Cooking at home may be the most economical option, but sometimes we all just need a break. Luckily, many restaurants offer free or discounted meals for kids during the week — and even on weekends. Check out our list of the top spots to grab a bite in the Los Angeles area with kids in tow each day of the week. Be sure to check with the restaurant first to verify the promotion, and also be mindful of age, time, and menu restrictions. If you’re looking for more options beyond L.A., see our nationwide list of 50 places where kids eat free.
Skip ahead to check out the restaurants nearest you:
- Burbank (91502) | Ikea
- Carson (90746) | Ikea
- Chatsworth (91311) | Los Toros Mexican Restaurant
- Covina (91723) | Mariposa Grill & Cantina
- Culver City (90232) | Rush Street
- El Segundo (90245) | El Segundo Fish Co.
- Hermosa Beach (90254) | Watermans
- Huntington Beach (92648) | Mama’s Restaurant on 39
- Irvine (92614) | Eats Kitchen
- Laguna Hills (92653) | Romano Cucina
- Los Angeles (90025) | Cafe 50’s (90064) | La Serenata Restaurant
- Long Beach (90802) | Gladstone’s Long Beach(90803) | The Small Cafe(90808) | Original Roadhouse Grill
- Pacific Palisades (90272) | Taste at the Palisades
- Sunset Beach (90742) | Romano Cucina
- Torrance (90504, 90505) | The Loft
- Whittier (90603) | Original Roadhouse Grill
EATS KITCHEN
17900 Jamboree RoadIrvine, 92614(949) 225-6780
When: Every day 5-9 p.m.Ages: 12 and underDetails: Every night during dinner time, kids eat free at Eats Kitchen. Kids’ menu options include cheeseburgers, penne pasta, grilled chicken breast, and more.
LOS TOROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
21743 Devonshire St.Chatsworth, 91311(818) 882-3080
When: MondayAges: 10 and underDetails: Monday is family night at Los Toros, when one kid can receive a free meal for every paying adult.
LA SERENATA RESTAURANT
10924 Pico Blvd.Los Angeles, 90064(310) 441-9667
When: MondayAges: 11 and underDetails: Once a week, kids eat free all day at La Serenata with the purchase of one adult entree and two drinks (per kids’ meal). The kids’ menu includes authentic dishes such as grilled milanesa, sweet corn tamales, and plantain empanadas, as well as classics like nachos, quesadillas, and more.
ROMANO CUCINA
25214 Cabot RoadLaguna Hills, 92653(949) 380-4228
16595 Pacific Coast Hwy.Sunset Beach, 90742(562) 592-5552
When: MondayAges: 11 and underDetails: Enjoy comforting Italian classics from a family-run restaurant that will make you feel right at home. Kids receive one free meal per adult entree purchased.
NORMS
Many locations in the Los Angeles area.
When: Monday 2-10 p.m.Ages: 10 and underDetails: Get one free junior entree from the kids’ menu with each adult entree purchased at Norms.
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MARIPOSA GRILL & CANTINA
245 E. Rowland St.Covina, 91723(626) 331-3546
When: Monday, Wednesday, and SaturdayAges: 11 and underDetails: At this Mexican restaurant, kids eat free three days a week. Stop by to get a free kids’ meal with every adult meal purchased.
ORIGINAL ROADHOUSE GRILL
7391 Carson Blvd.Long Beach, 90808(562) 377-5952
15156 Whittier Blvd.Whittier, 90603(562) 945-7796
When: TuesdayAges: 10 and underDetails: Kids eat free once a week at Original Roadhouse Grill. Plus, they can always enjoy complimentary peanuts and throw the shells on the floor.
THE LOFT
3160 Pacific Coast Hwy.Torrance, 90505(424) 390-5638
2210 W. Artesia Blvd.Torrance, 90504(310) 217-1000
When: TuesdayAges: 10 and underDetails: For a taste of something a little different, head to The Loft for enticing Hawaiian fare. Kids can choose a free meal from the “keiki” menu, which includes island-style fried chicken, chicken katsu, and chicken teriyaki.
