So where's the best place to go for free kid's meals in the Minneapolis St. Paul metro area? Here's where to find restaurants where kids eat free (or almost free) in the Twin Cities. As you can see, Sunday and Tuesday are the big nights for free kids' meals, and there's not too much available at all on Friday and Saturday nights.
Kid's Eat Free All Nights
Of course, the real gems of the "kids eat free" world are restaurants where kids always eat free. Here's where to find these coveted places in the Twin Cities:
- Minneapolis: McMahon's Irish Pub
- Minneapolis Downtown: Great Sun Buffet
- Minneapolis Downtown: Lotus
- Minneapolis Uptown: Bar Abilene
- Spring Lake Park: Nicklow's (under 4 free)
- St. Anthony: Taj Indian Grill
- White Bar Lake: SineFellas Cafe
- West St. Paul: Dora's Mexican Restaurant
Sunday Kids Eat Free Deals
If you're looking for free, kid-friendly fare in the Western suburbs, stop by the Lone Spur Bar and Grill in Minnetonka (11032 Cedar Lake Road). The Southwestern decor is a little tacky, but lots of fun for the kids. The kid's menu is pretty standard (try the popcorn chicken), but comes with an unusual assortment of healthy sides, like fresh veggies and dip. The grown up menu offers pretty decent barbecue and Mexican favorites and highly respectable margaritas.
Other Sunday kid's eat free deals in the Twin Cities:
- Columbia Heights: La Casita
- Maple Grove: Boston's Gourmet Pizza
- Medina: Roberts Restaurant
- Minneapolis Uptown: Tiger Sushi II
- New Hope: Sunshine Family Restaurant
- Savage: Bonfire
- St. Louis Park: Crave
- White Bear Lake: SineFellas Cafe
Monday Kids Eat Free Deals
A highlight of Monday night: Q. Cumbers in Edina (7465 France Avenue). Actually this kid's deal isn't free -- it's 99 cents after 4:00 p.m., and well worth it for an unusually healthy and fun all-you-can eat buffet with lots of fresh fruits, veggies, pastas, and soups. Kid friendly Monday night entrees include BBQ meatballs and homemade mac and cheese.
Other Monday kid's eat free deals in the Twin Cities:
- Fridley: Two Stooges Sports Bar and Grill
- Plymouth: Woody's Grill
- Lakeville: Casa Nostra Pizzeria
- Savage: Buffalo Tap and Grill
- Vadnais Heights: Mad Jack's Sports Cafe
Tuesday Kids Eat Free Deals
Tuesday night is the big night for kids eat free deals. One of the most popular deals in the area is at Green Mill restaurants throughout the Twin Cities. These kid's meals are huge. Highlights include the macaroni and cheese pizza and the "smiley face" pizza. Adult food on the menu includes some of the area's favorite gourmet pizza, along with salads, sandwiches, and decadent pasta dishes.
Other Tuesday kids eat free deals in the Twin Cities:
- Albertville and Minneapolis: Space Aliens Grill and Bar
- Columbia Heights: Yafa Grille and Pizzeria
- Eagan: Old Chicago
- Inver Grove Heights: Jersey's Bar
- Minneapolis: Willy D's Southern Style BBQ and Soul Food
- Various Locations: Perkins
- Various Locations: Denny's
Wednesday Kids Eat Free Deals
After the busy night of kids' deals on Tuesday, there's not nearly as much to choose from on Wednesday nights. But for a classic Italian family dinner that comes with a free (and huge) kid's meal, check out Totino's Italian Kitchenin Mounds View (2525 Highway 10).
Other Wednesday kids eat free deals in the Twin Cities:
- Bloomington: Gyro's Grill
- Savage: Davanni's
- St. Louis Park and Maplewood: Pannekoeken Huis
Thursday Kids Eat Free Deals
Looking for a little French bistro in the Twin Cities, with fresh baked croissants and other bakery items? Try Patricks's Bakery and Cafe in Richfield (2928 West 66th Street). The kids meals are pretty basic (the most French option is a turkey croissant sandwich), but adults can enjoy French favorites like escargot and coq au vin (and some pretty monstrous burgers too.)
Other Thursday kids eat free deals in the Twin Cities:
- Inver Grove Heights: Khoury's
- Lakeville: Dino's Gyros
- Lion Lakes: Miller's on Main
- Maplewood: Champps
- New Hope: Country Kitchen
Friday Kids Eat Free Deals
Friday is the slowest night for kids eat free deals in the Twin Cities, so this is a good night to try a restaurant where kids always eat free or cheap, like Bar Abilene in Uptown Minneapolis (1300 Lagoon Avenue). The "Lil' Buckaroos Menu" trendy but unusually friendly Uptown Southewest restaurant includes quesadillas and fajita style grilled chicken, served with carrots & dip, tortilla chips, a cookie, and a beverage.
Saturday Kids Eat Free Deals
Cheap kids meals are hard to come by on Saturday, but one place to find them is at the Mainstreet Bar & Grill in Hopkins (814 Mainstreet). At this family friendly neighborhood joint, kids meals are $1 all day Saturday.
Other Saturday kids eat free deals in the Twin Cities:
- Minneapolis: Tailgate Neighborhood Bar & Grill
- Various locations: Denny's
- Various locations: Perkins
There's nothing like a free kid's meal to inspire busy parents to take the family out for dinner. Check out these options the next time you're looking for a deal on a kid's meal.
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
