Always the crowd pleaser, mac and cheese can be made with thousands of possibilities! Creamy, cheesy classics and elevated versions with a grown-up taste, noodle shape, cheese blends — what’s your favorite? Here are a few options for family-friendly dinners out that every appetite can appreciate.
Craft Hall
901 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, PA
In Philadelphia, Craft Hall is a no-brainer! Large TVs show all the sports, Mainstay Brewery is on site and the indoor wooden pirate ship playground, plus a game room with board and arcade games, make this a must for families. Mac and cheese isn’t on the kids’ menu (hot dogs, chicken tenders, cheeseburgers and pulled pork are), but a side is $6. Order one of the BBQ platters and add a side for $4. These are perfect for sharing, along with plenty of pizzas, apps and sandwiches that round out the menu. Parking is easy, too!
Dig Inn
Rittenhouse and University City (Philadelphia), Suburban Square and Jenkintown (Montgomery County)
This fast-casual chain with 36 locations across select East Coast cities and suburbs focuses on healthy dining and locally sourced produce cooked in a scratch kitchen. Its mac and cheese, made with Jasper Hill creamery cheese and topped with Panko crumbs, is so good you’ll want an extra side (a large feeds four). Kids can choose from a few mix-and-match meal options, and family dinner packages are also available.
Hilltown Tavern
326 Roxborough Ave., Philadelphia, PA
795 N. 24th St, Philadelphia, PA
If you love a photo-worthy cheese pull, visit one of Hilltown Tavern’s two locations to see how far its white cheddar sauce goes! For $8, kids get a generous mac and cheese portion. Adults can upgrade it “Hilltown” style with short rib for $15. This Philly Irish American gastropub, with rotating draft beers and seasonal cocktails, will quickly become a family favorite.
hilltowntavern.com | hilltownfairmount.com
Sophie’s BBQ
1901 Darby Road, Havertown, PA
This cozy, family-owned spot serves slow-smoked barbecue. The kids’ menu ($10) includes mac and cheese made with American and white cheddar, plus a choice of fries or cornbread. Kids also get a coloring sheet and crayons and parents can enjoy a craft cocktail from on-site Four Birds Distilling Co.
The Stray Dog Tavern
3911 Skippack Pike, Skippack, PA
The Stray Dog Tavern features elevated pub fare, plus frequent live music and events. Before night falls, though, it’s a delicious place to bring families of any size. Any entree off the kids’ menu is $8, including a creamy shell-shaped pasta with cheese. The spacious restaurant is filled with framed dog art that kids will enjoy!
