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Kid-friendly salads in La Mesa

A salad that is actually substantial enough for a meal instead of a bowl of wilted greens that leaves you hungry an hour later.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 1
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 2
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 3
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Restaurant offers loud, lively atmosphere with many TVs showing live sports, creating a friendly, energetic vibe. Seating is comfortable and the space feels clean and welcoming after recent remodeling. Known for excellent smash burgers and deep dish pizza, it also features a wide selection of local draft beers.

Salads come with well-dressed greens like the Chicken Caesar and crunchy kale salad. Lunch specials often include a side salad paired with pizza or other dishes.

Kids enjoy the burger and fries and the pizza options. Staff help with carrying items, making it easier for parents with toddlers. The atmosphere suits both kids and adults.

People are saying

"They have a great beer selection with lots to choose from."

"The Caesar salad was surprisingly good, not drenched in dressing."

"This place is so Kid Friendly; they really cared for us."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday with $5 bites available.

2

The happy hour includes options like Brussels sprouts, sliders, and pizza slices.

3

Parking is available onsite but can be limited.

02
Little Roma Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with a cozy neighborhood feel and family-friendly dining. Atmosphere is warm and welcoming, often lively and sometimes noisy. Features include a covered outdoor patio with dense greenery and a large wall mural depicting Italy.

Salads feature well-chilled Romaine in Caesar salads and a house-made balsamic dressing in Caprese salads. The roasted pear salad stands out as excellent and pairs well with Italian dishes.

Spaghetti scores high with kids, including a very food-critical child. Meals appeal to toddlers and picky eaters alike. The setting feels cozy and family-friendly for groups with young children.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The pizza was very good, and the ravioli was delicious."

"I thought the roasted pear salad was excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

2

Happy hour drinks are available before 6pm with $5 wine options.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

03
Ney Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with beautiful interior decor and spacious seating creates a relaxed atmosphere that can get lively when full. Live music and a mix of pop and hip-hop tunes add an exotic, fun vibe. The place suits both small and large groups comfortably.

Salads feature fresh produce with perfectly balanced flavors and generous slices of feta cheese. The Greek and Middle Eastern salads stand out for their well-seasoned and vibrant taste.

Service handles big groups with kids well and gives children a treat after dinner. The lamb kabobs appeal to younger diners.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the lamb kabobs and fattoush, is amazing."

"I thought the Greek Salad was gorgeous and my favorite."

"The staff here felt like family, making it feel so Kid Friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

2

Thursday offers a 3-course menu for $25.

3

They charge extra fees for card payments, so bring cash.

04
I QUE BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Cozy space with southern comfort and friendly hospitality creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Multiple TVs add a casual, lively touch for sports fans. Clean, well-maintained interior supports a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for relaxed meals.

Potato salad varies here, with some versions having no taste and others being pretty good. One version stands out as great, reminiscent of homemade style.

Kids enjoy pulled pork and fried drumsticks on the menu. Options like the brisket burnt ends burger with fries and peach sweet tea appeal to younger tastes.

People are saying

"The Durty Mac was cheesy, flavorful, and had a homemade touch."

"The food here is seasoned to perfection and totally satisfying."

"This potato salad is so great, I haven't had any like it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly.

05
Johnny B's Burgers, Brew & Spirits image 1

Bar and grill with multiple outdoor seating areas including a fire pit and an open kitchen visible from the main dining room. Atmosphere is loud and lively, buzzing with sports on numerous TVs and constant conversation. Back patio offers a quieter space suitable for families and pets.

The Wedge Salad features a strong bacon blue cheese flavor and comes with extra bleu cheese quickly upon request. It pairs well with sandwiches and fries, matching quality found at high-end spots.

Back patio offers a great space for families with small children and pets. Kids enjoy the large portions and like their burgers.

People are saying

"The burgers here are so delicious and juicy."

"I loved their wedge salad, especially the bacon blue cheese."

"The chicken tenders and burgers were a hit with the kids."

Good to know

1

They stop serving food before 8:40 PM on Fridays, despite being open until 9 PM.

2

Parking at Johnny B's is limited and can be challenging.

3

They offer a $14 weekday lunch special that includes a cheeseburger, a side, and a drink.

06
Hacienda Cazadores image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere featuring live dancers and cozy outdoor patio. The space feels spacious yet charming, combining indoor elegance with lively energy. Music and vibrant ambiance create an engaging dining experience.

Salads feature nopal and spinach options with ingredients like bacon, avocado, red onion, and cucumber. The cactus salad stands out as the only vegetarian or vegan choice.

Kids get generous portions, especially in chicken tacos. Pancakes come with a fruit side that kids finish easily. Some dishes like the corn in a cup may surprise kids but taste good.

People are saying

"The food here is just amazing."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot where the pancakes are delicious."

"The salad here is so beautiful and pleasant."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity since opening.

2

Hacienda Cazadores charges a surcharge for credit card payments without prior notice.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with enchiladas costing over $30.

07
Lunch Box Cafe & Deli image 1

Small, quaint restaurant with a homey, rustic vibe and fresh flowers adding charm. Atmosphere stays friendly and relaxed, with pet-friendly outdoor seating that invites enjoying fresh air. The place feels like a cozy local spot where conversations flow easily.

Large portions of fresh salad come with spring mix, candied walnuts, cranberries, feta, and cherry tomatoes. Spinach salad stands out as a notably fresh option.

Kids can choose from simple meals like a kids hamburger or pancakes and bacon. The options focus on familiar, easy-to-eat dishes.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be delicious and a huge hit."

"The salads here are large, fresh, and generously portioned."

"The breakfast sandwich with bacon and ham was so delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 2 pm.

2

Parking is tight with limited spaces, but street parking is available.

3

Prices range from $15-$17 for an omelette.

08
Wendy's image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with fresh, never frozen hamburgers and a long drive-thru line wrapping around the building. Atmosphere is chill and pleasant with order taker outside to ease the process. Booths offer spacious seating for relaxing meals despite some locations feeling outdated.

Salads here include the Apple Pecan and Cobb varieties, both noted for good value. The Apple Walnut salad also stands out as a favorite option.

Kids enjoy the Frosty treats, especially the orange cream cycle flavor. Staff interact kindly with children, even calming upset kids and helping with small requests like straws.

People are saying

"The cashier was so friendly and welcoming, it's really Kid Friendly."

"The drive-thru is fast and easy."

"I thought the Cobb and pecan salads were worth every penny."

Good to know

1

Wendy's operates drive-thru only during late hours.

2

Expect long wait times during lunch hours due to high traffic.

3

Mobile orders are not accepted after midnight.

09
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a festive atmosphere features loud music and sports on TV with sound down. Seating options vary for small and large groups, including private areas. The vibe can shift from quiet to lively depending on crowd size and room acoustics.

Grilled chicken avocado and chicken taco salads stand out with fresh ingredients. Lunch specials include unlimited soup and salad, and the Mexican Caesar Salad offers a delicious twist.

Staff stay on top of things with active kids and show kindness to young diners. The buffet includes various guisados, drinks, and a wide selection of desserts suitable for children.

People are saying

"The food here was good and served hot."

"They offer a wide variety of food options, including kid-friendly meals."

"I had the taco salad and it was very tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour Specials are available in the bar area, including booths in the upper part of the restaurant.

2

The Sunday buffet brunch runs from 9:00am to 2:00pm with bottomless mimosas.

3

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday brunch due to high demand.

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La Mesa, California

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