Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Washington

With a focus on quality and natural ingredients, this restaurant, which has several locations throughout the Metro area, prepares dishes with sustainably farmed, grown and harvested American foods. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are available for those with dietary needs. For those who come to lunch or dinner, a bevy of classic cocktails are available plus a plentiful wine selection. Make sure to try one of their made from scratch sodas including the delicious New York egg cream featuring chocolate syrup, milk and soda. If you still have room, the dessert menu offers blue ribbon apple pie, red velvet cake and house churned fresh ice cream. METRO: Farragut West

One of the last original and authentic American diners left, this restaurant has been serving the Metro area since 1935. There are three locations to chose from in Maryland: Silver Spring, Bethesda and Laurel. Crack open a menu and you will find classic Americana offerings like fried chicken, pancakes and eggs. Breakfast is served 24 hours a day so don't feel bad about ordering an omelet, hot cakes or country fried steak. Kids may chose from a number of different choices including wacky waffles, mighty mini burgers and ready spaghetti. Note to grandparents who take their grandchildren out for a meal — the venue offers a senior menu for 55 and older and early bird senior specials.

We have lots of embassies here in the district yet this is the only one called 'The Embassy of Rock n' Roll.' Sure, you can find this restaurant chain in major cities throughout the world but the cool part is that each one has different memorabilia in it. If you have a child or even an adult that is really into music, this is the spot to take them. The kids menu has cute names for each entry including the 'Ain't Nothin' But A Hot Dog' and 'The Mac-Daddy Mac & Cheese.' METRO: Gallery Place, Metro Center, or Archives/Navy Memorial.

Looking for a classic slice of Americana that you and the kids can enjoy? Head to Johnny Rockets where you will be transported back to the 1950s. Kids can chose from several different meals including hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and grilled cheese. (Even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied.) Parents may want to try a hamburger, Philly cheese steak or such fan favorites as the hot and chili dog. No matter if you are tall or small, don't leave without trying one of their thick, creamy milkshakes made in either vanilla, strawberry or chocolate.

You know how some restaurant kid menus only have a few items? That's not the case here. Kids have more than a dozen entrees to chose from and the list is great for foodies or pick eaters. Care for some salmon teriyaki? How about grass-fed cheeseburger sliders or a cheese pizza? Adults also get a bountiful selection as well including salads, burgers, sandwiches pasta, and seafood. Check out their daily afternoon delights menu which gives patrons of the bar deals on meals. Don't leave without sampling the créme brulee off the dessert menu! METRO: Gallery Place-Chinatown or Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter.

To be considered a Neapolitan pizza, strict requirements must be followed. You must only use soft grain flour, fresh yeast, water and sea salt to make the dough. Forget extra toppings because only Italian plum tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil or dried oregano are allowed. Once your pie is complete, it must be cooked in a wood-burning oven. Who knew? Thankfully 2 Amy's dedication to these rules is well worth it when you sample their marinara or margherita pies. If you crave other ingredients, the shop offers other pizza selections and toppings that are also not to be missed. METRO: Cleveland Park

With affordable prices and mouth watering dishes, this U Street favorite has been serving celebrities, politicians and every day folks since 1958. Ben's famous all meat chili dog, chili con carne and jumbo beef dog are menu specialties. Healthier, yet still tasty, options include a tuna sandwich, veggie burger and rice bowl. While your trainer might get mad, you won't want to miss side orders of chili-cheese fries and homemade cole saw. Make sure to wash it all down with one of Ben's famous thick creamy 16 oz. milkshakes. METRO: U Street.

Want your kids to burn some energy before they sit down to eat? Head to this 40,000-square-foot entertainment venue where you and your family may bowl and play bocce. Once you've finished your game, head to the bistro where you will find Italian/American cuisine. Kids have their own menu featuring pizza, pasta, sandwich and dessert offerings. Adults may look over the lunch and dinner menus which offer a number of starters, pizzas, salads and chef specialties. For those who need gluten-free offerings, they have a whole menu of choices to peruse. Wine, cocktail and local craft beer menus are also available.

This classic American diner with a 1920s/1930s vibe offers patrons multiple comfort food dishes to chose from all day long. Buttermilk chicken fried steak, the walk of shame breakfast burrito, the Ty Cobb salad and Ted's famous grilled cheese and tomato soup are among the favorites. They even make their own pop tarts! You will want to save room for their milkshake offerings including standard favorites (vanilla, chocolate) and more daring choices (PBJ or s'mores anyone?). They also have an adult milkshake menu featuring white Russian and key lime pie. METRO: Eastern Market or U Street.

Sitting and eating in a restaurant can be boring. Thankfully, the district has Comet Ping Pong — an eatery dedicated to making sure kids and adults have great food and an amazing time as well. This laid back restaurant may remind you of your college days. Play a game of ping pong while you wait for your pie to be done. Grab a drink at the bar or watch a live music show. You can make your own pizza or chose from one of their favorite pizzas including The Yalie featuring clams and Stanley showcasing house-made Italian fennel sausage. METRO: Cleveland Park.