Kids Eat Free at These 30 Chain Restaurants

Feeding your kids can get expensive, but these 30 restaurants where kids eat free make it a bit easier.

Kids Eat Free at These 30 Chain Restaurants

What’s so great about free food for kids? Well, pretty much everything. For one, parents get to keep a few more dollars in their wallets (perhaps for the college fund?), and they also get to enjoy that look of pure unadulterated joy when the little guys and girls behold a meal on the house. Sure, they might not yet understand the value of a dollar, but you really can’t put a price on an experience like that, can you?

The economy has been up and down in recent years, partly thanks to the pandemic, but many businesses are getting themselves good PR by ensuring that happy parents, and their kids, return time and time again thanks to these offers. Here are 30 of the best restaurants where kids eat free.

30. Qdoba Mexican Grill

Headquarters: San Diego, California

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Qdoba Mexican Grill

Working from home got you down? Get in the car and head to Qdoba for a burrito stuffed with your choice of protein, vegetables and whatever else your little heart desires.

And speaking of little hearts, bring your progeny along as Qdoba offers a deal wherein a children’s meal is free with the purchase of an adult “entree.” There doesn’t appear to be an age limit, so try doing it for your 50-year-old, young-at-heart cabaret singer friend.

29. Steak ‘n Shake

Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Steak ‘n Shake

The late great film critic Roger Ebert was one of this Midwestern burger chain’s biggest champions, and it’s easy to see why. It's open late and has an absolutely awesomely tasty and varied menu.

Plus, ol’ Rog likely took his grandkids to Steak ‘n Shake, as the chain offers free burgers and fries for the kids once you spend $9 or more. C’mon, don’t be that guy who just gets a side order of fries; pony up for the combo meal so Junior can eat, too.

28. Luby’s

Headquarters: Houston, Texas

Age requirement: 12 and under

Bottom Line: Luby’s

Luby’s has a rather flexible free schedule, offering several nights where the kiddos can get some grub on the house. The chain’s character, LuAnn, proudly offers not one but two free food nights on Wednesday and Saturday.

LuAnn is also the name of Luby’s original value meal, which comes with two sides, a bread roll and your choice of fish, chicken fried steak, bacon cheesesteak, roast chicken, or (egads!) grilled liver and onions. Don’t say LuAnn never did anything for you.

27. IKEA

Headquarters: Delft, Netherlands

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: IKEA

It’s a not-so-hidden secret that the cafeteria at IKEA has some pretty stellar food at reasonable prices, including the company’s famous Swedish meatballs. The furniture megastore is also known to have rotating promotions offering free food for the kids, but participation varies by season and store.

That said, there's typically a promotional offer in October where kids in costumes (why has no one spelled it “kids in kostumes” yet?) get some free Halloween goodies.

26. Cafe Rio Mexican Grill

Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah

Age requirement: 6 and under

Bottom Line: Cafe Rio

If you’ve never been to — or even heard of — St. George, Utah, then clearly you aren’t familiar with the local chain Cafe Rio, founded in 1997 by Steve and Patricia Stanley to bring Utahans some authentic food from southern Texas and northern Mexico.

If you’re age 6 and under, find a bored adult to buy you a Cafe Rio entree, which comes with a free “Nino Quesadilla.”

25. Hooters

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia

Age requirement: 12 and under

Bottom Line: Hooters

Well, the kids have to learn about how their bodies will change as they grow up, meaning a trip to Hooters can be both fun and educational! Whatever you have to tell yourself, right?

But in all seriousness, the Atlanta-based chain known for its delectable chicken wings is known for their Tax Weekend special, wherein kids eat free when an adult drops over $10. See, Hooters even teaches kids about finance!

24. Huddle House

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Huddle House

Going back to work and/or school following the weekend can be a major drag, but thankfully, Huddle House of Atlanta aims to ease the pain by offering a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal every Monday and Tuesday.

That means you can take the little one for free waffles and grilled cheese two nights in a row, earning Parent of the Year in the process.

23. Café Brazil

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas

Age requirement: 12 and under

Bottom Line: Café Brazil

This Dallas-based coffee house franchise is a haven for hipsters and discerning coffee-drinkers based in the Big D. They started off with breakfast food only but have since expanded to lunch and dinner as well.

And they’re also quite generous with the younger set, who get to chow down on a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree. This goes on every night from 5 to 10 p.m.

22. Red Robin

Headquarters: Greenwood Village, Colorado

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Red Robin

The Red Robin chain has been around since 1969, and one reason it's continued to do so well is due to its rather generous children’s birthday sundae. If it’s Junior’s special day, the staff will not only deliver the free sundae but sing for him or her — loudly — in front of the entire restaurant.

