Bring the Kids! 8 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Delco

With summer finally here, chances are that your kids will be home a lot more, or they’ll be busy with camps or jobs. Either way, higher temperatures and easy vibes present more opportunities for some fun meals out and about with the whole family. After all, who wants to cook when it’s hot outside?

There are so many family-friendly restaurants in Delco; by “family-friendly,” we mean casual, affordable places that offer kids’ menus or kid-friendly dishes, and are great for adults, too. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just a handful of our go-to spots where everyone in the family can have a satisfying meal and a laid-back, fun time:

 

Pinocchio’s

Did you know that Pinocchio’s lays claim to being the first pizzeria established in Delco? Yes, since 1955, this family-owned restaurant has been dishing up tasty pizzas, pastas and more to neighbors. If pizza wasn’t already kid-friendly enough, this bustling spot also offers a kids’ menu, which includes all the classics, like cheese pizzas, mac-and-cheese, chicken fingers and more, and each comes with a healthy side. The breezy outdoor beer garden is the perfect place to let little ones enjoy the fresh air, and the staff will even bring dough balls to play with, if you ask! Parents will enjoy the extensive craft beer and well-rounded wine list. 

Pinocchio’s is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

131 E. Baltimore Ave., Media, (610) 566-7767.

 

Nifty Fifty’s (Newtown Square & Folsom)

With its copious neon signs, nostalgia-tinged, diner-style interior, and an absolutely wild number of milkshake flavors (we count at least 75), Nifty Fifty’s is a kid’s dream restaurant. Even the pickiest eaters will find something to love on the menu, which includes burgers, fries and the aforementioned shakes, as well as cheesesteaks, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and more. Both Delco locations offer occasional family-centered events, like dinner with the Easter Bunny. 

Both Delco Nifty Fifty’s locations are open Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight.

1900 McDade Blvd., Folsom, (610) 583-1950; 3524 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (484) 992-1950.   

 

Tank & Libby’s (Drexel Hill)

If your fam prefers going out to brunch vs. dinner, Tank & Libby’s has you covered. The open, airy dining room, filled with eclectic decor brimming with Delco pride, has plenty of high chairs for tots, and the kids’ menu doubles as a fun activity, complete with crayons provided by the staff. The kids’ menu offers paired-down versions of breakfast favorites, like pancakes, French toast and two eggs with breakfast meats, and each dish comes with a beverage, a side and a popsicle. For adults and more-adventurous young eaters, the regular Tank & Libby’s menu has everything you could ask for at brunch, from savory egg dishes to epic sweet dishes, to lunch options, like soups, salads and sandwiches.

Tank & Libby’s is open Wednesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

1011 Pontiac Rd, Drexel Hill, (484) 455-7527.

 

Pica’s Restaurant

This retro pizza parlor is the perfect place to take kids for a birthday or another special occasion. Even though it’s not fancy, there’s a certain old-school charm that really feels like you’re out on the town. Pica’s unique sauce-on-top square pizza is a real crowd-pleaser, but there’s plenty more to choose from, including hoagies, salads, pasta and more. The children’s menu (for ages 3-12) goes above and beyond the standards, with options like chicken parmesan, a 6-ounce prime rib steak and cheese ravioli! 

Pica’s is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.  

7308 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, (610) 789-7770.

 

HaveABURGER

Located conveniently inside of the Skatium and adjacent to Veteran’s Park — making it the perfect refueling spot after an ice hockey game or softball tournament — HaveABURGER kicks the day off with yummy breakfast options and has a range of burgers, ranging from old standbys to gourmet get-ups at lunch and dinner. You’ll find chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, wraps, vegetarian options and more, as well as a no-nonsense kids’ menu. Don’t skip the milkshakes which include some really fun flavors, like banana oreo and salted caramel!

HaveABURGER is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

1002 Darby Rd., Havertown, (610) 853-4637. 

 

Antonia’s Family Restaurant

Make this comfy, no-frills diner your new go-to when you want to take the family out for breakfast or lunch. The wallet-friendly prices and huge portions mean that even the hungriest growing kids can eat their fill without breaking the bank! The breakfast menu is chock-full of egg sandwiches, omelets, hotcakes, etc., and the long list of sides makes it easy to pull a meal together for picky little kids (think: a fruit bowl, corn muffin and side of bacon). At lunch, turn to the trusty kids’ menu for specials like spaghetti and meatballs and chicken fingers and fries, each coming in under $6. If everyone’s on their best behavior, treat the kids to a slice of fresh baked pie from the dessert menu!

Antonia’s Family Restaurant is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

615 S. Chester Road, Swarthmore,  (610) 543-1271.

 

Noodle Eighty Eight

It can be really fun and rewarding to expose older kids with more adventurous palates to cuisines from around the world. Noodle Eighty Eight, a casual Asian-Fusion joint, is a great place to do this, with its welcoming atmosphere and a fun menu filled with dumplings, noodles, rice dishes and more. Though there’s no kids’ menu, there are plenty of introductory dishes, like scallion pancakes, fried rice and chicken with broccoli. Or, when the kids are ready to level-up, try spice-forward plates, like sichuan dumplings, dan dan noodles and tender beef in black pepper sauce.

Noodle Eighty Eight is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.

1168 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, (484) 472-8777. 

 

Minella’s Diner

There aren’t many diners left on the Main Line, but Minella’s, a local favorite since 1971, is still holding it down in Wayne. The mile-long menu, which includes Greek and Italian specialties, truly has something for everyone (including beer, wine, cocktails and espresso drinks for the adults)! If regular menu items, like grilled cheese, chicken fingers and deli sandwiches aren’t to your kids’ liking, there is a dedicated kids’ menu with nearly a dozen entrees, each served with a beverage and ice cream or jello for dessert. 

Minella’s Diner is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

320 Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 687-1575.

 

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo: Nifty Fifty’s