Downingtown Family Favorites: 6 Kids’ Menus the Whole Family Will Love

chicken fingers and french fries

It’s that time of year when the kids are getting restless, bored or have run out of the latest, greatest at-home video game strategies. When the little guys and girls start climbing the walls and you start looking for ways to get them away from the house, why not take them out for dinner to one of the borough’s many kid-friendly eateries?

No need to fret over the picky-eater, fidgety toddler or making sure the food gets to the table fast enough to calm the troops. We found a few local dining spots that handle that problem well with great options for kids—and some really good dishes for adults as well.

Anthony’s Pizza and Grill

Anthony's

This recently redone borough favorite is located in the heart of Downingtown on busy Route 30, across from the Downingtown Diner. Relax in the authentic Italian vibe while you enjoy an elevated menu of well-presented pizza, pasta, salmon and veal. You can’t go wrong with a kids’ menu that includes vermicelli and meatballs, fettuccini and butter sauce and a gooey kids’ grilled cheese, all at $5.50. Make sure to share the “sweet pizza” dessert with Nutella, fresh strawberries and banana slices drizzled with chocolate. 78 W. Lancaster Ave., (610) 873-5544

Downingtown Diner

Downingtown Diner

This “Home of the Blob” spot is perfect for a diverse list of “just like Mom makes” grub. What a great way to experience the old-fashioned diner ambience with the family, too. “Your choice” kids’ dishes are a real deal at $5.95 and include roast turkey with stuffing and a vegetable, spaghetti with one meatball and a roll or the all-beef hot dog and fries. Delve into a loaded banana split to top off your meal. Open 24 hours. 81 W. Lancaster Ave., (610) 873-4545

Georgio’s Restaurant & Bar

You can’t miss this red bricked restaurant smack dab in the center of the borough. The restaurant features beautiful alfresco dining in nice weather and is home to consistent pub fare and full bar any time of year—but it’s the kids’ menu that shines with penne, linguini and mac and cheese dishes all in the $6–$7 range. TVs inside or cool cars driving up and down Lancaster Ave. as well as bustling sidewalk traffic will help keep the little ones engaged. Open 7 days. 149 E. Lancaster Ave., (610) 269-3200

Milito’s Restaurant

Milito's

In pleasant weather, let the young-uns enjoy the large deck next to the Brandywine Creek, which touts one of the best outdoor views in Downingtown. The inside decor is pretty cool to investigate, too, with stone walls, high ceilings and historic machinery from its stint as a notable papermill. Owner Joe Milito makes sure the artisan pizzas astound while the pasta, seafood and chicken dishes hold their own. Check out the new streamlined kids’ menu (beginning in September) at $8 per plate (which includes beverage). Pint-sized pizzas, ravioli and spaghetti with marinara and a great chicken fingers platter make Milito’s the perfect family experience. 20 E. Lancaster Ave., (610) 269-6000

Pomodoro Downingtown

Pomodoro

You already know how original and delicious the pizzas, pasta dishes and seafood are at this well-liked local favorite—but an inclusive “kids’ platter” menu has something for every child you want to bring along. Try the housemade 7 oz. burger and fries ($7.75), fettuccine with butter sauce ($6.25) and standby chicken fingers with fries ($6.95). Save room for authentic Italian desserts. Check out the full restaurant menu online. Gluten-free options are available. 200 Chestnut St., (610) 873-0405

Victory Brew Pub

Don’t you love it when you can go somewhere and not have to worry about being quiet? Victory fits the bill. Raucous energy, outstanding food and nightly specials let you enjoy your meal with favorite Hop Devil or Headwaters Pale Ale while the kids nosh on a corn dog, panko chicken sandwich or cod fish nuggets, all ringing in at $6. Did we mention house-made creme brulee ice cream? 420 Acorn Ln., (610) 873-0881

Bonus Family Fun Guide

Take your Downingtown dining date with the kids to the next level and let them run off a little steam at these local family-friendly venues:

Palace Bowling & Entertainment Center

Kid-centric and family fun programs, video games and of course knocking down the pins make this a great family experience any time of year. A friendly and helpful staff remain attentive. See daily specials and pricing online977 E. Lancaster Ave., (610) 269-9999

Kerr Park

Adjacent to Brandywine Creek lies 45 acres of greenery, old shade trees, a trout hatchery, athletic fields and a gazebo—not to mention a prime pokemonGo location. Restrooms on the premises and lots of running room make this a must hit spot on your list of things to do. 1 Park Ln., (610) 269-0344

Downingtown Playdium

If you’re looking for enjoyable entertainment, check out the Playdium. With a soft play area for toddlers, lazer maze challenge and an arcade loaded with state-of-the-art games, the kids will never want to go home (we’re just joking). 3949 W. Lincoln Hwy., (610) 624-1294

  • Photos: Ed Williams