There's no word on whether or not earplugs are also provided for the “happy” parents.

21. Johnny Rocket’s

Headquarters: Lake Forest, California

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Johnny Rocket’s

Johnny Rocket’s absolutely screams “California,” from the retro-chic diner interior to the white-hatted staff who might as well have stepped right out of the 1950s. It’s a good time for all, especially if it happens to be Tuesday or Thursday when kids dine on the house with the purchase of an adult-size drink and entree.

The special lasts from 4 to 8 p.m., leaving you plenty of time to get the kid home for a “proper” bedtime.

20. IHOP

Headquarters: Glendale, California

Age requirement: 12 and under

Bottom Line: IHOP

The International House of Pancakes is based in Southern California, so that gives it some cred as “international” we suppose. Whatever its name, certain locations of IHOP offer a daily kids-eat-free special from 4 to 10 p.m.

All you have to do is plop down the cash for an adult entree, which earns the purchaser a free kid’s meal.

19. O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar

Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee

Age requirement: 10 and under

Bottom Line: O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar

There’s generous, and then there’s O'Charley's generous. The joint allows kids under 11 to eat free all day, every day, if they are dining in with a card- or cash-carrying adult who buys an adult entree.

Oh, and that’s one free kid’s meal for every adult entree, meaning this could be a bonanza of freebies depending on how many grownups tag along. However, O’Charley’s doesn’t do free drinks; there’s a limit to their benevolence.

18. Moe’s Southwest Grill

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia

Age requirement: 12 and under

Bottom Line: Moe’s Southwest Grill

Sunday means going to church for a great many Americans, which naturally builds up an appetite from all of that sitting and listening. Head immediately afterward to Moe’s Southwest Grill, as the nationwide chain offers a free kid’s meal with the purchase of a “really big kids” meal on Sundays.

Moe’s even allows the tykes to choose from a burrito, quesadilla or taco. Plus a cookie!

17. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Headquarters: Bridgewater, Pennsylvania

Height requirement: Under 40 inches

Bottom Line: Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

No matter the season, any time of year is a good time for free ice cream. Thanks to the Pennsylvania company Bruster’s Ice Cream, kids of a certain height get a free baby cone when they show up.

In order to qualify, the little one has to be under 40-inches tall, a little more than 3 feet.

16. Marie Callender’s Restaurant and Bakery

Headquarters: Mission Viejo, California

Age requirement: 12 and under

Bottom Line: Marie Callender’s Restaurant and Bakery

Every Saturday and Tuesday, the rather gracious Marie Callender’s allows kids to get a free meal with the purchase of any adult entree.

This way, you won't feel nearly as guilty when ordering that extra slice of delicious chocolate cream pie they make in-house every day.

15. Ruby Tuesday

Headquarters: Maryville, Tennessee

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Ruby Tuesday

Before you poo-poo and say goodbye to Ruby Tuesday, make sure that, if you have kids, you do yourself and your progeny a solid by heading into participating locations for a free children’s entree (do kids even know what an “entree” is?).

The chain offers the deal every Tuesday — duh! — from 5 p.m. until closing time. Note: It is ill-advised to keep your kid at Ruby Tuesday until 1 a.m.

14. Denny’s

Headquarters: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Denny’s

Sure, Denny’s attracts a certain kind of patron, especially in the wee hours after the bars have closed, but in a bid to be more family-friendly during the non-vampiric shifts, the much-beloved diner doles out free kid’s entrees on Thursday evenings with one adult meal bought.

And this is some kid’s menu! Potential freebies include chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and even a chance to build your own Grand Slam!

13. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

Headquarters: Dover, New Hampshire

Age requirement: 12 and under

Bottom Line: Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

For a place named after an adult cocktail (or maybe it was just the founder’s name), the New England-based Margaritas has some pretty great stuff for the not-yet-legal-drinking set.

Accordingly, every Sunday, with the purchase of one adult entree, the restaurant offers not one but two free dinners for kids.

12. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Outposts of Perkins are found around the nation, which is good news for anyone who wants to swipe — we mean share — their kid’s free meal. It’s true, Perkins offers no-cost kiddie dinners on Tuesdays with the requisite purchase of an adult meal.

Then, let the little ones choose from among nummy options including chocolate chip pancakes, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, French toast and even fried chicken.

11. Uno Pizzeria and Grill

Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Uno Pizzeria and Grill

Pizza, pizza and even more pizza is the name of the game at this Boston-based food firm, which is famous for its Chicago deep-dish pie. The restaurant also has a killer kids' menu, not only featuring pizza but also spaghetti and chicken tenders, too.

