Kids eat free at these Long Island restaurants
The Mcgann family, of Stony Brook, enjoy lunch at That Meetball Place in Patchogue, where they take advantage of the kids menu in October 2023. Credit: Linda Rosier
Parents looking for budget-friendly dining as the costs of feeding a family grow can say goodbye to mealtime meltdowns and hello to affordable experiences that leave kids with smiles as wide as the Island.
From the North to South shores, there are plenty of food options catering to children's palates — and if you're willing to head out to eat on a certain night of the week, their meal may be free.
American Beauty in Massapequa has offered a children's meal at no charge to diners on Sundays for the past five years. Owner Maria Cassano says, "In our family, we have four children and two working parents, so I understand that it’s important after a crazy week for families to have a place to come together and eat great food. It’s really a treat for everyone."
Depending on the day of the week, you can find a restaurant to fit your family’s schedule. While many of the restaurants provide kid classics like sliders and mac and cheese, you can take a chance on expanding their tastes with meals like fried flounder and ribs — and do it with the peace of mind that you won’t be breaking the bank in the process.
Whether your family enjoys American classics, ethnic cuisines, or the trendiest foodie spots, there's something for every taste bud. Be sure to check with the establishments for any updated terms and conditions.
American Beauty
24 Central Ave., Massapequa; 2562 Sunrise Hwy., Bellmore; 516-541-1075, americanbeautyrestaurants.com
American Beauty Bistro offers tapas and craft beer in Massapequa. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Deal: On Sundays from 4 to 9 p.m., enjoy a free kids meal, typically $9-$12, with each adult entree when eating in the dining room. Deal is for kids ages 12 and younger.
Corner Galley
5411 Merrick Rd., Massapequa; 516-798-9018, cornergalley.net
Deal: Get half off a kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for children ages 12 and under. Kids’ menu highlights include fried flounder, wings, baked ravioli and more. Meals for children are regularly $12 each.
Hurricane Grill & Wings
Lindenhurst, Manorville and Port Jefferson Station, hurricanewings.com
Patrons dine at Hurricane Grill and Wings restaurant in Syosset. Credit: Newsday/Jin Lee
Deal: In Lindenhurst, kids ages 12 and younger dine free on Saturdays with the purchase of an adult meal. At the Port Jefferson Station location, kids also eat free on Saturdays, and in Manorville, kids can enjoy complimentary meals on Saturdays, typically $7.99. Kids’ menu highlights include boneless wings, mac and cheese, burgers and more.
J&R's Steak House
116 Main St., Islip; 631-277-5677, jandrsislip.com
Deal: Sundays through Thursdays, children ages 10 and younger can enjoy free meals, typically $5.99 to $10.99. Kids’ menu highlights include BBQ ribs, hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken and more.
Miller's Ale House
Commack, Deer Park, Lake Grove and Levittown, millersalehouse.com
Macaroni and cheese with apple slices from the kid's menu at Miller's Ale House in Deer Park. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Deal: On Tuesdays, kids eat free all day when you purchase an adult entree; limited to two kids per table. Kids' menu highlights, typically $7.99, include chicken zingers, cheese quesadillas and mac and cheese.
Moe's Southwest Grill
Various locations, moes.com
Deal: On Tuesdays, kids ages 12 and younger get a free meal from 5 to 9 p.m. when you buy an adult meal. Kids’ menu highlights include tacos, burritos and quesadillas, typically $6.69. This offer is available at most Moe’s locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Sal's Place
1495 Hicksville Rd., North Massapequa; 516-731-3417, salsplace.net
Deal: Get one free kids meal for each purchase of an adult dinner entree Mondays through Thursdays. Kids' menu highlights, typically $10, include ravioli, mozzarella sticks, cheeseburgers and more.
That Meetball Place
54 W. Main St., Patchogue; 631-569-5888, thatmeetballplaceli.com
Chicken fingers and an egg sandwich from the kids menu at That Meetball Place in Patchogue. Credit: Linda Rosier
Deal: Sundays after 4 p.m., kids ages 12 and younger can enjoy a free meal with purchase of an adult entree. Kids’ menu highlights include meatballs, of course.
The Village Idiot Pub
Lake Grove, Oakdale and Patchogue; 631-573-6633, villageidiotpubs.com
Deal: Kids younger than 12 eat free Mondays through Thursdays in Lake Grove, Mondays through Fridays in Oakdale and on Mondays in Patchogue. All locations offer the deal from 3 to 7 p.m. with the purchase of a full-priced adult entree. Kids’ menu highlights, normally $8.25 each, include hot dogs, burgers, penne and more.