Where Kids Can Eat for Free in Columbia, Missouri

Columbia Missouri is a small cosmopolitan town that is home to the University of Missouri, Columbia and Stephens Colleges and a host of smaller college satellites. There are five hospitals in Columbia which include the University of Missouri School of Medicine and a large Veterans hospital. Columbians have a broad selection of eating venues ranging from fast food, to restaurant chains, to locally founded restaurants. Columbia also offers a wide range of cultural cuisines. There are several restaurants in Columbia which offer free meals to children eating with parents and are fun for the whole family. These are reviewed below.

Bambino's http://www.bambinos.com/

Bambino's is a popular locally founded Italian restaurant that is within walking distance to the University of Missouri. It has a casual laid back atmosphere and welcomes children. Their menu features red sauce and Alfredo pasta dishes all of which are different than the Italian fare in other Columbia restaurants. They have indoor seating as well as heated covered outside patio dining. Children feel at home at Bambino's and especially love the pasta dishes. Staff seem to understand young children are wiggly and are accepting of them moving around. Children ages 12 and under eat free from the Children's Menu on Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to close when a regular entrée is purchased. It is located at 203 Hitt Street. The telephone number is (573)443-4473

Pasta Househttp://www.pastahouse.com/

The Pasta House was locally founded and features Italian food. It offers more than 25 pasta varieties as well as 15 specialty chicken, beef and seafood entrees. It is located right off of Interstate I-70 at Stadium Boulevard -1100 Knipp Street. The Pasta House is a little more formal than Bambino's but children are welcome and given special consideration with the Mr. Meatball Children's Menu for children ages 12 and under. This menu features spaghetti & meatballs, toasted ravioli, mac & cheese, and chicken fingers. Children 12 and under eat free on Sundays if they order from the "Mr. Meatball's Favorites" menu. This offer is good for one child per paying adult. The telephone number for the Pasta House is (573)447-0500.

HuHot Mongolian Grillhttp://www.huhot.com/

The Huhot Mongolian Grill is a franchised restaurant featuring a create your own stir fry atmosphere. They offer inside and outdoor dining. Children are made to feel welcome. Creating your own stir fry is done by walking through sections of the restaurant and selecting your favorite meats, seafood, noodles, and vegetables. After you make your selection of these foods, it is time to ladle on one or more of their numerous specialty sauces. You can also create your own sauce with their ingredients. When you have made all of these selections, you proceed to the fry area and watch as accomplished chefs stir fry your creation. HuHot is located in south Columbia at 3802 Buttonwood Drive. Children eat free everyday all day if they are 3 years old or less.

Moe's Southwest Grillhttp://www.moes.com/

Moe's Southwest Grill is a franchise that started in Atlanta Georgia. Moe's is a casual fun dining experience and they try not to take themselves too seriously (except for food quality, safety and customer service). There is always music playing at Moe's and for people who know music, they may recognize that everything played is by a deceased artist. Moe's fare, as their name implies is loaded with tacos, burritos, fajitas etc. Chips and salsa are free and children, ages 12 and under eat free from the children's Menu on Sundays. Moe's is located at 304 S 9th Street in the heart of downtown Columbia. Their telephone number is (573)443-6637