Here are some great picks for family-friendly brewpubs and burger joints around Seattle and the Eastside.
4 family-friendly breweries
Populuxe Brewing, Ballard
Located just east of downtown Ballard, Populuxe prides itself on its balanced mix of beers — from hoppy, assertive IPAs to light ales, and everything in between. But beers aside, this is one of Seattle most family-friendly breweries, thanks to a large courtyard with picnic tables, a heated patio, firepits and corn hole. On weekend nights, food trucks pull in and offer noshes (check the Facebook page for the schedule); otherwise, you can bring your own food or order takeout.
Details: 826B N.W. 49th St, Seattle, 206-706-3400
Peddler Brewing, Ballard
What goes with beer and Ballard? Biking, of course, and a stop at Peddler Brewing. After a weekend bike ride on the Burke Gilman Trail with the fam, put on the brakes at Peddler (located right off the trail) for a cold one for Mom or Dad and a Jones Soda for the kids, and hook your bike onto the indoor bike rack. You can bring your own food or order takeout but don't bother, neighboring Mean Sandwich will fill your bellies, in scrumptious fashion, after your ride. Check the Facebook page for the latest on food trucks, live music, summer outdoor movies and other Peddler events.
Details: 1514 N.W. Leary Way, Seattle, 360-362-0002
Resonate Brewery + Pizzeria, Bellevue
On the Eastside, Resonate's fame with families is growing fast. The Newport Hills brewery not only offers craft beer but an authentic pizzeria on the premises that serves thin, Roman-style pies. You can also find salads and fountain sodas. As for the beers, an infographic on the website provides detailed tasting notes on every beer offered, as well as its alcohol content, IBUs, and price. Kids and adults alike will dig in to this dessert: warm brownie with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and toasted almonds.
Details: 5606 119th Ave. S.E. Suite A, Bellevue, 425-644-3164
Chainline Brewing, Kirkland
Located along the Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail — the town’s rail-trail bicycle corridor — Chainline refreshes riders with a range of beers and ales including a seasonal beer on tap called the “Post Ride Pacific Ale” that imparts a delicate, refreshing citrus flavor. The bike-themed brewery is all about the outdoors, with a patio where you can imbibe in the sun if you like. Children and dogs are welcome, but you may want to pack some drinks for little ones. Food trucks do show up; check the Facebook page for updates.
Details: 503 Sixth St. S., Kirkland, 425-242-0923
4 kid-friendly burger joints
CaliBurger, University District
This beloved chain rolled into Seattle's University District at the end of 2015, offering Seattleites an In-N-Out Burger kind of experience. In fact, it’s so similar that the famed California burger chain sued them in 2012 (the case was settled out of court). However, Caliburger ups the game by offering bigger burgers, crispier, twice-fried fries and milkshakes with booze (and using ice cream from local favorite Full Tilt). Even better, kids (and adults) can geek out playing group Minecraft on a big ‘ol screen while waiting for their high-calorie lunch.
Details: 4509 University Way N.E., Seattle, 206-420-8199
Great State Burger, Seattle
Restaurateur Josh Henderson (Skillet, Westward) has taken on fast food. His new eatery Great State Burger, with locations in Laurelhurst and South Lake Union, aims to replicate a classic American burger joint by serving burgers, fries and shakes. But being Josh Henderson, there’s a decidedly Pacific Northwest edge to the offerings; dishes are made from responsibly sourced ingredients, including grass-fed, organically raised cows. Picky eaters will like the simple kid’s burger, crinkle-cut fries and shakes made with Parfait organic soft-serve vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Adults can down a local brew, too.
Details: Laurelhurt: 3600 N.E. 45th St., Seattle, 206- 775-8990. South Lake Union: 2041 7th Ave. Seattle, 206-775-7880 ·
Steak 'n Shake, downtown Seattle
Midwestern chain Steak 'n Shake recently opened its first Seattle store. The burger joint serves its signature “steakburgers” in sizes ranging from shooter size to double. The solid kids' menu includes burgers, mac 'n' cheese, hot dogs and chicken fingers, all with fries — and little ones will love the “Side by Side” milkshakes that let you pair two flavors in one glass. The new downtown space looks like the rest of the chain's outlets — red, white and black in a “retro-modern aesthetic.”
Details: 1417 Third Ave., Seattle, 206-823-3030
Feed Co. Burgers, Redmond and Seattle
Occupying the former Bill the Butcher space in Redmond, Chef Scott Staples (Restaurant Zoe, Uneeda Burger, Quinn’s) opened Feed Co. Burgers as a country, grange-style joint that serves burgers made from beef, but also from bison and elk. The meat is hand-ground and comes from the leftover cuts from his upscale restaurants — so nothing goes to waste. There are also fries, milkshakes and unusual seasonal items such as tempura squash and mushrooms. On tap: beer for the adults, root beer for the kiddos. If it’s a warm day, be sure to grab seats on the patio. Feed Co. Burgers has opened a second location in Seattle's Central District to feed hungry locals on the west side of the lake.
Details: Redmond: 7990 Leary Way N.E., Redmond, 425-497-5100; Central District: 1190 24th Ave., Seattle, 206-726-6100
Editor's note: This article was originally published in June 2016 and updated in June 2017.
