Kiddo Friendly Restaurant Guide
Eating out with a small human is not easy, but it is important! I find so much joy in sharing a delicious meal and although it looks a little different, it’s still possible. Here are some kiddo friendly restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Let’s Eat!
The best way to use this guide is to use the find shortcut (Command + F on Macs, Ctrl + F on PCs) and search for the item you want. Example: coffee, or lunch, etc.
Coffee
Betterday Coffee
✧ Open Early ✧ Play Space ✧ $$$
Sun - Sat, 7 am - 5 pm 905 W Alameda St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
I will be real with you, the play space is kinda gross and it’s small. It’s not a deal breaker, but the toys are kind of sticky and very clearly loved… this is my formal plea to start donating your gently used toys to this lovely spot. Yucky toys and all, Betterday is worth it both for the yummy food and the chance to talk to your friend while your toddler is entertained in the play space. Sitting outside in the picnic benches is also a great option! There’s usually sidewalk chalk hanging around but be wary, it is right by the parking lot and it is busy.
My order: Bacon Red Breakfast Burrito, Mocha with Oat Milk
Toddler’s Order: Nibbles of said breakfast burrito
Iconik Red
✧ Lots of space ✧ Patio ✧ Breakfast + Lunch ✧ $$
Sun - Sat, 7:30 am - 5 pm 1366 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
This is the newest location in the Iconik family, and it is my favorite vibe of them all. Light, bright, and lots of space to roam. The plant wall is a big hit with my toddler, but most the dirt particles that he can play with. They have a nice big patio as well, but it’s right off a bust part of Cerrillos so I don’t feel comfortable letting my toddler roam (even though it is fenced in).
My order: Horchata Latte - I’m lactose intolerant but it is worth it!
Toddler’s Order: Breakfast burrito shared with mama
Java Joe’s Rodeo
✧ Open Early ✧ Drive-Through ✧ Doggo Friendly ✧ Fast ✧ $$
Sun - Sat, 7 am - 5 pm 2801 Rodeo Rd a, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Probably my favorite coffee shop simply because I don’t have to take my child out of the carseat. The drive-through always looks long but they are speedy! When I do have time to stop in, the space often has little ones in the shop so it’s a good place to make and meet friends.
My order: Mexican Mocha with Oat Milk no Whip, Green Chile Croissant
Toddler’s Order: Blueberry Muffin
Breakfast
Flying Tortilla
✧ Open Early ✧ Diner ✧ Chill ✧ New Mexican ✧ Kids Menu ✧ $
Sun - Thur: 6:30 am - 8:00 pm, Fri - Sat: 6:30 am - 9:00 pm 4250 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507
A classic diner with all the local touches of New Mexico. We love sitting in the sun room, which feels separate from the main dining room where our kiddo can be a little more wild. Nothing fancy, but that’s what makes this place perfect. Yummy chile and a great kids meal for all times of day!
My order: Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs
Toddler’s Order: Smiley Pancake
The Pantry OG
✧ Open Early ✧ New Mexican ✧ Kids Menu ✧ $$
Sun - Sat: 7:30 am - 8:30 pm 1820 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Okay I know you think I’m crazy for listing the Pantry on here because the wait times are not feasible with a toddler, pero, if you go right at 7:30 am preferably on a weekday, you can make it happen. There are no words needed to describe the magic that is the Pantry. Just go. But go early lol
My order: Christmas Breakfast Burrito with Brisket
Toddler’s Order: Tortilla with butter, shares mama’s breakfast
Lunch
Bo’s Authentic Thai
✧ Fast ✧ Casual ✧ Asian ✧ $$
Mon - Sat: 11 am - 4:00 pm; 502 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505
There is nothing more comforting to me than a bowl of curry if I’m feeling sad, cold, or just plain old hungry. Quick, easy, and SO GOOD. I’ve picked up Bo’s while C is napping in the car and I’m starving and can’t get out - she’s brought food to my car and has saved the day many times. Truly an angel. The only downside is, I often crave Bo’s at 7 pm or on a Sunday when they are closed :(
My order: Panang Curry with Pork
Toddler’s Order: Pad Se Ew with Chicken
Midtown Bistro
✧ Roomy Patio ✧ Fancy ✧ French ✧ $$$$
Mon - Fri: Lunch 11 am - 2:30 pm
I am a bougie bi*ch and being a mama does not change that. I love Midtown Bistro’s patio for the vibes, my toddler loves it for the rocks and neighborhood cat.
My order: Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Bacon, Avocado, and Mozzarella
Toddler’s Order: French Fries, a side of Pasta
Millie
✧ Roomy ✧ Fancy ✧ $$$
Wed - Sun: 7 am - 3 pm
The brunch for two is such a good deal
My order: Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Bacon, Avocado, and Mozzarella
Toddler’s Order: French Fries, a side of Pasta
Dinner
Rustica
✧ Roomy ✧ Fancy ✧ Kids Meal ✧ $$
Mon - Sat: 11 am - 9 pm; Sunday: 12 pm - 9 pm
I was hesitant to take a toddler here since it just looks so beautiful, but I’m so glad we did. The staff was amazing, very baby friendly and thoughtful. They sat us out of the way, were super quick, brought the baby’s food out first and when we were in toddler meltdown territory, they packed a deconstructed tiramisu to go so we could enjoy it at home without it being a mushy pile. Their kids meal is a great value, and have realistic items my toddler will actually eat! I love Rustica.
My order: Crispy Calamari, Pappardelle Bolognese, and to go tiramisu
Toddler’s Order: Kids Meal Spaghetti with butter
CHOMP Food Hall
✧ Roomy ✧ Fun ✧ $$
Mon - Sat: 11 am - 9 pm; Sunday: 12 pm - 9 pm
We love a food court, there’s something great about going to one place but every person in your party can order something different. You can choose from Pedro’s Pizza, Poki Tako, or my favorite Nath’s Inspired Khmer Cuisine.
Note: There are no highchairs here and if there are nut allergies, please be very careful
My order: Nath’s Pad Thai
Toddler’s Order: Lettuce Wrap with Ground Pork
