Youngsters can be some of the toughest food critics out there, so why drop dough on kids meals they might not like? These area restaurants are so sure they’re attuned to budding tastes, they’re giving their food away to little ones for free.
Ellie Bird
When the restaurant is named after a kid (the owners’ daughter, to be exact), it’s no surprise that they take care of children. The award-winning Little City gathering spot recently launched Whine/Wine/Wind Down Wednesdays, when adults can get a free glass of wine with the purchase of an entree or prix fixe option and kids can get a freebie from the kids menu. The latter includes options like buttered pasta, chicken tenders, pizza and PB&J. 125 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Fogo de Chao
This Brazilian steakhouse specializes in churrasco, or cooking over an open flame. Diners can enjoy all-you-can-eat tableside carving of meats such as roasted chicken, lamb chops, filet mignon and sirloin. Children ages 6 and younger eat for free, while those 7-12 can get the Full Churrasco Experience for half the adult price of $65. 1775 Tysons Blvd., Tysons
IHOP
The ever-popular breakfast chain recently resurrected its Kids Eat Free deal at participating locations. This means that from 4-10 p.m. daily, kids 12 and younger get a free entree from the “Just for Kids” menu with the purchase of an adult meal. They can choose from pancakes, chicken nugs and grilled cheese. Note that the deal applies only to on-site dining at the Falls Church location. 6655 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Immigrant Food
The Ballston outpost of this gastroadvocacy restaurant offers “Family Weekends” during brunch hours, when kids younger than 12 get half off kid-friendly items like Hong Kong French Toast (peanut butter, condensed milk and homemade strawberry jam), PB&J Bao Buns (peanut butter and slow-cooked strawberry jam), and the Havana Sandwich (pork with melted Swiss and pineapple pickles). 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Inca Social
Diners 12 and younger eat free all day on Mondays at this Peruvian restaurant with locations in Arlington and Merrifield. Kid faves include chicken and fries, spaghetti with butter and parmesan cheese, and salchipapas, a mix of fries and thinly sliced hot dogs or sausages. 1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Matchbox
Children eat free every Tuesday at the Mosaic District location of this D.C.-born chainlet. The menu features mini burgers, chicken tenders, grilled cheese and cheese pizza, all of which come with a soda, milk or juice. Kids can enjoy doing a maze, word scramble and tic-tac-toe grids while they wait. 2911 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Ocean Shack
Got a seafood lover? Youngsters measuring less than 3 feet tall can partake in an all-you-can-eat seafood boil (think crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams and more) for free at this beachy eatery. For kids 3 feet to 4.5 feet, the price is $25.99; adults pay $57.99. 2163 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
Palette 22
Kids 10 and younger can indulge in the bottomless weekend brunch at this Shirlington restaurant for a mere $10, which includes visits to the taco and waffle bar, as well as menu items such as French toast sticks and street corn pizza. The adult price is $32.22. 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Silver DinerÂ
Youngsters 12 and under can join the Kids Club at this popular DMV diner and enjoy perks such as a free kids meal every five visits, as well as a kids entree and shake on their birthday, and a collectible pin every visit. Collect 10 pins and you can ask for a free T-shirt. Plus, the kids menu here is a hit, with the requisite chicken tenders and mac and cheese, plus silver dollar pancakes (pro tip: add chocolate chips) and gluten-free Quinoa Coconut Pancakes. 4400 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston); 8150 Porter Road, Falls Church;Â 8101 Fletcher St., McLean
The Casual Pint
This self-described “craft beerstro” has a kids-eat-free special on Sundays from noon-9 p.m. for visitors ages 8 and younger. Enjoy a kid-friendly meal such as grilled cheese, pizza or chicken poppers at no charge with the purchase of an adult entree. 6410 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Urbano
This colorful Mexican restaurant in the Mosaic District feeds kids for free every Wednesday all day. The catch? Only two complimentary kids meals per family, and you must purchase a regular entree. The kids menu features tacos, a quesadilla, a hot dog or chicken tenders. 2985 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic)
Denny’s
The 72-year-old chain’s Kids Eat Free deal lets youngsters get a meal gratis with the purchase of any adult entree costing at least $6. The kids menu has the usual suspects, plus the restaurant’s signature Jr. Grand Slam (three buttermilk silver dollar pancakes, an egg, a strip of bacon and a sausage link). 5501 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church