Dreaming of eating out at a real restaurant? Luckily, many LA spots have opened (or in some cases, created) outdoor patios for safe open-air seating. Keep reading for eateries that have tot-friendly outside spaces perfect for socially distant dining!
LessTop Chef Brooke Williamson and her husband Nick Roberts's unique beachfront restaurant has adjusted well to outside dining mandates. They have two open-air patios where tables are spaced apart. Kids get individually packaged crayons and coloring pages. Covid Protocols: Masks required at all times unless seated at a table. There are lexiglass barriers in between tables on the back patio while the tables in the newly created parking lot patio are well spread out. Both patios are sanitized daily.
Birdie G's is all about organic ingredients from local, sustainable farmers and ranchers. The kids' menu is unique, with selections like "the healthy yucky green salad" and "potato crusted chicken fingers." With an expanded patio and fab cocktails, it’s perfect for a night out! Covid protocols: Servers wear masks, face shields and glasses. Hand sanitizing stations are at the entrances; guests are required to wear masks when not eating and when walking around. Reservations are highly recommended.
With a reasonably priced food selection and a kids' menu that has all the classics (and even non-classics like veggie dogs!), Back On The Beach checks off pretty much all the boxes for family-friendly safe dining—all with your toes in the sand. Covid protocols: Reservations aren’t required but recommended to avoid a long wait. Face masks are mandatory for seating and while you're walking around the restaurant. Tables have been spaced farther apart and there’s a 6 person maximum at each table.
Pitfire's patio at the North Hollywood location is quite expansive, which makes it easy to spread out. This place was super kid-friendly pre-Covid and it's the same now with kid-sized pizzas, mac & cheese and even packs of clay they can play with while they wait! If you're not ready to eat out yet, pick up a take-home pizza making kit. Covid Protocols: Masks required when not at tables eating. Order food at the counter outside and they will bring it to your tables that are all spaced out nicely.
Looking for an excuse to get out of the house? Stop by Studio City's Aroma Coffee & Tea in the morning, where you can grab a breakfast pastry or muffin and a much-needed coffee for yourself. The patio area is small, but you can always relax on the bench outside, or stroll along the charming stretch of Tujunga. Covid Protocols: The patio is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can order online in advance for contactless pickup and payment.
Golden Road's patio offers good eats and brews in a fun atmosphere where the staff takes safety seriously. Aside from the kids’ menu, the real draw here for your kids might be the train tracks next to the place and the train that passes by every so often! Covid Protocols: From employee temperature checks and mask rules to contactless ordering and sanitizer on every table, safety is always a priority. They allow parties of 8 people or less on the patio and, for now, dogs aren’t allowed.
This El Segundo Brewing Company pizza joint serves some of the best pie in the Southbay! Slice and Pint closed down an entire section of Richmond Street to create an even bigger outside dining patio. Covid Protocols: Face masks must be worn when you’re not seated at your table, and the spaced-apart line to wait for the bathroom is outside. There’s a 6 person limit at each table (all from the same household). Kids 12 and under need an adult with them at all times, including trips to the bathroom.
Nestled into the side of Topanga Canyon, this restaurant is all about the idyllic outdoor ambiance. Kids will love the treehouse feel of this space. Because it’s known as one of the most romantic spots in LA, it's probably best to take the kiddos here for brunch or lunch as evenings tend to be filled with celebrating couples. Covid Protocols: Employees wear masks at all times and guests must wear masks when they’re not eating. Hand sanitizer is provided at the table. Reservations required.