What Are the Best Cheap Places to Eat in Philly for Kids & Families?

Down Home Diner has a great breakfast menu with options kids will love. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Reading Terminal Market — Center City

Multiple food stands and lunch counters offer cheap eats at the Reading Terminal Market. Check out the Dutch Eating Place for breakfast staples like eggs and scrapple, or for lunch favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, all for less than $10. Or eat at the Down Home Diner, a mini restaurant inside the Terminal, for breakfast or lunch items like a breakfast sandwich, pancakes, burgers, and sandwiches.
Insider Tip: The Reading Terminal Market gets crowded at midday, and many eateries have limited seating. Order your food "to go" and take it to the tables in the central seating area.

Buena Onda Baja Taqueria — Logan Square

With a wide variety of Baja-inspired Mexican dishes, even the pickiest eater should be pleased. Kids can munch on tacos (ground beef or grilled chicken) for just $6. Many of the adult offerings also fall under the $10 range.
Insider Tip: Have an early dinner to take advantage of happy hour specials.

Spot Gourmet Burgers — Brewerytown

Don't be thrown by the term "gourmet." It's possible to order a plain cheeseburger or hamburger for about $10. For smaller appetites, try the Sirloin Minis, which are just $4 for one. Or order two-piece chicken fingers for just $6.
Insider Tip: This is a fast, casual restaurant with counter service, perfect when you want to eat quickly.

Penrose Diner — South Philadelphia

For an affordable bite before or after taking in a game (or a concert) at the Philadelphia Sports Complex, stop at the Penrose Diner. Kids can nosh on pancakes, ravioli, or cheeseburger sliders from the kids' menu, all for $10 or less. Adults get a wide range of offerings, from steaks to seafood to wraps and paninis. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
Insider Tip: For a cheaper bill, the whole family can stick to the Breakfast All Day menu.

Snap Custom Pizza — Bryn Mawr, Exton, Bala Cynwyd

At three locations in the Greater Philadelphia area, Snap lets families customize their pies. Get a kid's pizza with one topping for $9, or a premium kid's pizza for just a dollar more.
Insider Tip: There's limited seating, but pick up your order and enjoy it at home for a fun family night.

Hymie's classic deli sandwiches are stuffed to the brim, great for sharing. Photo courtesy of Hymie's

Hymie's Delicatessen — Merion

This Montgomery County favorite offers great value for families. Multiple items with kid appeal are just under $10, including breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and pancakes. All kid's menu items are just under $8, including mac and cheese, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, and the popular Smiley Face Pancake.
Insider Tip: For more adventurous eaters, order one of the specialty sandwiches, which are large enough to eat half and box the other half to take home.

Market Street Grill — West Chester

From a waffle with berries, to pancakes, to chicken tenders, to a grilled cheese sandwich, a number of entrees on the Main Street Grill will fill a hungry kid's tummy for less than $10. Adults will be pleased with a variety of breakfast and lunch offerings for just a few dollars more.
Insider Tip: Gluten-free bread is available for an additional charge.

Bittersweet Kitchen — Media

A breakfast and lunch place, Bittersweet Kitchen offers a filling breakfast (two eggs, biscuit, house potatoes) for $10 even. For kids 10 and under, the kids' menu lists French Toast Sticks, scrambled eggs, and the popular S'mores Pancakes, all for under $8.
Insider Tip: Because of the limited seating, check in and leave your name and number, then window-shop in Media. They'll call you when a table opens. Once seated, kids can borrow toys to play at their table until their food arrives.

Hank's Place — Chadds Ford

Taste the homemade dishes here, and you'll know why this place was a favorite of painter Andrew Wyeth. Open for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant's kids' menu (for 12 and under) is priced under $10. In addition, several regular menu items hit the same price point, or just a few dollars more.
Insider Tip: If the weather is nice, grab a table on the porch for outdoor dining with a beautiful view. Hank's Place can be a great place to eat before visiting the nearby Brandywine River Museum, where families can view artwork, learn about the Wyeth family, and even tour Wyeth's studio.

Nudy's Cafe — Multiple locations

Enjoy breakfast or lunch at Nudy's Cafe, where many of the most popular dishes cost less than $10, from the Fresh Fruit French Toast to the breakfast sandwich with meat and cheese.
Insider's Tip: Check out the specials menu for new items and discount prices.

Which Cheap Local Spots Are Hidden Gems (and Worth the Trip)?

Hip City Veg — Multiple locations

You don't have to be vegetarian to enjoy the delicious offerings from Hip City Veg, many of which are vegan versions of popular kid fare. Try the Chick'n Nuggets, the Real Deal Veggie Burger, or the Wake and Bac'n breakfast sandwich to see why.
Insider Tip: Order the Sweet Potato Fries to share, and be sure to ask about the Milkshake of the Month.

