These are the best kid-friendly restaurants in Modesto area, Yelp says. See menus
Looking for a family-friendly spot to grab a bite in the Modesto area?
Popular review site Yelp has rounded up the top 10 local restaurants that are perfect for dining out with kids.
From arcade games and live music to menus little ones will enjoy, here’s what each place has to offer:
Wildfire Public House
- Address: 1533 Oakdale Road, Modesto
- Business hours: Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
According to Yelp, Wildfire Public House is the No. 1 place for dining out with children in the Modesto area.
“(The) staff is also extremely friendly,” she added. “They go above and beyond to check on you.”
The kids menu at Wildfire Public House features the following items:
- Macaroni and cheese
- Boneless chicken wings
- Spaghetti
- Pizza
- Hamburgers
- Cheeseburgers
The Secret Garden
- Address: 2401 East Orangeburg Ave., Modesto
- Business hours: Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
The Secret Garden ranks second on Yelp’s list of the top kid-friendly restaurants in the Modesto area.
“We love this place and their menu,” Yelp user Victoria G. wrote in a review, lauding the “delicious and affordable food with quick service.” “This is a very family-friendly restaurant, and even when they are packed, you don’t feel that stress from the staff.”
The children’s menu offers a variety of meals for $12.99 each, including hot dogs, hamburgers, fish and chips, chicken fingers, chicken tacos and grilled cheese.
Every kids’ meal — except the spaghetti and meatballs — comes with a soft drink, fruit and a choice of side such as French fries or stir-fried vegetables.
Food Fix Butcher and Baker
- Address: 938 11th St., Modesto
- Business hours: Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Food Fix Butcher and Baker is the No. 3 place for dining out with children in the Modesto area, according to Yelp.
“(The) service is always friendly,” Yelp user Courtney B. said in a review of Food Fix Butcher and Baker, calling it a “great place to eat with friends and family” with “delicious food and beers.”
The kids menu at Food Fix Butcher and Baker features grilled cheese, chicken tenders, pizza and corn dogs.
All kids menu items come with a choice of sea salt fries, organic applesauce or a mandarin orange fruit cup, plus a Capri Sun 100% juice pouch.
Michael’s Pizza Bar and Grill
- Address: 500 North Carpenter Road, Modesto
- Business hours: Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Michael’s Pizza Bar and Grill placed fourth on Yelp’s list.
“I like Michael’s. It’s definitely a family-friendly pizzeria so expect to see a ton of kids,” Yelp user Ilse H. wrote in a review.
The menu features kid-friendly items, including specialty pizzas and sandwiches.
The Fruit Yard
- Address: 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
- Business hours: Opens daily from 6 a.m. It closes at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
According to Yelp’s rankings, The Fruit Yard is the fifth-best spot for family dining in the Modesto area.
While it doesn’t offer a dedicated kids’ menu, the restaurant serves several kid-friendly options, including fruit bowls, fried chicken and sandwiches.
It’s a “great family-style restaurant with good food and excellent service!” Yelp user Bill Z. wrote in a review.
Diners can enjoy live music by Sandy Maule from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Commonwealth
- Address: 1022 11th St., Modesto
- Business hours: Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Commonwealth placed sixth on Yelp’s list.
“The menu was great. They had so many food options, including a menu for kids,” Yelp user Parker R. wrote in a review.
The children’s menu at Commonwealth features corn dog bites, nuggets and more.
There is a second Commonwealth location at 200 West Main St. in Turlock.
Squeeze In
- Address: 3020 Floyd Ave., Suite 101, Modesto
- Business hours: Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. The restaurant is closed Tuesday.
According to Yelp’s rankings, Squeeze In is the seventh-best spot for family dining in the Modesto area.
“(The) food is spectacular (with a) wonderful family atmosphere,” Yelp user Kari S. wrote in a review. “(The) service is great and everyone is super nice.”
The kids menu at Squeeze In features pancakes, quesadillas and more.
Backwoods Burgers
- Address: 1214 West F St., Suite D, Oakdale
- Business hours: The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Backwoods Burgers placed eighth on Yelp’s list.
“This place is amazing. We take the kids here every time we drive through,” Yelp user Chad R. wrote, praising the restaurant’s “fun, unique atmosphere and great food.”
The kids menu at Backwoods Burgers offers chicken strips, grilled cheese and sliders. Each item is served with a soft drink or juice and a choice of either mac and cheese, fries or fruit.
The Waffle Factory
- Address: 2253 Jackson Ave., Escalon
- Business hours: Open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
The Waffle Factory ranks ninth on Yelp’s list of the top kid-friendly restaurants in the Modesto area.
“This is a staple for my family,” Yelp user Didier B. wrote in a review. “Also, I can’t say this enough, but (it has the) best wait staff anywhere. Whether you are a regular or (it’s) your first time, you are welcomed as if you are family.”
The Yelp reviewer said The Waffle Factor serves the “best breakfast in the area.”
While it doesn’t offer a dedicated kids’ menu, the restaurant serves several kid-friendly options, including waffles, pancakes and fruit.
Sharkey’s Family Billiards and Pizza
- Address: 700 West Hawkeye Ave., Turlock
- Business hours: Open 5 p.m. to midnight Monday and Tuesday; 11 a.m. to midnight Wednesday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Sharkey’s Family Billiards and Pizza was the final eatery included in Yelp’s list of the top 10 kid-friendly restaurants in the Modesto area.
“(I) love this place. (I) took all my family for a birthday party and the service was wonderful,” Yelp user Vianey P. wrote in a review. “There’s pool tables and arcade games. My kids had lots of fun.”
The restaurant serves several kid-friendly options, including pizza, chicken tenders and hot dogs.
This story was originally published May 16, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
