Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Downtown Indianapolis

Updated March 14, 2026

Traveling with kids and need to eat downtown? Here's where to go — organized by how fast you need food and how loud your kids are.

Convention family tip: During major events (Nike MEQ, HOSA, FFA), every restaurant near the Convention Center gets slammed. Walk 10 minutes to Mass Ave or take a rideshare to Bottleworks — your kids will be happier and you'll eat faster.

Fast & Easy — When Kids Are Hungry NOW

Counter-service, no reservations, food in under 15 minutes.

The Garage Food Hall — Bottleworks District

906 Carrollton Ave (15-min walk or $8 rideshare from ICC). 20+ food vendors — pizza, burgers, tacos, Thai, BBQ, ice cream. Everyone picks what they want. No waiting for a table. Large communal seating. This is the single best option for families with picky eaters or mixed ages.
Ages: All ages. High ceilings absorb noise. Nobody cares if your toddler is loud.
Budget: $8–15 per person.

Yats Cajun Creole — Mass Ave

659 Massachusetts Ave. Counter-service Cajun food. Point at what you want, pay, sit. Food in 5 minutes. Cheap, filling, flavorful. The crawfish etouffee is the move. Kids can get a simple rice-and-beans bowl.
Ages: 5+. Small space, fast turnover. Not ideal for strollers.
Budget: $8–12 per person.

Goodfella's Pizzeria — Downtown

34 N Illinois St. New York-style pizza by the slice. Walk in, grab a slice, sit. Kids love it. Open late. One of the fastest food options near the Convention Center.
Ages: All ages. Simple, loud, casual.
Budget: $5–10 per person.

Shapiro's Delicatessen — Downtown

808 S Meridian St. Indianapolis institution since 1905. Cafeteria-style — grab a tray, point at what you want. Massive corned beef sandwiches, matzo ball soup, pie. Kids pick exactly what they want off the line.
Ages: All ages. Spacious dining room. Zero pretension.
Budget: $10–15 per person.

Sit-Down — When You Have 45+ Minutes

Full-service restaurants that welcome kids without making parents feel guilty about noise.

Buca di Beppo — Downtown

35 N Illinois St. Family-style Italian — big shared plates, loud atmosphere, no one notices your kids. The restaurant is built for large groups. Portions are enormous. Call ahead for groups of 6+.
Ages: All ages. The Pope Room is a hit with kids.
Budget: $15–25 per person (portions are shareable).

Yard House — Downtown

16 S Pennsylvania St (Circle Centre). 100+ beers for parents, a kids menu with burgers, chicken tenders, and mac & cheese. TVs everywhere keep kids entertained. Loud enough that nobody hears your table.
Ages: All ages. High chairs available.
Budget: $15–25 per person.

Punch Bowl Social — Downtown

120 S Meridian St. Food, drinks, bowling, arcade games, karaoke. The closest thing downtown has to a family entertainment center with real food. Older kids (8+) will love the games. Younger kids enjoy the energy.
Ages: 5+. Gets more bar-like after 9 PM — go for dinner, not late night.
Budget: $15–25 per person plus activities.

Bazbeaux Pizza — Mass Ave

334 Massachusetts Ave. Local pizza institution with creative topping combinations. Kids can get a simple cheese or pepperoni while parents try the Quattro Formaggio or Tchoupitoulas. Outdoor patio in warm weather.
Ages: All ages. Casual, not rushed.
Budget: $12–18 per person.

Special Occasion — When You Want a Nice Meal With Well-Behaved Kids

Harry & Izzy's — Downtown

153 S Illinois St. The casual sibling of St. Elmo Steak House. Steaks, seafood, and the famous shrimp cocktail — at lower prices and a more relaxed atmosphere than St. Elmo's. Kids menu available. Reservations recommended.
Ages: 6+. Well-behaved kids welcome. Not a place for toddler meltdowns.
Budget: $25–50 per person.

Weber Grill — Downtown

10 N Illinois St. Everything cooked on Weber grills. Steaks, burgers, ribs. The open kitchen is fun for kids to watch. Kids menu. Slightly more family-friendly atmosphere than other steakhouses.
Ages: All ages during early dinner (5-6:30 PM). Gets more adult after 7 PM.
Budget: $20–40 per person.

Breakfast & Brunch With Kids

Cafe Patachou — Mass Ave — 225 W Washington St. Farm-to-table breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, and the best cinnamon toast in Indianapolis. Portions are generous. One of the city's most beloved breakfast spots. See our breakfast guide for more options.
Milktooth — Fountain Square — 534 Virginia Ave. James Beard-nominated brunch spot. Creative dishes that will impress parents; simple options (Dutch baby pancake) for kids. Weekend waits can be long — arrive by 9 AM. Not a traditional diner — this is destination brunch.
Long's Bakery — Downtown — 2301 E 16th St (~10-min drive). Indianapolis's legendary donut shop since 1955. Cash only, no-frills, and the line moves fast. The glazed yeast donuts are some of the best in the Midwest. Kids will talk about these donuts for the rest of the trip.

After Dinner — Dessert & Fun

Rocket Fizz — Monument Circle — 49 Monument Circle. Candy store with 500+ soda flavors. Kids lose their minds here. It's the perfect 20-minute post-dinner stop.
Sundae's Homemade Ice Cream — 722 Mass Ave. Local ice cream shop on Mass Ave. Creative flavors, generous portions. Walk the Cultural Trail with a cone.
Monument Circle Carriage Rides — Kids love the horse-drawn carriage rides around Monument Circle. 20-minute rides available most evenings. See our carriage rides guide for details.

Family Activities Beyond Dining