Parental Advice: 8 great local eateries for kids

Tom Giffey |

PREPARE TO BE DAZZLED WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FAMILY TO EAU CLAIRE’S FUJI SUSHI & STEAK HOUSE FOR TEPPANYAKI COOKING.
PREPARE TO BE DAZZLED WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FAMILY TO EAU CLAIRE’S FUJI SUSHI & STEAK HOUSE FOR TEPPANYAKI COOKING.

Going out to eat with kids can be an adventure … and not always the good kind of adventure. If dirty looks could kill, many parents would never have made it out of certain dining experiences, especially in establishments where Happy Meals aren’t on the menu. Yet some restaurants – because of their atmosphere, menus, or service – are perfect for little ones. We asked a bunch of Chippewa Valley parents to name their favorite eateries for meals out with the kids. Be sure to visit ChippewaValleyFamily.org to add your own!

Fired Up Pizza Co.

(4689 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire)
We always sit in the same booth when we go there: upstairs, as high as you can get. From there, you can see the pizzas baking in the oven, spy on cars in the parking lot, and see just about everything else, too. We love that you can choose either buffet (if you time your visit right) or a wood-fired pizza of your choosing. Food is great, reasonably priced and the after-dinner s’mores are a true treat for little and big kids alike. And as an added bonus, the restaurant donates a considerable portion of its proceeds back to the community – as showcased front and center on their chalkboard-like behind-the-counter menu. –Jennifer Schmidt

Rice Palace

(210 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire)
This is one of our favorite restaurants, especially on Pho Fridays when they offer the best deals on pho. It is a kid-friendly place for several reasons: 1. Noodles and rice – you simply can’t go wrong; 2. Great variety of flavored drinks; 3. Fish tank – small but entertaining; 4. Fast and friendly service; 5. Affordable; 6. Free piece of candy after your meal; 6. Laid-back atmosphere. With its downtown location, you can also stroll down Barstow Street and admire the sculptures before or after your meal. –Jessica Miller

Food at Taqueria la Poblanita.
Food at Taqueria la Poblanita.

Taqueria la Poblanita

(2436 London Road, Eau Claire)
We’re all about Taqueria la Poblanita. Simple tables and chairs, plenty of high chairs, and a very pleasant staff. (Plus the food is delicious.) –Rachel Hart-Brinson

SandBar and Grill

(17643 50th Ave., Chippewa Falls)
Yes, it’s very much a bar, but we’ve found it quite kid-friendly. In fact, the waitress/bartender booted two individuals for being less than sober and swearing in front of our kids once. LOVED! I’d recommend eating outside, the view is great. You can walk down to the river (bring the kids a change of clothes, mine didn’t exactly stay at ankle depth like they were supposed to. They often have music, too. –Jodi Baglien Sparkes 

Girolamo’s Court’n House

(113 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire)
Seriously, the Court’n House: two-for-one burgers on Thursdays. Right along the bike path from Volume One’s Sounds Like Summer Concert Series afterwards. They have loads of family games in the back to play while you wait for your beer, I mean food. –Liz Kennedy Wiechert

Fuji Sushi & Steak House

(4864 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire)
Their staff has always been amazing with our kids, giving them a little extra egg to eat at the grill while we waited for the rest of our food. The wait staff seemingly remembers the kids and talk to them, not just us. –Jodi Baglien Sparkes

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

(311 E. Clairemont Ave. and 6202 Chuck Lane, Eau Claire)
Dickey’s is free on Sundays for kids. Our 3-year-old loves the mac and cheese there. They also have free soft serve ice cream. –Meredith Hollars

Chipotle Mexican Grill

(4738 Golf Road, Eau Claire)
My toddler calls this place “Rice-beans-chicken-milk” (you’ll never guess what he always orders). They offer fresh and simple ingredients without worry of much preservative or added nonsense. You get in and out quickly and don’t have to worry much if kids are loud because the atmosphere is just generally loud. Compostable dishes are a plus, and they are quick to clean up any mess you and your little monsters leave behind. My one beef with the place is there is no changing table in the bathroom! –Jennifer Leavitt