Dairy Cottage — Springfield

A beloved family-friendly eatery, Dairy Cottage specializes in pizza, breakfast, burgers, cheesesteaks, and sandwiches. Many of the basic entrees are priced at $10 or below.
Insider Tip: Like it sounds, the Dairy Cottage is small, so go at a non-peak time to guarantee seating. Or, you can order take-out. Try the cheesesteak eggrolls and the flatbread pizzas.

Nifty Fiftys — Multiple locations

With its 1950s decor and classic burgers and fries, Nifty Fiftys attracts families at locations throughout the Great Philadelphia area. All the Nifty Burgers start below $10, with various add-ons available. Hot dogs and chicken nuggets also stay below the $10 threshold.
Insider Tip: Coloring pages can keep the kids busy while waiting for food. Since there's no kids' menu, consider splitting adult dishes. Don't forget to bring quarters for the toy vending machines!

Goldie — Center City

Come for the falafel, stay for the Tehina shakes. A bag of falafel balls costs just $6, or split a falafel hummus platter for $15 (which comes in at less than $10 per person).
Insider Tip: Order a side of sliced cucumbers, which kids love. Consider sharing a Pint Package, with a pint of hummus, a pint of seasonal chopped salad, and four pitas.

Are There Any Cheap Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Major Attractions?

Philadelphia Sports Complex — Penrose Diner

After a game or a show, come in out of the cold and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere, friendly servers, and affordable prices, including kid favorites for under $10.
Insider Tip: A lot of the meals are on the larger side and perfect for sharing with little ones.

Independence National Park — Lamberti Pizza and Market

While exploring Old City Philadelphia (including Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, Carpenter's Hall, and multiple walkable historic sites) stop for a bite at Lamberti. A large selection of prepared foods, from pizza to calzones and more, is priced at less than $10. Plus, browse the market for Italian delicacies to take home.
Insider Tip: There's seating on the second floor, along with a couple of tables outside. Or take your food to go on a nice day and find a park bench in the nearby park.

Philadelphia Art Museum — Parkway Corner Deli

Following a visit to the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Rodin Museum, or the Barnes Foundation, drop in at the Parkway Corner Deli for reasonably priced sandwiches, burgers, Philly steaks, and panini, many of which cost less than $10.
Insider Tip: If your kids are getting hangry, place a pick-up order online to save time. Then, you can eat at either the inside tables or the outdoor picnic tables. On nice days, consider taking your food back to the Oval near the museums to eat at the picnic tables there.

What Should Families Order to Stay Under $10?

Eat smart by using these budget menu strategies and stretch your dollar further.

• Plan before you go by looking at online menus.
• Skip the drinks and stick to water.
• Share entrees or sides.
• Try lunch specials instead of dinner.
• Look for kid combos or other deals.
• Order appetizers as mains.
• Avoid add-ons that increase the cost.
• Look for coupons ahead of time.

Which Popular Restaurants Aren’t Worth It (and Why)?

Rotten Ralph's — Old City

Due to its proximity to Independence National Park and prominent signage, Rotten Ralph's attracts a high number of out-of-town visitors. While it may be tempting to eat there (especially if you're tired from walking around), the food is nothing special. Try one of the more unique restaurants just a block further down Chestnut Street instead.

Casey's — Drexel Hill

While Casey's is popular amongst locals, and the prices are appealing to families, the crowds and noise may be a negative for many diners. Plus, the busier the restaurant, the longer the wait to be seated and served.

Insider Tips for Eating Out Cheaply with Kids

Try out these practical parent-tested hacks:

• Stick to water instead of pricier drinks.
• Go early to beat dinner rushes.
• Take advantage of kids-eat-free nights.
• Share adult-sized meals amongst two or more kids.
• Skip dessert.
• Eat at food markets for variety.
• Follow local restaurants on social for flash deals.
• Order appetizers for smaller appetites.

Cheap Eats in Philadelphia FAQ

Q: What are the best cheap restaurants in Philadelphia for families?

A: Local favorites include Reading Terminal Market, Snap Custom Pizza, and Spot Gourmet Burgers, where kids can eat well for under $10 per person.

Q: Where can kids eat free or cheaply in Philadelphia?

A: From family-owned places to diners to cheap and fast eats, many restaurants have options. Check websites and local calendars for deals.

Q: What kind of food can families get for under $10 in Philadelphia?

A: Just about everything that kids want to eat — pizza, tacos, sandwiches, noodles, breakfast — can be found for cheap at local restaurants.

Q: Are there good, cheap restaurants near Independence Hall?

A: Yes! Try Lamberti Pizza and Market, near Independence National Park, to grab a quick meal for under $10 each. While you're there, browse the Italian delicacies available in the market.

Q: How can families save money eating out in Philadelphia?

A: To save money while eating out in Philadelphia, try eating from food trucks, skipping touristy places, sharing entrees, and eating earlier to avoid peak times.