Dining out as a family is a special treat, but it can get expensive. Luckily, San Diego offers many restaurants where kids eat free on select days. Whether you’re craving Mexican food, barbecue, or classic comfort dishes, this guide has you covered.
With options available daily, this list is your ultimate resource for planning affordable and enjoyable family meals.
Why “Kids Eat Free” Promotions Matter
Taking advantage of “Kids Eat Free” offers is a win-win for families. Here’s why:
- Save Money: Dining out for free means fewer expenses for your family meals.
- Convenience: Skip the cooking and enjoy a stress-free dining experience.
- Variety: Expose your kids to new cuisines in a fun, family-friendly setting.
Tips for Making the Most of Kids Eat Free Deals
- Verify Offers: Call ahead to confirm promotions.
- Plan by Day: Some deals are only available on specific days or during certain hours.
- Arrive Early: Popular family-friendly restaurants can get busy during promotion times.
- Combine Deals: Look for additional discounts, like happy hour specials, to maximize savings.
Restaurants Offering Kids Eat Free in San Diego
Monday Deals
- Hacienda Casa Blanca (El Cajon): Kids 10 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
- Luna Grill (Multiple Locations): Mediterranean-inspired dishes and free kids’ meals with adult entrée purchases.
- Alejandra’s Fine Mexican Food and Cantina (Carlsbad): Free kids’ meals for children 12 and under with an adult entrée.
- Giaola Italian Kitchen (Carlsbad): Delicious Italian meals with free kids’ options for children 12 and under.
Tuesday Deals
- Hamburger Factory (Poway): Kids 10 and under eat free with adult entrées after 5 p.m.
- Denny’s (Multiple Locations): Kids eat free on select nights; check your local restaurant for details.
- Ruby’s Diner (Carlsbad, Oceanside): Kids 12 and under eat free after 4 p.m. with adult entrées.
- O’s American Kitchen (San Marcos): Kids eat free all day with the purchase of an adult entrée.
- Bruski Burgers & Brew (San Diego): One free kids’ meal per adult entrée purchased.
- Achiote Mexican Restaurant (San Ysidro): Kids eat free with adult entrée purchases from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday Deals
- IKEA San Diego (Mission Valley): Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. IKEA Family members can get up to two free kids’ entrées per adult entrée purchased.
- Hooley’s Irish Pub (La Mesa, Rancho San Diego): Free kids’ meals for children 12 and under with a paying adult.
- El Torito (La Mesa): Kids’ meals for only $1 with adult entrée purchases.
- Del’s Hideout (San Diego): Free kids’ meals with adult entrée purchases over $18.95.
- Pioneer BBQ (San Carlos): Enjoy free kids’ meals with qualifying adult orders.
- Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen (College Area): Kids eat free every Wednesday.
Thursday Deals
- Mendocino Farms (Del Mar, La Jolla): Free kids’ meals with adult entrée purchases; dine-in only.
Saturday Deals
- Marie Callender’s (Multiple Locations): Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée purchases.
- The Kebab Shop (Multiple Locations): Free kids’ meal with a regular menu item and drink purchase.
Sunday Deals
- Daphne’s California Greek Café (Multiple Locations): Kids eat free with an adult entrée.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (Multiple Locations): Free kids’ meals for children 12 and under with a $12 adult purchase.
- Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen (Carlsbad): Kids 10 and under eat free after 4 p.m. with adult purchases.
- Rockin’ Baja Lobster (Mira Mesa): Free kids’ meals with adult entrées on Sundays.
- Bruski Burgers & Brew (San Diego): Kids eat free with each adult entrée purchased.
- BIGA (San Diego): Kids eat free on Sundays after 5 p.m.
Daily Deals
- Barra Barra Saloon (Old Town San Diego): Kids 10 and under eat free with a paying adult.
- Casa Guadalajara (Old Town San Diego): Free kids’ meals with adult entrée purchases.
- Bucca di Beppo (Mira Mesa): Kids eat free daily during the summer; dine-in only.
- Al’s Cafe in the Village (Carlsbad): Free kids’ meals with adult entrée purchases—perfect for breakfast or lunch.
- Claim Jumper (Multiple Locations): Free toddler plates for kids age 3 and under.
- The Cheesecake Factory (San Diego): Complimentary banana and bread plates for babies and toddlers.
Top Family-Friendly Spots
Here are some standout restaurants that go the extra mile for families:
- Fuddruckers (Encinitas): $1.99 kids’ meals after 4 p.m. on Mondays with an adult purchase.
- Souplantation (Multiple Locations): Salad bars kids love and free meals on Tuesdays.
- Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen (Carlsbad): Wholesome meals for the whole family, with free kids’ meals on Sundays.
- IKEA San Diego: Affordable Swedish food and a family-friendly dining area with play spaces.
Conclusion
With so many options for free kids’ meals, San Diego is a paradise for budget-conscious families. From Italian kitchens to BBQ joints and Swedish classics at IKEA, there’s something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your family outings and create wonderful dining memories.
If you have any updates or suggestions, please comment below! We’d love to keep this list accurate and up-to-date for all San Diego families.
