
Family Friendly Restaurants in the West Side Phoenix Area
A guide to good food and great kid approved restaurants.
Hi there. If we haven’t had a chance to meet and this is your first time on my blog, let me take a moment to introduce myself. I am Rosalynn, a passionate Family Photographer. I love helping families have a wonderful experience of laughter and fun during a photography session. One of the key ways to ensure a positive experience is a special treat after the session. And what better way to conclude a session than with a delicious treat at one of West Phoenix’s family-friendly restaurants?
Personally, my own family is full of food snobs. I know, I know, I know it’s kind of cringy to admit, but don’t click away just yet. Our family loves good food! I mean we love good food.We take our dining experiences seriously and are always seeking out local gems to support. Over the years we have tried and tested many restaurants here locally and I want to share with you a few of the great places we’ve discovered for you to try out with your family.
Are you ready to get your mouth watering? This is my list of go to kid friendly restaurants in the West Valley:

Stepping into Haymaker, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that instantly sets the stage for a great dining experience. The patriotic décor gives a charming vibe and cozy booths offering plenty of space for families to gather. From hearty appetizers to decadent desserts, there is no shortage of options to tantalize your taste buds. Signature Burgers, Meatloaf Sliders, Ribs and breakfast served all day makes this a great place to take your family.
You will love the selection of kid-friendly options on the menu, including classic favorites like Mac and Cheese and Chicken Tenders. The portion sizes are generous and the dishes are prepared with care, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will leave satisfied.
But here is the best part….KIDS EAT DINNER FREE ON SUNDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS. Seriously! Need I say more?
They also offer a rewards program where you get $10 free towards your next purchase after you have spent a certain amount at the restaurant. I regularly visit Haymaker with my family and we have enjoyed multiple meals that were almost free with my $10 rewards.
Check them out here: haymakeraz.com

Oh Culver’s; It is so yummy and, yes, it is fast food. When I sat down to write this blog, I was shooting for sit down restaurants, but this is a kid favorite that I just couldn’t skip. We live around the corner of a Culver’s and my emerging reader gets in his daily practice by reading me the flavor of the day sign..hahaha. Whatever it takes to get that reading practice in, right?
Their menu is a wonderful take on American Burgers with the delightful addition of Frozen Custard. The ButterBurger is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor. You will savor every juicy bite of the Original ButterBurger, featuring a perfectly seasoned beef patty topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and of course, Culver’s signature lightly buttered, toasted bun. It is simply irresistible.
No visit to Culver’s would be complete without indulging in their creamy frozen custard. Everyday they have a new flavor highlight, so you have the option to try something new or enjoy an old favorite.
Now here is the best part: the kids meals come with a coupon for a free custard on their next visit. My kids absolutely love this and my older son would take a flavor of the day over a toy, no questions asked.
Personally, I enjoy a nice relaxed restaurant atmosphere, so if you are like me in that regard, bring it home and enjoy the comfort of someone else’s cooking. The easy clean up is a total win as well.
Check them out here: www.culvers.com
We love BJ’s, with their diverse menu of burgers, pastas, steak, and much more. Everything that we have ever ordered has been delicious and we haven’t had a meal we didn’t like at BJ’s.
There is one visit that stands out not only to my husband and I, but to our son. We went on a weekend night so the wait was long, but as soon as we were sat our waitress brought out bread and drinks for our son. The waitresses’ small act of kindness made our experience amazing because our son was fed, and as parents, we could relax and take our time. He still talks about it when we drive by BJ’s.
We love that BJ’s is committed to creating a family-friendly dining experience and it has shown in our own dining experiences. We are always impressed by their menu, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service, making this an amazing experience for the entire family.
Check them out here: www.bjsrestaurants.com
Our family loves eating here. The food comes out quickly, which is a huge benefit for hungry fidgety little ones. The kids meals come with two sides alongside the large portioned main course. Usually we get two kids meals with 4 different sides (Honestly it’s 3 different sides because we get two orders of applesauce. The boys are crazy about applesauce) and then we set it up family style for our two little guys. With Rubio’s kid’s meals portions, this is the perfect option for kids to get variety and their favorites as well.
For adults there are also some great options, like the Grilled Shrimp Burrito, with plump, succulent shrimp and flavorful ingredients; this is a delightful and unique meal. Personally, I love their salads. They are a refreshing option for those seeking a lighter fare and you still leave full and satisfied.
Check them out here: rubios.com
This recommendation is near and dear to my own heart; I am from the Pacific Northwest, where cozy coffee shops are nested throughout my hometown, so my soul gets all warm and nostalgic when I am in a good coffee shop.
Colados Coffee and Crepes brings that cozy feeling to its guests with every visit. This is a place to get comfy and stay a while, enjoying great company of friends and family.
They have an expansive menu of savory and sweet crepes as well as an exquisite coffee selection. There is something for everyone here.
Colados Coffee and Crepes would be my top recommendation for a Generational Family Session. In our busy world we have to make time to stop and pause with our loved ones. When we have finished a family session, enjoy a special treat and comfortable atmosphere that sets the stage for your family to have a memorable time with each other.
Check them out here: colados.com
Family memories are built over sharing meals together. There is a deep intimacy and connection that happens when we take the time to stop and pause our busy lives to enjoy our loved ones. Family connection is everything; the true gems and treasures of life. I truly believe that there is value in capturing the beauty and joy of your family in photographs. In a family session we stop and enjoy our most valuable treasures, our families. Continue the moment after a session and enjoy a meal together. It will be a great motivation for little ones and will make it an evening to remember.









Family memories are built over sharing meals together. There is a deep intimacy and connection that happens when we take the time to stop and pause our busy lives to enjoy our loved ones. Family connection is everything; the true gems and treasures of life. I truly believe that there is value in capturing the beauty and joy of your family in photographs. In a family session we stop and enjoy our most valuable treasures, our families. Continue the moment after a session and enjoy a meal together. It will be a great motivation for little ones and will make it an evening to remember.
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