Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Cary
Cary might not have the trendy food reputation of Durham or Raleigh, but honestly? For families, it's one of the easiest places to eat out in the Triangle. The restaurants here were practically built for the stroller-and-sippy-cup crowd, with wide aisles, big parking lots, and menus that actually have things kids want to eat.
Downtown Cary
Chatham Street area has become Cary's dining hub, and several spots are great for families.
Pharmacy Bottle + Beverage on Chatham Street has a great patio and upscale comfort food that works for parents and kids alike. The mac and cheese is outstanding, and they have a solid kids menu. Adult entrees $14-22, kids plates $7-9. The outdoor seating area gives kids a little room to breathe.
Annelore's German Bakery & Restaurant on E. Chatham Street is a unique option — the pretzels and schnitzel are kid favorites, and the pastry case is basically a reward system for good behavior at the table. Entrees $12-18, pastries $3-6.
Waverly Place
La Farm Bakery at Waverly Place is a Cary institution. The croissants are some of the best in the state, the sandwiches are excellent, and there's enough space to navigate a stroller. We grab pastries ($3-6) and sandwiches ($9-13) here at least twice a month. Changing table available in restroom.
Torero's Mexican Restaurant nearby is our go-to for chips-and-salsa-as-an-appetizer family dinners. The portions are enormous, the kids menu is extensive ($5-7), and the servers are genuinely great with little ones. We've never waited more than 10 minutes, even on a Friday night. Adult entrees $10-16.
Crossroads and Beyond
Hibachi & Co near Crossroads is a hit with kids who love watching their food being prepared. The theatrical cooking keeps kids mesmerized, which gives parents a few minutes of peace. It's not cheap ($15-25 per person), but the entertainment value makes it worth an occasional splurge.
Guasaca on Kildaire Farm Road is our fast-casual hero. Venezuelan arepas and bowls that are delicious, affordable ($8-11 per person), and the build-your-own format means picky eaters can control exactly what goes on their plate. Counter service means no waiting for a check with a restless toddler.
Sushi Thai near Maynard Road has a surprisingly great kids menu for an Asian restaurant. The chicken teriyaki plate is a reliable winner, and adventurous kids can try maki rolls. Adult entrees $12-18, kids meals $6-8. High chairs available.
Best Quick-Service Options
Andy's Burgers on Buck Jones Road is a classic local chain with drive-through convenience. Burgers, shakes, and onion rings that taste like they should. Family of four eats for about $25-30.
Rise Biscuits and Donuts has a Cary location that's perfect for Saturday morning runs. The biscuit sandwiches are filling and creative, donuts are kid-approved, and you can be in and out in 10 minutes. Biscuits $4-7, donuts $2-4.
Parks Near Restaurants (Our Combo Strategy)
One of the best things about Cary is the parks. We often pair dining with a park visit:
Quick Reference: Best For...
| Need | Restaurant | Price | |———|—————-|———-| | Best bakery/lunch | La Farm Bakery | $-$$ | | Best Mexican | Torero's | $ | | Best entertainment dining | Hibachi & Co | $$-$$$ | | Best build-your-own | Guasaca | $ | | Best quick burger | Andy's Burgers | $ | | Best Saturday morning | Rise Biscuits and Donuts | $ | | Best date-night-with-kids | Pharmacy Bottle + Beverage | $$ |
Cary makes family dining easy. Big parking lots, wide sidewalks, and restaurants that expect high chairs at every other table.
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