The little ones can even pick up a free meal at Uno every Tuesday thanks to their free-food policies.

10. Bob Evans

Headquarters: New Albany, Ohio

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Bob Evans

What is it about Tuesdays and gratis meals for kids? Is it because it’s sufficiently enough away from the weekend but not yet too close to Friday? Who knows … but what Bob Evans outlets do know is that Tuesday means a meal on the house for children.

Among the chain’s kid-friendly options are the Lil’ Farmer Breakfast, Tic-Tac-Toast and the Little Piggy Hotcake, with cute banana slices for the oinkster’s nostrils.

9. Ruby’s Diner

Headquarters: Irvine, California

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Ruby’s Diner

If this is Tuesday, then it must be time for Belgian waffles. Head out to Ruby’s Diner for whatever nationality you enjoy your waffles, but a word to the wise: Do it on Tuesday when kids dine for free from 4 p.m. until closing time.

That would likely make any kid happy; just judge by the smiling little guy on Ruby’s homepage.

8. Firehouse Subs

Headquarters: Jacksonville, Florida

Age requirement: 15 and under

Bottom Line: Firehouse Subs

It’s cliche, but most kids at some point entertain the idea of pretending to be a firefighter. And why not, as it’s a very noble profession of helping people and saving lives.

Firehouse Subs has enjoyed a lengthy collaboration with firefighters and their communities, and they also give back to the community with free birthday meals for kids 15 and under.

7. Tony Roma’s

Headquarters: Orlando, Florida

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Tony Roma’s

Relax, you’re not the first person to confuse this Italian food joint with the former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys — after all, the football great and the restaurant only differ by a single letter.

However, even the Cowboy great, with all his millions, could use a meal break every now and again. Fortunately, certain Tony Roma’s offers free kid’s meals every day of the week, though likely those famous ribs would be hard to tackle.

6. Chili’s

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas

Age requirement: 12 and under

Bottom Line: Chili’s

There’s being given a free meal, and then there’s earning a free meal. Chili’s falls into the latter category, requiring paying customers to join their My Chili’s Rewards customer loyalty program in order to earn points that can be redeemed for a free kid’s meal.

Sorry, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch after all, no matter your age.

5. I Heart Mac & Cheese

Headquarters: Pembroke Pines, Florida

Age requirement: 12 and under

Bottom Line: I Heart Mac & Cheese

Not surprisingly, I Heart Mac & Cheese is the place to go for tuna fish sandwiches. Kidding, of course. The Florida chain allows the customer to build his or her own unique bit of macaroni goodness, either in bowl or sandwich form.

That’s right, you can actually scarf down mac and cheese in a sandwich here! Bring the kids on Sunday or Monday for a freebie.

4. Chevys Fresh Mex

Headquarters: Emeryville, California

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Chevys Fresh Mex

Oh, but aren’t those fajitas wonderful at Chevys? They come steaming and sizzling out of the kitchen, practically begging all heads to turn to see which table they’re heading toward.

Fajitas might be a bit above most kids’ palates, so while you enjoy them, Chevys will also give the kids a free meal on Mondays. Or, if you’re in slightly better straits, come in on Wednesday for $1 kid’s meals!

3. Holiday Inn

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Holiday Inn

What’s better than not having to think about what to get Junior for dinner while out on the road? That’s right, Holiday Inn allows kids visiting any of their restaurants to dine on the corporate dime.

And since Holiday Inn is a hotel business, they one-up much of the competition by eliminating any surcharge that other hotels might impose for a child’s stay.

2. Boston Market

Headquarters: Golden, Colorado

Age requirement: 12 and under

Bottom Line: Boston Market

For preteens, few places outdo Boston Market when it comes to offering free meals. With absolutely no other purchase required, the chain offers a gratis choice of meatloaf, turkey breast, mac and cheese, or rotisserie chicken.

We know, it doesn’t make much sense for “Boston” Market to be headquartered in Colorado, but you know what else is based in the town of Golden? That’s right, the Coors Brewery, so you have quite an afternoon ahead of you if you're visiting the original.

1. Applebee’s

Headquarters: Glendale, California

Age requirement: None (within reason)

Bottom Line: Applebee’s

There are Applebee’s locations pretty much everywhere, which means that each franchise outlet can more or less dictate how and when kids eat free. That means the free offerings differ by menu and date, depending on where you go, but children’s favorites known to be on the free-of-charge kids' menu include chicken fingers, pizza and even corn dogs.

The chain restaurant also offers a free meal on Halloween for costumed kids, so start working on that “Squid Game” getup STAT!