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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Authentic kid-friendly spots in Northside

A meal that feels genuinely authentic while still being a place where your kids can actually exist.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Herand's Kitchen image 1
Herand's Kitchen image 2
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Mediterranean restaurant

Old post office building hosts a modern, spotless interior with an open kitchen visible through glass. Atmosphere feels cozy yet elegant, with sleek black and white decor and relaxing aquarium videos. Space suits quiet dinners and casual gatherings with a welcoming vibe.

Food features authentic Persian and Mediterranean flavors with dishes like beef koobideh, mast musir, hummus, and rice standing out for their freshness and high quality.

Staff show love and care to kids and the owner is very accommodating to families with children. Kids enjoy the food and the overall experience.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and amazing."

"The owner cooked everything with such care, making it feel like home."

"They treated my kids like family, making it feel so welcoming."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the restaurant's lot and on the street.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

The portions are sizable, providing good value for the price.

02
Spices 39 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Two-floor Chinese restaurant combines a cozy bar downstairs with an upstairs dining area that feels like a modern dojo. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, with stylish decor and a quiet, charming vibe. Guests often enjoy authentic hot dishes and a welcoming, clean environment.

Chinese dishes feature authentic flavors with crispy white meat in the orange chicken. Soup dumplings and other items deliver fresh, well-done tastes that reflect traditional recipes.

Staff shows kindness and friendliness toward kids. Lunch visits include a welcoming atmosphere for children.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is delicious with fresh ingredients and bold flavors."

"I found the Chinese food here to be authentic and not mall food."

"The food here is excellent, especially the soup dumplings."

Good to know

1

Spices 39 offers half-price drinks after 8 PM, making it more appealing.

2

The restaurant is currently BYOB and has no corking fee.

3

Parking is an important consideration; the restaurant has a safe and convenient backyard parking lot.

03
Teotihuacan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with spacious back patio and cramped indoor seating creates a mix of open and tight spaces. Atmosphere is loud and energetic, with TVs showing sports and occasional festive touches like charro hats for birthdays. Known for strong margaritas and authentic Mexican dishes including standout carnitas and mole.

Fresh, authentic Mexican food fills generous portions here. The ambience matches the real, non-touristy vibe and the prices stay affordable for a genuine Tex-Mex experience.

Free kids meals on Mondays make dining easy for families. Kids enjoy dishes like the quesadilla with beans and rice and feel welcomed with friendly, family-style service.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and flavorful."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic."

"The staff here is so welcoming and attentive, making it feel like family."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 11am to 10pm Monday through Wednesday.

2

Happy hour features $4 house margaritas from Monday to Wednesday.

3

All-day happy hour is available on Mondays.

04
Cielito Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small bungalow-style building offers indoor and shaded outdoor seating with a vintage home atmosphere. Space feels cramped and elbow to elbow during busy times, creating a lively but crowded environment. Decor and bar seating add cozy, home-like touches that shape the overall vibe.

Food shows authentic Hispanic flavors with a focus on traditional recipes. Dishes consistently deliver genuine taste and delicious quality.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing, especially the chilaquiles."

"The food here is so authentic, it tastes like it was made with love."

"The food here is delicious and always good."

Good to know

1

There is free parking in the lot across the street and free street parking.

2

Expect a wait time of 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

Visiting during the week is great, but weekends are super packed.

05
Thai Tapas (Thai Japanese Sushi Bar) image 1

Asian restaurant blends authentic Thai flavors with creative sushi in a modern, clean setting featuring an outdoor patio. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, cozy yet lively, suitable for groups and intimate gatherings. Cocktails like lychee martinis and Thai tea drinks add to the vibrant experience.

Dishes feature authentic Thai flavors with a creative sushi twist. Every item tastes homemade and robust, capturing true traditional tastes.

Kids enjoy the chicken tenders and fresh fries with several options to choose from. The spot works well for family occasions like birthday dinners.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"The flavors here are so authentic, they remind me of home."

"The chicken tenders and fries are a hit with kids."

Good to know

1

Thai Tapas stays open until 11pm, making it convenient for late-night snacks.

2

Happy hour beer is $6, and the martini is discounted to $12.

3

The restaurant offers vegetarian options, including tofu, alongside chicken and shrimp.

06
La Cocina de TJ image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican restaurant with a renovated interior and open bar offers a lively atmosphere filled with energetic music and singing. Seating is modern but somewhat uncomfortable, and parking is often limited. Birria tacos stand out as a signature dish highly praised by many.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with traditional tortillas and genuine salsa that recalls Mexico. Birria stands out as a delicious, authentic dish.

Staff adjusts the environment for kids, like turning down music and cooking fresh meals for dietary needs. Kids enjoy the Birria Ramen, Birriadilla, and a dedicated kids' menu with daily brunch options.

People are saying

"The food here felt like my grandma was cooking for me."

"The birria here is authentic and the meat is so tender."

