At Red Stick Mom, we have family fun in Baton Rouge for all seasons covered, as well as creative ideas for every member of the family. Our team of more than 25 Baton Rouge moms is always looking for activities, events, and inspiration for everything from how to host the perfect Baton Rouge birthday party for kids to hidden gems in Baton Rouge. We even have this resource for where kids eat free in Baton Rouge to help you save money while eating out with the family!
South BR Restaurants: Local and Family Friendly
Dining out is a whole new experience when you have children. Different ages and stages make going to a restaurant a whole new world. Toting a newborn in a car seat is a wholly different experience than dining with a toddler or young child. Add in the fact that many children missed out on two years of social interactions due to closures and lockdowns and you have quite the challenge.
We love to eat local and support the businesses in and around the area where we live. As we start going out to eat more and more often I’ve started to tune into places that won’t mind a toddler who has no concept of “inside voice” or an infant whose self-expression is limited to crying and cooing.
While not wholly inclusive these are some of the restaurants that have worked for our family and have all the things we look for in a restaurant: locally owned, good food, and children welcome.
Bistro Italia– this local Italian restaurant on Coursey could be easily overlooked. It is located in a strip mall just off Sherwood. They serve classic Italian dishes and Pizzas. The kids’ menu is all verbal but includes items like French bread pizza, butter noodles, and fried ravioli. The table next to us had some kids a bit older than ours and the waiter recommended they just split the regular spaghetti & meatballs dish. The interior is small with several booths and tables. The portions for adults are sizable and you will likely go home with leftovers.
Los Reyes– who doesn’t love Tex-Mex for a family meal? Salsa, queso, and tortilla chips are always a hit with this family. Los Reyes on Coursey offers a family-friendly atmosphere, great Tex-Mex, and some unique options: like the Gyros Tacos or Queso Frito combining staples of both Tex-Mex and Greek/Lebanese cuisine.
Willie’s– another family-friendly location on Coursey. Willie’s offers classic Southern fare. The kid’s menu includes corn dogs, shrimp poppers, and mac & cheese among other items. They also have great crawfish during the season and a Brunch menu that includes a spicy chicken biscuit, shrimp & grits, and a hash brown dish with pork belly. They also have sin-a-bits: fried bread pudding bites covered in cinnamon sugar!
Just Wingin It– They actually serve more than just wings, but this neighborhood restaurant located on Hoo Shoo Too, does have great wings. They also have burgers, “bar bites”/tapas like options, salads, and other specials. My husband’s personal favorite: is the bayou wrap which boasts both fried chicken and red beans & rice in one wrap. My kiddo loves the “flat fries” and my toddler and I often share an order of boneless wings (they are giant).
Mason’s Grill- this Baton Rouge staple really needs no explanation. Kids eat free on Mondays and the Brunch menu is well known. The giant pancakes, the amazing stuffed French toast, chicken & waffles, and that breakfast burger! They also have nightly specials and their famous DIY bloody mary.
Jabby’s– this fast-casual pizza place has woodfired pizzas made to order. Build your own pizza or order from the specialty pizza list. Customized salads are also an option. Dine-in or to-go orders are made quickly. This is my toddler’s favorite pizza place.
City Pork Highland-City Pork’s newest location in South BR is a great family-friendly space. We went for Brunch one Sunday and I was surprised to see all of the families with children dining in. At one point a family with toddlers was even dancing in the dining room. The kid’s menu includes grilled cheese, sliders, chicken tenders, and PB&J.
