On those downright exhausting days when you struggle to find time to feed yourself, the idea of cooking dinner for the family may seem like a nightmare. Fortunately, you can take a break at one of the many restaurants in the Charlotte area where kids eat free. Check out our list of the top spots in Charlotte to take the family for a free or discounted meal. Be sure to check with the restaurant first to verify the promotion, and be mindful of age, time, and menu restrictions. If you’re looking for more options beyond Charlotte, see our nationwide list of 50 places where kids eat free.
Skip ahead to check out the restaurants nearest you:
- Charlotte (28202) | Pure Pizza(28203) | JJ’s Red Hots(28205) | The Pizza Peel, Pure Pizza(28209) | Libretto’s Pizzeria(28211) | The Pizza Peel(28277) | Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse(28278) | The Randazzos’ Grid Iron
- Huntersville (28078) | Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse
- Matthews (28105) | The Pizza Peel
- Mooresville (28115, 28117) | Big Tiny’s BBQ, Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse
IHOP
Many locations in the Charlotte area.
When: Every day 4-8 p.m.Ages: 12 and underDetails: Children can choose from a variety of kids’ menu items including pancakes, grilled cheese, and more. The meal is free with purchase of an adult entree.
THE RANDAZZOS’ GRID IRON
13105 S Tryon St.Charlotte, 28278(704) 588-1130
When: Every DayAges: 10 & underDetails: Purchase one adult entree and one kid eats free for lunch and dinner at Randazzos’ Grid Iron. All kids’ meals includes a juice box, and dinner includes a dessert.
DUCKWORTH’S GRILL & TAPHOUSE MOORESVILLE
560 River HwyMooresville, 28117(704) 799-2881
When: Monday and SundayAges: Not specifiedDetails: Known for their award-winning Philly cheesesteaks, Duckworth’s is a staple in the Charlotte area. Head to the Mooresville location on Mondays and Sundays and get one free kid’s meal per $12 adult purchase.
HAWTHORNE’S NEW YORK PIZZA & BAR
Many locations in the Charlotte area.
When: TuesdayAges: 12 and underDetails: With every $7.50 an adult spends, you get one free kid’s meal at Hawthorne’s. Options include pizza, grilled chicken, ravioli, and more.
SALSARITA’S FRESH MEXICAN GRILL
Many locations in the Charlotte area.
When: Tuesday and Sunday nightAges: 12 and underDetails: Get your fresh Mexican fix with Salsarita’s extensive menu featuring tacos, burritos, quesadillas, bowls, and more. Kids eat for free on Tuesday and Sunday nights at participating locations.
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THE PIZZA PEEL
4422 Colwick Rd.Charlotte, 28211(704) 714-8808
1600 Central AveCharlotte, 28205(704) 790-7335
110 Matthews Station St. Matthews, 28105(704) 814-0231
When: TuesdayAges: 12 and underDetails: Who said pizza night has to be on the weekend? Head to The Pizza Peel on Tuesday for a one-of-a-kind pie and to take advantage of ‘Kids Eat Free’ night. Purchase one adult meal and receive up to two kids’ meals for free.DUCKWORTH’S GRILL & TAPHOUSE BALLANTYNE
14015 Conlan CircleCharlotte, 28277(704) 752-7284
When: Tuesday and ThursdayAges: Not specifiedDetails: Known for their award-winning Philly cheesesteaks, Duckworth’s is a staple in the Charlotte area. Head to the Ballantyne location on Tuesdays and Thursdays and get one free kid’s meal per $12 adult purchase.
JJ’S RED HOTS
1514 East Blvd.Charlotte, 28203(980) 225-8880
When: WednesdayAges: Not specifiedDetails: Stop by JJ’s Red Hots on Wednesday for a free kid’s meal and delicious dogs for the whole family. Kids’ menu items include a side and drink.
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PURE PIZZA
224 E 7th St.Charlotte, 28202(980) 207-0037
1911 Central AveCharlotte, 28205(980) 430-1701
When: ThursdayAges: 12 and underDetails: Pure Pizza isn’t your average spot to grab a greasy slice. They focus on healthier pizza using farm-fresh, local ingredients, making it a great option for the kids. Stop by on Thursdays when kids eat free.BIG TINY’S BBQ
179 N Main St.Mooresville, 28115(704) 658-1409
When: Thursday after 4 p.m.Ages: 10 and underDetails: Get a free kid’s combo on Thursdays after 4 p.m. at Big Tiny’s BBQ. Options include hot dogs, chicken tenders, or choice of barbecue meat plus a side.
DUCKWORTH’S GRILL & TAPHOUSE HUNTERSVILLE
16609 Statesville Rd.Huntersville, 28078(704) 237-4387
When: ThursdayAges: Not specifiedDetails: Known for their award-winning Philly cheesesteaks, Duckworth’s is a staple in the Charlotte area. Head to the Huntersville location on Thursday and get one free kid’s meal per $12 adult purchase.
STEAK ‘N SHAKE
Many locations in the Charlotte area.
When: Saturday and SundayAges: 12 and underDetails: Kids eat free all weekend at participating Steak ‘N Shake locations. Get one free kids’ plate for every $9 you spend (dine-in only).
LIBRETTO’S PIZZERIA
1600 E Woodlawn Rd.Charlotte, 28209(704) 877-7702
When: SundayAges: Not specifiedDetails: Kids eat for free on Sundays at the Parktowne location of Libretto’s Pizzeria. Plus, adults can take advantage of $4 mimosas, $5 bloody marys, $4 house wine, and $4 well drinks.