"The food here is good and the service is good."

Good to know

1

Parking is challenging due to a very small lot, but street parking is available.

2

The place is popular, so seating fills up quickly but turns over fast.

3

They offer brunch all day.

07
The Houston Farmers Market image 1

Market combines covered and uncovered areas with an old world feel and vibrant colors. Live music and family activities create a lively atmosphere where fresh tropical fruits, spices, and handcrafted goods draw a diverse crowd. Fans and a high roof help keep the space comfortable despite heat.

Authentic Mexican goods fill the market, including poblano mole and Pipian in their traditional forms. The cantina serves authentic Mexican food, and the market accepts only cash, enhancing the local shopping experience.

Kids enjoy the natural features like grass and trees near the back. The market offers a wide variety of children's toys alongside fruits, spices, and herbs.

People are saying

"This market has so many fresh fruits and spices."

"I found authentic Mexican spices and mole pastes here."

"It's kid friendly with a wide variety of toys."

Good to know

1

Many vendors only accept cash, so bring cash for purchases.

2

Expect a variety of unique items not found in regular grocery stores.

3

Prices can vary significantly, so be aware of market values.

08
Cooking Girl image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Sichuan restaurant offers a calm and comfortable vibe with a quiet, friendly atmosphere that supports easy conversation. The space blends traditional NY Chinese style with Vietnamese influence and features handmade dumplings and distinct flavors that stand out from typical casual Asian spots.

Dishes deliver numbingly authentic Sichuan spice and a homestyle feel. Mapo Tofu, green beans, eggplant, and salt & pepper fish showcase authentic flavors alongside well-made American Chinese options.

Kids enjoy the spicy pork wonton soup and find the food appealing. The environment is not consistently kid-friendly, with some experiences of discrimination against children.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fresh and delicious."

"I tasted authentic spice and homestyle flavor in every bite."

"This place is so Kid Friendly, my kids loved the food."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in front of the restaurant during peak hours.

2

A free parking lot is available nearby for customers.

3

Expect a 20-minute wait for takeout orders, but it may vary.

09
El Bolillo Bakery image 1

Nostalgic neighborhood bakery with freshly baked Mexican bread and sweet pastries filling the air. Small, colorful space feels like stepping into Mexico's vibrant atmosphere. Busy with people moving around, creating a lively but sometimes cramped environment.

Fresh Mexican sweet breads and pan dulce fill the bakery with authentic flavors. The variety includes fresh flour tortillas and tamales, all tasting true to traditional Mexican recipes.

Colorful blue and green conchas and large cupcake orders make celebrations like birthdays special. Kids often pick up treats, adding to the festive vibe.

People are saying

"The Mexican bread here is ridiculously delicious and always fresh."

"You'll find cute themed cookies with emojis and Texans designs."

"I ordered a custom cake, and they didn't communicate shape limitations."

Good to know

1

During weekdays from 2-4 pm, aquas frescas are 50% off.

2

You can get a drink and one pastry for $3 during happy hour.

3

The bakery has a variety of Mexican pastries and bread.

10
Los Chilaquiles Mexican Grill image 1

Mexican restaurant with authentic hacienda decor and live mariachi music creates a warm, vibrant atmosphere. Outdoor patio adds to the inviting space where traditional sounds and farm animal noises blend subtly. The setting feels both elegant and comfortable, reflecting deep Mexican cultural roots.

Flavors reflect authentic Central Mexican cuisine with dishes like the birria taco and Rebay taco showcasing quality ingredients and tastes reminiscent of Jalisco. Food stays refreshing and tasty with reasonable prices.

Kids enjoy homemade waffles with sweet cream and find familiar flavors like the green chilaquiles. The manager brings a small toy sheep that kids can name, adding a fun touch.

People are saying

"The food took hours to arrive, and we were starving."

"The food here is so authentic, with flavors reminiscent of Jalisco."

"The kids loved their homemade waffles with sweet cream."

Good to know

1

Live mariachi music starts at 11:00 am on Sundays.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

Expect wait times of up to 2 hours during peak hours.

11
Fiesta En Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Sprawling Mexican restaurant with Spanish-style decor and an outdoor patio featuring a large fountain offers both lively and quiet seating areas. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful dining to a party vibe with DJ music and Mariachi performances near the bar. Patrons can enjoy authentic Mexican ambiance with options to relax or dance.

Food offers authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors with well-seasoned dishes. The style and ambience reflect a genuine Mexican atmosphere.

Kids can move around freely and even help with simple tasks like throwing away trash. The menu includes a kids plate option, sometimes offered as a special, with dishes like fish tacos and enchilada combos, though meal service can be slow at times.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the food to be great and super authentic."

"The food and service here are amazing, making it a great Kid Friendly spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but it can be difficult during holidays.

2

Lunch specials are offered every day after 4:00 PM.

3

Steak night happens every Wednesday with special pricing.

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Northside, Houston

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