Where to Find Kids Eat Free in the Triangle

Feeding a family is expensive, and "kids eat free" nights are one of our best budget strategies for dining out. We've compiled the most reliable kids-eat-free deals in the Triangle. A word of caution: deals change, so always verify with the restaurant before you go. We update this list regularly.

Consistent Kids Eat Free Deals

Tuesday Night

Tuesday is historically the biggest kids-eat-free night in the Triangle.

IHOP — Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree on Tuesdays at most Triangle locations. Ages 12 and under. One free kids meal per adult entree. The pancake faces are always a hit.

Denny's — Similar deal on Tuesdays. One free kids meal per adult entree. Ages 10 and under at most locations.

Bob Evans (Cary location on Walnut Street) — Kids eat free on Tuesdays with adult entree purchase. Ages 12 and under. The mac and cheese is solid.

Other Weeknight Deals

Moe's Southwest Grill — Kids eat free on Sunday at participating Triangle locations with adult entree purchase. The build-your-own format works great for picky eaters.

PDQ (Pretty Darn Quick) — Various locations offer kids meal deals on specific nights. Check your local store.

CiCi's Pizza — While not technically "free," the all-you-can-eat buffet at around $6-7 per adult and $4-5 per child is one of the best value family meals in the Triangle. Kids under 3 typically eat free.

Local Restaurant Deals

Local restaurants rotate their kids deals more often, so these are subject to change:

Torero's Mexican Restaurant in Cary sometimes runs kids-eat-free nights on weekday evenings. Call ahead to verify.

Various pizza shops — Check with your local pizza place. Many run weekday kids specials even if they don't advertise them widely.

Not "Free" But Great Value

Some restaurants don't offer free kids meals but have prices so low they almost qualify:

Char-Grill — Kids items under $4, and the portions are generous

Cook Out — The kids tray is around $3-4 and includes a drink

Guasaca — Kids can eat well for $5-6

Cosmic Cantina (Durham) — Quesadillas around $4

How to Maximize Kids Eat Free Deals

1. Call ahead. Deals change seasonally or end without notice. A 30-second phone call saves a frustrating surprise. 2. Check age limits. "Kids" can mean under 10, under 12, or under 5 depending on the restaurant. 3. Understand the terms. Usually it's one free kids meal per adult entree purchased. Some require a drink purchase. 4. Tip on the full amount. The server did the same work whether the kids meal was free or not. Tip as if you'd paid for it. 5. Combine deals. Some restaurants stack kids-eat-free with other promotions or coupons. 6. Keep a running list. We have a note on our phone with verified deals and the day of the week.

Weekly Planner

Here's how we plan our week around kids-eat-free deals:

A Note on "Kids Eat Free" Apps

There are apps that aggregate kids-eat-free deals (like "Kids Eat Free" and "Restaurant.com"), but we've found them to be inconsistent for Triangle-specific deals. Your best bet is calling the restaurant directly or checking their website and social media.

Dining out doesn't have to break the budget. With a little planning, these deals add up to significant savings over a month.

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Where to Find Kids Eat Free in the Triangle