Family-Friendly Restaurants in Bloomington, Indiana

Going out to eat with kids can be a chore, not to mention put a real dent in your wallet. Many restaurants, depending on their atmosphere or menu, are out of the question if you have kids in tow. However, Bloomington, Indiana has a pretty good selection of restaurants that appeal to everyone in the family. Here are the top three.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries: This restaurant is fun, family-friendly, and has great food that kids love. The food is amazing, but it's made to order so it takes longer than fast food. They'll build the burger any way you want it, and the helpings of fries are huge so share your's with the kids and save some cash. The atmosphere is laid back and friendly, but if you plan to eat there on a weekend, get there early since the seats fill up quickly. If the weather is nice, enjoy their outdoor seating on the patio. They're located at 1199 S. College Mall Road on the east side of Bloomington.

Steak 'n Shake: This is another great restaurant for family dining. The atmosphere is laid back and fun, with a 1950's-style décor and chrome bar. Aside from their famous grilled burgers, they also offer a kid-friendly, 12-and-under menu that includes mac and cheese, mini corndogs, and chicken fingers. On the weekends, one child eats free with every adult meal purchased. With four meals under $4.00, this makes it easy on your budget. There are numerous locations around town, so it's convenient no matter what side of town you're on.

Golden Corral: If more of a home-cooked menu is what you're craving, this is a great restaurant for families. The buffet-style dining makes it great for kids, since they can pick and choose what they want and go back for seconds if they're still hungry. They offer a large variety of kid-friendly items on the buffet, including mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and pizza. They also offer plenty of grown-up food with substance, including steak and seafood. Kids 12 and under can eat for $1.99 after 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Other days, kids ages 4-8 can eat for $4.99, ages 9-12 for $5.99, and kids under age four always eat free. They are located at 116 S. Franklin Road on the west side of Bloomington.

These are just a few of the many family-friendly restaurants that Bloomington, Indiana has to offer. The town is an even mix of fine and casual dining, so taking your kids to dinner doesn't have to frazzle your nerves or break the bank.