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Your kids, like most kids, probably don’t swoon at the thought of Wagu beef or sashimi-grade Ahi. Lucky for them – and you – there are plenty of Atlantic City restaurants that offer up great dishes for the kids to enjoy without asking you to compromise on atmosphere or flavor. So make reservation and come hungry, these family-friendly spots will have the entire crew cleaning their plates and demanding the dessert menu.
Rainforest Cafe
2201 Boardwalk at Missouri Ave.
You don’t even need to walk inside this jungle-themed restaurant to understand the trip you’re about to go on. From waterfalls to lush greenery to tropical tunes, the dining room in Rainforest Cafe takes your family on an adventure. And while dining out with young kids can also become one, the kids menu here will smooth the path. One side of the menu is an illustrated pick-and-choose map of menu options, which include kid favorites like hamburgers, grilled cheese, shrimp, and pizza, along with healthy side options like steamed veggies or fresh fruit. And your little ones will be even more including to eat well when they see their could-be dessert: Lava Mud, a take on the classic pudding, Oreo, and gummy worms mixture.
Carmine’s
2801 Pacific Ave. at Tropicana
If you and your kids disagree about veggies hiding in lasagna or red pepper pepping up sausage, family-style Carmine’s is still a great place for your familia to mangia. Order up a favorite massive platter or two for the more mature diners, and let the kids order their own substantial serving from the kids menu. There they’ll find Italian classics chicken parmigiana or mini meatball sliders, prepared just for them. If you and the kids agree, though, you can easily order up bowls of cheese raviolis or chicken cutlets for the entire table.
Landshark Bar & Grill
1133 Boardwalk at Resorts Casino
Right on the back and featuring a super laid-back atmosphere, Landshark wins right out the gate in terms of kid-friendly atmosphere. After ordering from a kids’ menu loaded with traditional childhood staples like popcorn shrimp, hot dogs, and chicken bites, served up with cooling fruit or yogurt, they can watch the waves for dolphins or listen to the screams from the Steel Pier. And you can enjoy that frozen margarita in peace.
Back Bay Ale House
800 N. New Hampshire Ave.
For a break from the bustle of the boards, this local favorite overlooking the bay is a casual, cozy retreat. Try and nab an umbrella-topped table on the back deck and enjoy the view of the boats cutting through the inlet as you order up Back Bay's lemonades for the kids and something fun served up in a mason jar for you. The kids will be appeased by go-to favorites like chicken tenders, pasta, or hamburgers, and those with more adventurous palltes can have theirs served up with a side of finger-licking Old Bay fries (regular fries and chips are also available).
McCormick & Schmick’s
777 Harrah's Blvd. at Harrah's Resort
Craving some of the upscale refinement of Atlantic City, but need to keep the kids happy, too? Try the polished ambiance of McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurant, where white tablecloths and dark wood meet friendly service and, yes, a kids’ menu. Fish and chips, popcorn shrimp, and mac and cheese will keep them happy as you tuck into the perfectly prepared fresh catch, and the included coloring sheet and games will occupy them until your dessert of Upside Down Candies Walnut Apple Pie arrives.
