For sports-loving families, March Madness is one of the most exciting times of the year. Thanks to a growing trend of kid-friendly breweries, bars and restaurants, there are now more places than ever for Seattleites to catch the game, enjoy a beer and not be glared at for rolling in with a stroller. So grab the kiddos and head to one of these spots for front-row seats.
Giddy Up Burgers Located between Fremont and Ballard, this Western-themed fast-casual restaurant offers grass-fed organic burgers, hand-cut fries, and one of the best salad bars around. The self-serve dining format and spacious setting is ideal for families, as are the board games and vintage video games. Bonus parent points if you snag a table with a saddle seat. 4600 Leary Way, Seattle
Rookies Sports Bar & Grill This Columbia City eatery rolls out high-quality fare using locally sourced ingredients, and makes everything in-house. Kids love the whimsical décor, which includes a reclaimed gymnasium floor. And good luck keeping any of the waffle fries for yourself. 3820 S Ferdinand St., Seattle
Rooftop Brew Co One of the most kid (and pet)-friendly breweries around, Rooftop is located right off the South Ship Canal bike path. Kids can draw on the walls with chalk, enjoy a game of magnetic darts or help themselves to free popcorn. There are a number of excellent beers on tap and a food truck on-site seven days a week selling burgers, brats and some of the best tater tots in town. 1220 W Nickerson St., Seattle
Pub Montlake At this spacious pub, kids can order either from the interactive spin-the-wheel kids’ menu or the main menu, which handily designates kid-friendly options. There are plenty of activities to keep the kiddos occupied and every seat has a good view of the televisions. Wear the colors of your favorite team for deals and discounts! 2307 24th Ave. E, Seattle
Rhein Haus Capitol Hill’s massive Bavarian-style beer hall has been a family favorite since it opened in 2013. Brats, frites and giant pretzels will keep diners of all ages happy, and when the kids get antsy, there are five bocce-ball courts to keep them busy. 912 12th Ave., Seattle
Resonate Brewery + Pizzeria For those on the Eastside, this casual brewpub offers a wide range of craft beers on tap for parents, and a number of books, games and activities for kids. Their Alla-Romana style pizzas are made with a fermented dough crust that is crisp, flavorful, and perfectly chewy. Kids’ meals are half-price on weekdays before 3 pm. 5606 119th Ave. SE #A, Bellevue
Wing Dome Offering seven levels of spiciness and six types of fries, Wing Dome has you covered, whatever your family’s preferences. Kids eat free on Tuesdays, and all diners get to fill out a March Madness bracket to compete for the chance to win free wings for a year! 7818 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle; 232 Central Way, Kirkland
GameWorks Everyone wins at this cavernous entertainment complex with 15 large-screen TVs, and enough arcade games to blow your kids’ minds. Check the website for rotating specials, including a Sunday family pack that includes one large pizza plus four one-hour gaming cards. 1511 7th Ave., Seattle
Other notable mentions:
Phinney Market Pub & Eatery Adjacent to the zoo, this eatery offers upscale American comfort food, a large screen for sporting events, and a train table/play area for kids. 5918 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle
Buffalo Wild Wings This popular chain offers wings galore, a comprehensive kids’ menu, and tablets for the kids to play on. Various locations – In downtown Seattle, Westfield Southcenter Mall, Lynnwood & Silverdale.
Frelard Pizza Ethan Stowell’s pizzeria has big screens for watching the game, and a gated play area full of toys and chalk. 4010 Leary Way NW, Seattle
