Tag: restaurants with patios

  • Where to Eat with Kids When It’s HOT

    Where to Eat with Kids When It’s HOT

    Kids + dining out + indoor seating = disaster.

    Kids + dining out + outdoor play area = win for all.

    Kids + dining out + summer heat = dilemma. But maybe not.

    The Texas Hill Country is known for restaurants with patios, playgrounds, beautiful views, live music, as well as food and drink menus for every member of the family. The options for spending an evening lingering at the table while kids play freely are endless.

    However, when it’s mid-summer, 100 degrees outside, with no breeze at all, where do we take the kids for a dinner out?

    The following restaurants are some of our top choices for eating out during the HOT summer months in Dripping Springs and the areas nearby.

    Route 12 Filling Station

    Delicious food from fish to pizza, full bar, splash pad, large patio with fans, short walking trail to shaded playground at One Shot Distillery, and in same shopping center as our favorite gift and craft shop, Shabby Wick!

    Hays City Store

    This is a top choice for our family because of the casual and fun atmosphere, great margaritas, live music, misters and shady oak trees, friendly staff, variety of Texas faves on the menu, and room for kids to roam.

    Waterloo Ice House on Escarpment

    Air-conditioned enclosed patio with open doors to playground, large variety of menu options, and casual atmosphere.

    Any Hat Creek Location

    Milkshakes, kid-friendly and GF food options, protein bowls and salads for adults, unique playgrounds, big fans, indoor and outdoor seating, and very casual atmosphere that encourages play.

    The County Line on the Lake

    Beautiful views of the water, breezy shaded patio, excellent happy hour, family-friendly environment, and great party set-ups.

    The Hive Austin

    Multiple shaded hang-out spots that are great for gathering with friends and staying a while, enchanting play areas and garden, easy counter food like pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and bottled beverages.

    Verde’s Mexican Parilla

    Huge enclosed outdoor patio with several fans, even bigger outdoor space for kids with playground and grassy field, delicious food and drinks, patient and kind staff, and welcoming atmosphere.

    Ski Shores Cafe

    Cool and casual restaurant on the lake, fans with misters, game room, live music, and great people-watching.


    One of the greatest pleasures in life is to sit around a table with family and friends without feeling rushed or constantly interrupted. These restaurants provide the perfect atmospheres for enjoying good food and good company while the kids can keep themselves entertained, no matter the weather.

    We’d love to hear your favorite restaurants for a hot summer day. Please share in the comments below.