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IKEA
20700 S. Avalon Blvd.Carson, 90746
600 S. Ikea WayBurbank, 91502(888) 888-4532
When: TuesdayAges: 12 and underDetails: Get two free kids’ meals at Ikea with the purchase of one adult entree. Go with the classic Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberries for a true Scandinavian experience.
RUBY’S DINER
Many locations in the Los Angeles area.
When: Tuesday 4 p.m. to closeAges: 12 and underDetails: Every Tuesday night is family night at Ruby’s Diner, which offers one free kids’ meal for every adult entree purchased.
MARIE CALLENDER’S
Many locations in the Los Angeles area.
When: Tuesday and SaturdayAges: 12 and underDetails: At Marie Callender’s, get one meal from the kids’ menu per adult entree purchased. Bonus: Each kids’ meal comes with a slice of pie.
CAFE 50’S
11623 Santa Monica Blvd.Los Angeles, 90025(310) 479-1955
When: WednesdayAges: 10 and underDetails: Celebrate Pee-Wee Wednesdays at Cafe 50’s, where children get a free meal with each adult meal purchased. The expansive kids’ menu includes burgers, corn dogs, and chicken strips, as well as breakfast for dinner.
THE SMALL CAFE
5656 E. 2nd St.Long Beach, 90803(562) 434-0226
When: Wednesday after 5 p.m.Ages: Not specifiedDetails: This local cafe serves home-style favorites and features a dinner special every night of the week. On Wednesdays, get one free kids’ meal for each adult entree purchased.
EL SEGUNDO FISH CO.
210 E. Grand Ave.El Segundo, 90245(310) 648-7222
When: WednesdayAges: 12 and underDetails: Kids can get one free meal per adult entree at El Segundo Fish Co. Options include fish ‘n’ chips, popcorn shrimp, pasta, and more.
WATERMANS
22 Pier Ave.Hermosa Beach, 90254(310) 372-4462
When: Wednesday until 5 p.m.Ages: 12 and underDetails: Located on Hermosa Beach Pier, this is a great spot to take the family for lunch, with free meals for kids and Hawaiian lunch plate specials for adults.
MARIA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
Many locations in the Los Angeles area.
When: WednesdayAges: 12 and underDetails: Enjoy neighborhood Italian food with a little something for everyone at Maria’s Italian Kitchen. Kids can get a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree (limit two children per family per check).
GLADSTONE’S LONG BEACH
330 S. Pine Ave.Long Beach, 90802(562) 432-8588
When: ThursdayAges: 12 and underDetails: Receive a complimentary kids’ meal with any purchase of an adult meal at Gladstone’s. Kids’ meals include a beverage, main course, vanilla ice cream, and a balloon.
MAMA’S RESTAURANT ON 39
21022 Beach Blvd.Huntington Beach, 92648(714) 374-1166
When: ThursdayAges: 12 and underDetails: Kids eat for free all day and night every Thursday at Mama’s on 39. Children can choose a free meal from the Lil’ Rascals menu for each adult entree ordered.
STEAK ‘N SHAKE
Many locations in the Los Angeles 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).
TASTE AT THE PALISADES
538 Palisades Dr.Pacific Palisades, 90272(310) 459-9808
When: SundayAges: Not specifiedDetails: Mark your calendar for the weekly Sunday Family Pizza Party at Taste at the Palisades. Customers who buy any large gourmet pizza receive up to two kids’ pizzettas for free.
DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT
Many locations in the Los Angeles area.
When: SundayAges: Not specifiedDetails: If you’re in the mood for barbecue, Dickey’s is the place to be on Sundays. Kids get a free meal from the children’s menu, including a drink, with the purchase of an adult meal.
RUSH STREET
9546 Washington Blvd.Culver City, 90232(310) 837-9546
When: Sunday and Monday 5-10 p.m.Ages: Not specifiedDetails: Inspired by the famous Chicago street, this restaurant offers a diverse menu and cool events all week long, including kids-eat-free nights.
