other Favorites

Economical pricing, casual atmosphere and child-friendly menus makes these other Park City restaurants top kid-friendly picks: Main Street Pizza and Noodle Company on Main Street, Nacho Mamas on Sidewinder Drive, Grub Steak Restaurant on the corner of Sidewinder and Gold Dust Lane, and the original family hangout, Mt. Air Café on Park Avenue.

Mother of four, C.J. Johnson knows a kid-friendly restaurant when she sees it.