10 restaurants where children can eat for free
Dining out as a family can be expensive, but some Valley restaurants want to help.
Whether you are looking for a way to entertain the kids over summer, or just looking for a break from doing the dishes, a midweek meal out can be a welcome reprieve. It’s even better when it’s free.
Many restaurants require the purchase of an entree to qualify for a free kids meal. Others come with a drink and a cookie or an ice cream sundae.
From weekly discounts to daily deals, here are 10 metro Phoenix restaurants where kids can eat for free.
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
With 12 locations from Gilbert to Glendale, Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers restaurants are easy to find. Every Tuesday during the summer, the sports bar will offer a free meal for kids with the purchase of a full-sized entree. The offer specifies the free meals must be from the kids menu and are only for children 12 or younger who are dining in with an adult. Kids menu items include cheeseburger sliders, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, corn dogs and more. Each meal includes a small drink and fries, chips or fruit. This year’s offer ends on Aug. 31.
Details: 5625 N. 7th Street, Phoenix. 602-354-8093. Additional locations at coldbeers.com.
Pita Jungle
At Pita Jungle, kids can eat for free once a week in July. On Tuesdays, kids get a free meal with the purchase of an entree. You must mention the deal to receive the discount, which is applicable for dine-in only. Options for kids include a mix-and-match menu with multiple selections for protein, carbs, veggies and fruit. Each meal also comes with a kidsized drink. Pita Jungle has 24 locations around the state, with restaurants in metro Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson.
Details: 4340 E. Indian School Road, Ste 17, Phoenix. 602-955-7482. Additional locations at pitajungle.com.
Rustler’s Rooste
At Rustler’s Rooste, kids 10 and younger qualify for a membership to eat
for free. Called the Slide Riders Club, which costs $6.95 for an annual membership or $13.50 with a T-shirt, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. Kids can choose from a menu of chicken fingers, mac and cheese, or a kids cheeseburger.
Details: 8383 S. 48th Street, Phoenix. 602-431-6474, rustlersrooste.com.
NYPD Pizza
After 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and all day on Saturdays, kids age 10 and under qualify for free food at NYPD Pizza. A free meal comes with the purchase of a small pizza, pasta entree, hero or large salad. Two free kids meals come with the purchase of a medium, large or Sicilian pizza. Kids meal options include pizza bites, ravioli and spaghetti with a meatball. Kids meals also include a drink and an ice cream sundae. The deal is valid for dine-in only.
Details: 7650 W. Bell Road, Glendale. 623-561-6973. Additional locations at aznypdpizza.com.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Kids eat free at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on Sundays. One free kids meal is allowed per check with a minimum purchase of $10. For a limited time, the deal applies to takeout and delivery as well, when customers use the code KEFOLO when ordering. Kids meal options include chicken fingers, sliders or a meat plate with multiple meat and side options. Each kids meal also includes a drink.
Details: 402 E Greenway Pkwy Ste 2, Phoenix. 602-666-6320. Find more locations at dickeys.com.
Chompie’s
Children ages 10 and younger can receive one free kids meal with the purchase of one adult meal on Tuesdays. The kids menu includes Happy Mouse pancakes with bacon or turkey sausage; Say Cheese Scramble with bagel and bacon or turkey sausage; bagel with cream cheese and fresh fruit; Checkered Cab Cheeseburger; Big Apple kosher hot dog; and High 5 Mac & Cheese. Lunch and dinner items are served with a side and a cookie.
Details: 9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-860-0475. Other locations at chompies.com.
Lakeside Bar & Grill
This restaurant in the northwest Valley celebrates every Tuesday with two specials. Not only is it Taco Tuesday with $3 tacos at Lakeside Bar & Grill, kids also eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. Sit inside at this Peoria neighborhood restaurant or bring the whole family, including pets, for dinner on the patio. Kids menu options include burgers, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, corn dogs or chicken tenders.
Details: 9980 W. Happy Valley Pkwy, #1101. 623-566-1470, lakesidebarandgrillaz.com.
Cucina Tagliani
Children ages 10 and younger get one free kids meal on Mondays with a free Tagliani Family Rewards card and the purchase of one adult meal. The kids menu, called the “little Spaghetti Squad,” includes pizza, chicken strips, pasta, wings or grilled cheese. Each meal is served with juice or milk.
Details: 17045 N. 59th Ave., Glendale. 602-547-2782, cucinatagliani.com.
Denny’s
If your kids are diner fanatics, Denny’s is the spot to score some free food. Families can snag up to two free kids entrees from the kids menu for each adult entree purchased over $6. The offer is valid for dine in only. Check with your local restaurant to find out which day kids eat free. At the location on 7th Street and Camelback Road, kids eat free on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-10 p.m.
Details: 5002 N 7th Street, Phoenix. 602-279-7721. Additional locations at dennys.com.
Shogun Japanese Restaurant
For fans of Japanese food, this north Valley restaurant has families covered. Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For kids a little unsure about sushi, the children’s menu includes katsu chicken fingers and teriyaki chicken. The offer applies for kids 10 and younger with the purchase of an entree.
Details: 12615 N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix. 602-953-3264, facebook.com/ ShogunPhoenix.