Kids menus, approachable eats, and activities
Portland’s reputation as a culinary destination doesn’t overshadow the options visitors will find for kids and families. Many restaurants in the region know some palates prefer American cheese to au gratin, and selections such as mac & cheese and PB&J appear on many menus alongside chef-inspired entrées.
Area restaurants boast extensive Kid menus with special touches such as child-size chairs and activities, playrooms and picnic tables.
Foods kids love, such as fried seafood baskets, pizzas, and fries are never far away, and simple lunches are easy to find downtown or at seafood stands and clam shacks all along the coast. In fact, visitors will find plenty of establishments where a fun atmosphere is part of their character, perfect for kids and adults both. For a true Portland classic, head to The Great Lost Bear on Forest Avenue. This family-friendly brewpub has been a neighborhood favorite since 1979, with a dedicated Cub’s Menu for little ones and a big pub menu of burgers and comfort food for everyone else. Kids will love the quirky decor, from vintage posters to the taxidermy bear keeping watch over the dining room.
Over in Westbrook, Cowbell at Rock Row is a lively sports bar and restaurant with 25+ drafts and a wide variety of burgers and great food options for kids. The rest of Rock Row makes it an easy stop for the whole family, with casual spots like Chick-fil-A, Firehouse Subs, Big Fin Poké and Crumbl Cookies, plus outdoor fun and refreshments at Quarryside, set against a natural rock quarry.
Rock Row
Kids and parents alike will enjoy stopping at area food trucks where street food-inspired menu items can be ordered quickly and carried away. And, if a local festival or fair is in town, kids and families will find their choices for fun, casual eating exponentially expanded. Sports-minded families will find tasty affordable food to enjoy while watching their favorite teams on the big screen at an area restaurant, and local teams like the Maine Mariners (hockey) has terrific concessions at minor league prices.
more information on places to eat
Check out our full list of dining options.