Dining without whining

A few months ago, our Facebook page featured this list of 10 kid-friendly, casual dining spots compiled by Out to Eat with Kids, one of Lowcountry Parent’s featured bloggers. In honor of our October food edition, we’re re-printing the popular list here. Besides being “kid-tested and parent-approved,” most of these places have an added bonus: something for the kids to do either before or after the meal. Bon appetit!

1. Fleet Landing: Located on beautiful Charleston Harbor, Fleet Landing is the perfect spot for families. Ask for a table outside, so you can enjoy the dolphins, birds, ships and picture-perfect view as you dine. Keep an eye out for birds that sneak french fries and hush puppies (free entertainment for the little ones). Popular menu choices for kids include boiled shrimp and calamari. A short walk from the restaurant is Waterfront Park, where kids can burn off some energy after dinner.

186 Concord St., downtown Charleston

FleetLanding.net

2. The Alley: Another peninsula favorite is this hopping combination of restaurant, bowling alley and game room (think Skee-Ball and PacMan). It’s easy to eat here with a family because of the activities and no worries about how loud your kids are. Boiled peanuts are a must. The Alley is also a bar, so families may want to arrive early before the college drinking crowd ambles in.

131 Columbus St., downtown Charleston

TheAlleyCharleston.com

3. The Reel Bar: This restaurant/bar is located near the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina in Mount Pleasant. Located on Patriots Point, there are spectacular views of the Charleston Harbor and a large sandy “beach” area where the kids can run around and play. Pack a volleyball and sand toys for the kids, so the adults can enjoy uninterrupted conversation. Be sure to check the events calendar so you don’t pop in when there’s a band. It gets crowded!

20 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant

CharlestonHarborResort.com/dining

4. Burtons Grill: This restaurant put a lot of thought into developing their kids’ menu, which offers healthy options such as pan-seared chicken and seasonal veggies. Located in the Mount Pleasant Towne Center shopping hub, the location gives families a convenient opportunity to run a few errands or see a movie before or after dinner.

1875 US-17, Mount Pleasant

burtonsgrill.com/location/mt-pleasant-sc/

5. Rio Chico: Located in the Belle Hall Shopping Center, Rio Chico Mexican restaurant offers good food and impeccable service. They welcome children and are accommodating for large groups (think a post-baseball game dinner, or a kid-friendly Cinco de Mayo celebration). Behind the restaurant is a park-style setting with two ponds where there are always ducks to feed and turtles to watch.

660-C Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant

RioGrandeMtPleasant.com

6. Morgan Creek Grill: For a family-friendly spot to dine on the water, head to Morgan Creek Grill on the Isle of Palms. The kids can watch the boats come and go, play cornhole or dance to live music. It’s the perfect place for vacationing families, or those looking to avoid the crowds at Shem Creek. Local seafood is always on the menu.

80 41st Ave., Isle of Palms

morgancreekgrill.com

7. Locklear’s Beach City Grill: Head west of the Ashley River out to Folly Beach, and you’ll find Locklear’s. Enjoy some fresh seafood and then wander up and down the adjacent fishing pier with your kids. It’s easy and entertaining.

101 E. Arctic Ave., Folly Beach

LocklearsBeachCityGrill.com

8. Bowen’s Island Restaurant: If you haven’t found your way to Bowen’s Island yet, make a plan to get there. Nestled on the banks of a creek, the views are simply beautiful ­— particularly at sunset. The place is nothing fancy, but you can get good seafood, including oysters when they’re in season. It’s worth a visit if you’re vacationing or if you just want an adventure. (Open Tuesday-Saturday for supper.)

1870 Bowen’s Island Road, Charleston

843-795-2757

9. Home Team BBQ: With restaurants on Sullivan’s Island and in West Ashley, this barbecue haven beckons families with comfort food and a laid-back atmosphere. The colorful West Ashley location includes outdoor courtyard seating, and the Sullivan’s Island location boasts proximity to the beach. Flip flops are welcome, and there is something for everyone on the menu. Because it’s also popular as a bar, consider a late lunch or early dinner to avoid crowds. The company is also planning a downtown location that’s set to open by the end of this year.

2209 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island

1205 Ashley River Road, Charleston

HomeTeamBBQ.com

10. Bohemian Bull: This fan favorite is on James Island (on the way to Folly Beach) and features a large fenced-in courtyard with cornhole and bocce ball for the kids, and even a fire pit for the cool fall and winter days. They are big supporters of local Charleston purveyors and are known for their tasty hamburgers. Sit outside and let the kids play while you relax.

1531 Folly Road, Charleston

BohemianBull.com

For more tips on healthy and economical family dining, visit OutToEatWithKids.com.

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