Delectable Delights: Dining Destinations for the Whole Family

When the summer heat becomes unbearable, the last thing anyone wants to do is slave over a hot stove. Fortunately, a diverse array of family-friendly eateries have emerged, offering mouthwatering menus that cater to both grown-up palates and kid-approved tastes. From tacos to pasta, these eight new culinary hotspots promise to satisfy the entire crew, whether you're looking for a pre-game pit stop or a leisurely weekend brunch.

Elevating the Family Dining Experience

Bartaco Fenway: A Taco Lover's Paradise

Nestled in the heart of Fenway, Bartaco Fenway is the perfect pre- or post-game destination for those seeking an alternative to the classic hot dog. This vibrant eatery boasts a vast array of tacos, catering to a wide range of taste buds. From the rich and savory roasted duck to the decadent warm buttered lobster, there's something to delight every member of the family. The kid's menu also features crowd-pleasing options like chicken or steak tacos, quesadillas, and a refreshing limeade that puts lemonade to shame. With fast service and the option to order ahead, Bartaco Fenway is a convenient and crowd-pleasing choice.

BE Pasta Bar: Customizable Comfort Classics

Why settle for boxed mac and cheese when you can indulge in a made-to-order pasta creation at BE Pasta Bar in Brookline? This new establishment allows you to choose your own noodle, sauce, and protein, from sausage and bacon to chicken cutlets, all topped with your cheese of choice. In addition to the customizable pasta dishes, BE Pasta Bar also offers sandwiches, garlic bread, and decadent slices of chocolate cake. With generous portions and a family-friendly atmosphere, this pasta paradise is the perfect solution for those seeking a hassle-free, yet delicious, meal.

ButterBird: A Culinary Playground for Kids

Renowned chef Jason Santos (Buttermilk & Bourbon, Citrus & Salt) has unveiled a new kid-centric concept at Arsenal Yards in Watertown. ButterBird is a monument to all things delightfully child-friendly, from tater tot bowls and French toast sticks for breakfast to fried chicken sandwiches and chicken-feet gummies for lunch. For dessert, guests can indulge in classic favorites like apple pie, chocolate chip cookies, and brownies. The atmosphere is friendly, fast, and casual, making it an ideal spot to refuel after a movie or before a shopping trip. But the real draw for aspiring young chefs? ButterBird accepts monthly sandwich recipe submissions, with the winning creation earning a spot on the menu.

Dockside Beer Garden: Waterfront Wonders

After a visit to the New England Aquarium, families can unwind at the Dockside Beer Garden, overlooking the serene Boston Harbor. While adults can enjoy a refreshing selection of beers from Cisco, Harpoon, and Sam Adams, the little ones can indulge in classic fare like hot dogs, sausages, and pretzels. With a gentle breeze and a picturesque waterfront setting, the Dockside Beer Garden offers a relaxing and family-friendly dining experience.

El Tacuba: Fiesta-Worthy Flavors

Newish from the team behind the Tenoch mini-chain of torta shops, El Tacuba in Medford Center strikes the perfect balance between a nice night out and a speedy, affordable, and tasty meal. The vast tequila bar and smooth margaritas cater to the grown-ups, while the well-executed staples like steak tacos and mini chicken enchiladas appeal to the younger crowd. But the real standouts are the more adventurous offerings, such as the salted cod in an olive sauce and the adobo octopus. With incredibly cheerful service, El Tacuba is a family-friendly Mexican restaurant that satisfies cravings for both classic and innovative flavors.

Few and Far: Seasonal Delights

This mellow new neighborhood bistro in Dedham, from the friendly folks behind Forage in Cambridge, offers a menu that celebrates hyperlocal ingredients. While the kids can indulge in house-made mac and cheese, burgers, or strawberry shortcake, the adults can savor beef tartare with nettle aioli and scallop crudo in rhubarb juice. Few and Far also launches a family-friendly weekend brunch starting on July 28, providing a delightful dining experience for all.

The Half Cookie: Decadent Delights

Chestnut Hill's newest sweet spot, The Half Cookie, is the brainchild of mom-of-two Danielle Velez. Specializing in unusual cookie flavors, from Reese's stuffed to salted Twix and strawberry shortcake, these big, fat, and delicious treats are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth. And the best part? Many of the cookies are gluten-free, making them a guilt-free indulgence for the whole family.

Pagu Pizza Pop-Up: A Slice of the Extraordinary

Central Square's Pagu is transforming their (dog-friendly!) patio into a pizza party every Thursday evening throughout the summer. While the grown-ups can savor next-level pizzas like koji pineapple, fried calamari, and carrot-sauce-and-caramelized-onion, the kids can enjoy a classic plain pie or a vibrant purple pizza made with ube (purple yam). And for a refreshing treat, the whole family can sip on virgin pina coladas. Owner Tracy Chang even reports that kids as young as 12 have been known to show up solo for a slice, testament to the irresistible appeal of Pagu's pizza pop-up.