Restaurants with Playgrounds in South Austin: Full Guide
South Austin Family-Friendly Dining
Craving laid-back vibes and tasty food? South Austin has you covered. Known for its funky charm and cultural mix, this part of town offers plenty of casual hangouts where kids can play while parents enjoy classic Tex-Mex and craft brews. After an afternoon at a local park or a quick trip to a boutique vintage shop, check out one of these restaurants with playgrounds in South Austin for a maybe-stress-free family meal!
Map of Restaurants with Playgrounds in South Austin
I made you a map to find all the restaurants quickly. The heart pins are for our top picks in South Austin!
South Austin: Our Top Five Picks
In my opinion, South Austin is all about cool vibes, colorful murals, and delicious, unpretentious food. If you’re craving a relaxed hang where children can romp around on a playground while you kick back with a drink or bite, these five favorites for sure have you covered.
1. Meanwhile Brewing
3901 Promontory Point Dr
Austin, TX 78744
Hands-down our favorite brewery in Austin. Whenever we have guests, we take them here. They have great beer, a gorgeous patio with a playground and soccer field, plus some of the best food trucks around, like Pueblo Viejo (Mexican), Side Eye Pie (pizza), Distant Relatives (African), Songbird (burgers/sandwiches), and Bésame (ice cream). There’s also an outdoor stage and the bands have always been great!
2. Fast Friends Beer Company
7313 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd NB
Austin, TX 78744
Yummy pizza, good beer, and a huge outdoor picnic table area with a funky playground that has a bridge to climb on and a tunnel to crawl through. Kids love tunnels! I don’t get it! But what more could you want? Nothing! It’s the best! Check their website for events because there’s often fun things going on at Fast Friends.
3. Bouldin Acres
2027 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
The outdoor playground at Bouldin Acres is designed to be the perfect escape for children while parents unwind. The shady playground is visible from the seating area, ensuring that parents can easily watch over their kids without having to sacrifice relax time. Also Bouldin Acres has pickleball courts!
4. Doc’s Backyard Grill
5207 Brodie Ln #100
Sunset Valley, TX 78745
This place is popular for a reason! True to its name, Doc’s features a spacious backyard where you can snag a spot on the shady patio and watch your kids play at the playground, or watch your favorite teams on the TVs. The patio is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring along your furry friend. Great for an afternoon burger with a frosty bev.
5. Easy Tiger South Lamar
3508 S Lamar Blvd #300
Austin, TX 78704
Easy Tiger on South Lamar offers a welcoming restaurant where kids can play, featuring a turfy tunnel playscape that complements its bakery and beer garden atmosphere. Nestled within the outdoor seating area, this kid-friendly zone is perfect for playdates. Parents at picnic tables can enjoy artisanal bread, craft beer, or a coffee, while keeping an eye on their children as they enjoy their playtime, making Easy Tiger a perfect spot for a chill family day out in Austin.
Even More Restaurants with Playgrounds in South Austin
If our “Top Five” didn’t cover all your cravings, don’t worry — South Austin is packed with other great hangouts. The places below offer plenty of room for kiddos to roam free like the wild horses they are, and not to mention stellar menus for both grown-ups and picky eaters (we see you), and of course, that unmistakable south-side charm that we all love and cherish.
6. Thicket Food Park
Nestled in the heart of South Austin, Thicket hosts a bunch of great food trucks, offering comfort foods and kids menus, all surrounding a charming, centrally located playground surrounded by trees.
7. Flores Mexican Restaurant
4625 W William Cannon Dr
Austin, TX 78749
Mexican food with a patio and a playground.
8. The Hive
10542 Menchaca Rd
Austin, TX 78748
The Hive in Austin combines the cozy ambiance of a coffee shop with the joyful laughter of a playground. This family-friendly spot offers a welcoming outdoor area where kids can play on a playground complete with slides and swings. Parents can relax at nearby tables, enjoying coffee, snacks, or even a glass of wine, all while keeping a close eye on the littles.
9. Nomadic Outpost
3505 Country White Ln
Austin, TX 78749
Nomadic Outpost has coffee! And cocktails! And food with a shady patio and playground.
10. Way South Food Truck Park
11300 Old San Antonio Rd
Manchaca, TX 78652
A South Austin food truck park with a playground. Food trucks include BBQ, tacos, coffee, Mediterranean, pizza, Thai, and more.
11. Southpark Meadows
9500 S I-35 Frontage Rd
Austin, TX 78748
At Southpark Meadows in Austin, a variety of restaurants share access to a centrally located playground, creating a perfect dining destination for families. This communal playground serves as a hub for children to play and interact while parents can choose from multiple dining options ranging from casual bites at Waterloo Ice House to pizza at Mod. The playground is visible from several restaurant patios, allowing parents to keep an eye on their kids while enjoying their meals.
12. El Mercado
Grab some tasty Mexican food and let the small ones climb on the playground within view of the patio dining area. You can relax and enjoy your meal while keeping an eye on your kids.
13. Phil’s Icehouse
2901 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
Phil’s Icehouse on South Lamar isn’t just about great burgers — it’s a go-to spot for families looking to relax and have fun. It has a playground right next to the dining patio. While you enjoy your burgers, the kids can burn off energy. Burn it off, kids! Burn it off.
Mandola’s Italian Kitchen
4301 W William Cannon Dr E-1
Austin, TX 78749
The playground isn’t very visible from the patio, but you can play here while you wait for your food! Also free gelato with purchase of a kids meal! Did you even catch that? I said free gelato when you buy a kids meal. Nobody says you can’t have a lick or three. It’s not against the law, okay?
South Austin: Until the Next Chill Hangout
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or hanging out for the afternoon, South Austin never disappoints. With its eclectic mix of food, fun, and laid-back vibes, there’s honestly always something new to discover. I hope you and your kiddos find your happy place at these restaurants with playgrounds — until the next trip down south, cheers to fun family dining!
