Kid-friendly restaurants in Palo Alto (6)

An old-school diner with a working soda fountain - milkshakes, burgers, pies - that's always full of families, so yours won't be the loud table. Weekday lunch is the quiet window.

Cal-Mex tacos and guacamole with a heated parklet and sidewalk tables - outdoor seating is the kid-pressure valve. Early dinner (5-6pm) is the family sweet spot.

The family-style Italian chain built for groups: platters meant for sharing, kitschy photo-covered walls kids stare at all meal, and a noise level that absorbs toddler volume.

Family-style Italian served in shareable platters - order two dishes and the whole table eats. Loud, kitschy, and built for groups; note there's no separate kids' menu, the family-style format is the kids' menu.

Palo Alto's old-school fountain diner since 1923: grilled cheese, real milkshakes, and counter seats - the classic treat-lunch downtown.

Counter-service Pakistani-Indian with Michelin Bib Gourmand cred: chicken tikka and kababs kids devour, a conversation-menu for shy teens, and California Ave patio tables.