Kid-friendly restaurants near the National Mall
Written October 2026
On the Mall itself, lunch is a museum cafeteria or a food truck. The good stuff is a short walk north, in Penn Quarter, where 7th Street runs up from the Archives and the Navy Memorial with one family-friendly restaurant after another.
From the Washington Monument end, the two old classics by the White House are closer. For dinner with a view of the water, walk or cab south to the Wharf.
Penn Quarter, up 7th Street
Closest to Natural History, the National Gallery and the Archives. These rooms are big and loud, which is what you want with kids.
Carmine's
Penn Quarter
Huge platters of pasta set in the middle of the table for everyone to share, so even the pickiest kid finds something.
matchbox
Penn Quarter
Pizza and burgers in a casual room, and the servers hand kids a ball of dough to play with while they wait.
Oyamel
Penn Quarter
Mexican small plates and tacos in a bright, colorful room. The guacamole is made at the table, and kids can help.
Jaleo
Penn Quarter
Spanish tapas, lots of small plates to pass around, and foosball tables you can eat at.
Hill Country Barbecue Market
Penn Quarter
Texas barbecue ordered at the counter and carried to your table, in a room loud enough that nobody notices yours.
Zaytinya
Penn Quarter
Mediterranean mezze, small plates to share, for the night you want something nicer than pizza and the kids can still pick off everyone's plate.
Poke Papa
Chinatown
Build-your-own poke bowls, with cooked and vegetarian options next to the raw fish. It's fast, and there are high chairs.
By the White House
Closer if you're starting at the Washington Monument or the African American History museum.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Downtown
The classic, two blocks from the White House: a big, busy room with a long menu and a kids' menu.
- Kids' menu
- Yes
Down at the Wharf
South of the Mall on the Washington Channel. It's a longer walk down 7th Street SW, or a short cab, and worth it for dinner outside by the water.
Mi Vida
The Wharf
A festive Mexican restaurant with a patio looking out at the water, and kids' meals that come with a drink and ice cream.
Hank's Oyster Bar
The Wharf
New England seafood on the waterfront, a patio for people-watching, and fish sticks, tenders, grilled cheese and mac and cheese for kids.
Boardwalk Bar and Arcade
The Wharf
Pinball and arcade games set up around the tables, a kids' menu, and reservations, so you can skip the wait.
- Kids' menu
- Yes
- Reservations
- Yes
Grazie Grazie
The Wharf
Philly-style hoagies and cheesesteaks on the water, with chicken strips and grilled cheese for kids.
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Oyamel: Elvert Barnes (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Old Ebbitt Grill: APK (CC BY-SA 4.0)