Here are thirteen of my picks for easy dining with the kids in and around Louisville and even across the river in Southern Indiana. Either I have personally dined at these placed with my two kids in tow, or have heard rave recommendations from families who have taken their children there and had a good experience. (They are in no particular order.)
1. Captains Quarters Riverside Grille in Prospect is a little slice of life along the river heaven. My husband and I have driven out here a few times with our kids and really enjoyed it. The food is great, and the atmosphere and view is outstanding. Walking along the water and talking about all the different boats docked is enough to keep many kids entertained.
2. W. W. Cousins near St. Matthews is a great option for families with kids. First of all they offer two nights of kids eat free (Mondays and Tuesdays), and the giant tree in the middle of the room is a great conversation piece. The desserts are great for an indulging takeout back at home.
3. 2 Dips and a Shake located along Main Street in downtown Louisville is a great option for a cool treat with spring and summer plans being made in our diverse city. There are tons of options of things to do with the family in downtown, and everyone will love stopping here for an ice cream or unique shake after venturing around the blocks a few times or so.
4. Polly's Freeze is located in Georgetown, Indiana and we have yet to visit this establishment. But friends and acquaintances swear by it, so it is definitely on our try it list with our children this summer.
5. Mike Linnig's is a staple out in south Louisville. Located on Cane Run Road off the Gene Snyder Freeway and right along the Ohio River, folks travel out here to enjoy a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon eating fried fish and fried everything at a picnic table while the kids frolic along the playground structures set up along the grounds.
6. Dairy Kastle on Eastern Parkway is a must to visit any time now that they are open for the 2015 season! Walk up to the small window, order a chili dog and chips and of course a shake or two for the kids, and enjoy it at one of the concrete patio tables under the shade of some very old trees. Bring your cash-that's all they accept. Even better, let the kids empty their piggy banks for you.
7. Pearl Street Treats in Jeffersonville is a must pit stop after walking across the Big 4 Bridge. My family and I stopped here last year once the bridge was finally complete and really enjoyed it. Walk around Jeffersonville or play at the park soon once it opens right at the end of the bridge in Jeff.
8. Kingfish Jeffersonville (and the Kingfish location on River Road too) are great options for families with kids. We spent the night one spring break two years ago in Southern Indiana and just pretended to be tourists on the Sunny Side. We ate here (but it certainly wasn't our first time) and really enjoyed it al fresco. I recommend that particularly with kids if the weather is warm enough, especially with the view of the Ohio and all the bridge building going on.
9. The Widow's Walk Ice Creamery is located not too far from this Kingfish in Clarksville. Just continue west down that main road till you reach a Victorian yellow house with fabulous views of the river and Louisville's skyline. You can even rent bicycles for your whole family and take an excursion. Just don't forget to get prepped or refueled with some ice cream beforehand or afterwards.
10. Joe's Crab Shack is another restaurant located right along the river in downtown Louisville. We like to eat out on the huge deck and again watch the river traffic and bridge construction. (Okay I admit I have an active preschooler who is really into transportation and these options really keep him occupied!)
11. The Comfy Cow - Louisville's own trendy, delicious ice cream shop is a must place to take the kids. If you haven't already shame on you! With five locations now and the exciting news of Comfy Cow coming to your grocery, The Comfy Cow is just an all around fun place to eat ice cream as a family.
12. Mark's Feed Store is another local Louisville place that really keeps parents with kids in mind. You can bring the family here for a good meal and not feel shamed the entire time. Go on Tuesdays for kids eat free night and save some ca$h.
13. Fun Pizza with Pizazz Options: Pizza King in New Albany, Wick's Pizza, Mellow Mushroom or Spinelli's Pizza in Goose Creek. At Spinelli's, your family can eat in a Philadelphia style subway car, or have your drinks delivered to you by a train at Pizza King. Wick's Pizza has several Louisville locations and they are very kid-friendly, as is Mellow Mushroom with its bright décor and open air window kitchen where kids are entertained with watching pizza dough thrown into the air old-school style.
Of course, Jason's Deli is a franchised type of chain restaurant, and it is my family's definite go-to for a wide variety of menu items and free ice cream after dinner.
This is obviously a short list; what's your family's favorite place to eat out together in Louisville?
Photos credited within article, via restaurants' Facebook pages; cover photo courtesy of shutterstock.com/Pidgorna Ievgeniia
