# Kid-friendly restaurants near the National Mall Written 2026-10-16 by Play Day. Where to eat with kids near the National Mall and the Smithsonian museums: Penn Quarter's big, loud rooms on 7th Street, two classics by the White House, and the Wharf on the water. See which have a kids' menu before you go. 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](https://ourplayday.com/places/carmine-s-washington-dc-washington-dc) Neighborhood: 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](https://ourplayday.com/places/matchbox-penn-quarter-washington-dc) Neighborhood: 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](https://ourplayday.com/places/oyamel-washington-dc) Neighborhood: Penn Quarter Mexican small plates and tacos in a bright, colorful room. The guacamole is made at the table, and kids can help. ### [Jaleo](https://ourplayday.com/places/jaleo-washington-dc-washington-dc) Neighborhood: Penn Quarter Spanish tapas, lots of small plates to pass around, and foosball tables you can eat at. ### [Hill Country Barbecue Market](https://ourplayday.com/places/hill-country-barbecue-market-washington-dc-washington-dc) Neighborhood: Penn Quarter Texas barbecue ordered at the counter and carried to your table, in a room loud enough that nobody notices yours. ### [Gordon Ramsay Street Burger](https://ourplayday.com/places/gordon-ramsay-street-burger-dc-washington-dc) Neighborhood: Penn Quarter Burgers, with games to play, near the arena. ### [Zaytinya](https://ourplayday.com/places/zaytinya-washington-dc-washington-dc) Neighborhood: 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. ### [Teaism](https://ourplayday.com/places/teaism-penn-quarter-washington-dc) Neighborhood: Penn Quarter A tea house with rice bowls and snacks, for a quieter lunch between museums. ### [Poke Papa](https://ourplayday.com/places/poke-papa-washington-dc) Neighborhood: 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](https://ourplayday.com/places/old-ebbitt-grill-washington-dc) Neighborhood: Downtown The classic, two blocks from the White House: a big, busy room with a long menu and a kids' menu. - Kids' menu: Yes ### [The Hamilton](https://ourplayday.com/places/the-hamilton-restaurant-washington-dc) Neighborhood: Downtown Old Ebbitt's sister, a block over on 14th Street, just as big and lively. ## 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](https://ourplayday.com/places/mi-vida-the-wharf-washington-dc) Neighborhood: 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](https://ourplayday.com/places/hank-s-oyster-bar-the-wharf-washington-dc) Neighborhood: 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](https://ourplayday.com/places/boardwalk-bar-and-arcade-washington-dc) Neighborhood: 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](https://ourplayday.com/places/grazie-grazie-the-wharf-washington-dc) Neighborhood: The Wharf Philly-style hoagies and cheesesteaks on the water, with chicken strips and grilled cheese for kids. ### [Lupo Marino](https://ourplayday.com/places/lupo-marino-washington-dc) Neighborhood: The Wharf Pizza and panini on the waterfront, an easy one when nobody can agree. Page: https://ourplayday.com/guides/united-states/district-of-columbia/washington-dc/kid-friendly-restaurants-near-the-national-mall