Dine Out for Less With These Kids Eat Free Deals at Metro Detroit Restaurants

Everything is getting more expensive these days. You’ve probably heard this resounding phrase on the news, from friends and family, maybe even from strangers at the grocery store. Many families are feeling the pinch of inflation, whether it’s at the register or when the bill arrives at your table. 

Rising prices don’t mean you need to cut family dinners out of your budget. Dining out has a lot of perks for families, from taking a break from cooking duties and coming home to a clean kitchen, to enjoying new food and each other’s company while supporting local businesses. 

Finding a restaurant where kids eat free is a great way to stretch your hard earned dollars without breaking the bank. And at these local restaurants around metro Detroit, kids are not only welcome, but they can eat for free every day of the week! 

Note: These specials and kids eat free meal deals are subject to change and may vary at chain and franchise locations. For the best experience, call to confirm these specials with the restaurant before you go. 

Restaurants where kids eat free in metro Detroit

CJ’s Brewing Company 

• Address: 14900 Beck Road, Plymouth and 8115 Richardson Road, Commerce Charter Township
• Kids 12 and under eat free on Sundays

Celebrate Sunday Bloody Sunday at CJ’s Brewing Company. Grown ups can get excited about $6 Bloody Mary’s, and kiddos can enjoy a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree. 

Children’s meals include your choice of a cheeseburger, corn dog, pizza, grilled cheese, pasta or mac and cheese. 

El Charro 

• Address: 16720 E 14 Mile Road, Fraser, 24401 Harper Ave., St Clair Shores and 21519 21 Mile Road, Macomb
• Kids eat free on Sundays

Fuel up with free brunch for the kiddos, stop in for free lunch or even enjoy a free kid’s meal for dinner! Kids eat free all day at El Charro on Sundays, which means grown ups can put those savings towards signature puffy tacos, chimichangas, burritos or Sunday drink specials like margaritas and draft beers. 

HomeGrown Brew Co. 

• Address: 28 N. Washington St., Oxford
• Kids eat free on Thursdays

Come for the craft beers, stay for dinner! Homegrown offers thoughtful, elevated bar fare and plenty of veggie and gluten-free options. On Thursdays, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Kids can enjoy their choice of chicken nuggets, a cheeseburger, mac and cheese or a rice bowl. 

Lockhart’s BBQ

• Address: 202 E. 3rd St., Royal Oak
• Kids eat free on Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. 

The entire family can chow down on mouth-watering barbecue and enjoy food (and drink!) specials at Lockhart’s BBQ. On Thursdays, every kid eats free with the purchase of an adult meal. Plus, grown ups can enjoy happy hour specials — including half-priced appetizers, $3 domestic bottles and well cocktails and other discounted cocktails — until 6 p.m. 

Lockhart’s kids menu goes beyond children’s menu staples like chicken fingers and grilled cheese (although they offer those, too!) Kids can get a bite-sized taste of barbecue and try smoked brisket, smoked pork or ribs. 

Miguel’s Cantina 

• Address: 870 S Rochester Road, Rochester Hills and 13635 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township
• Kids 10 and under eat free on Sundays

Enjoy authentic Mexican food and housemade margaritas at Miguel’s Cantina. Start off by building your own queso dip, then order your favorite tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. Receive a free kids meal when you purchase an adult meal. 

Options for the ninos are a quesadilla, mini nachos, tacos or chicken fingers, all served with either rice and refried beans or fries. 

Olga’s Kitchen 

• Locations throughout Michigan 
• Kids eat free on Sundays

Olga’s Kitchen has been feeding Detroit with delicious Greek-inspired food for over 50 years. The entire family can taste the tradition — and save a few bucks! — when they dine in on Sundays. For every adult meal purchase, kids receive a free kids meal. Chicken tenders, hot dogs and mac and cheese are all on the menu for pickier eaters, but for more adventurous kiddos, the original Olga and Three Cheese gyros are available in kid-sized portions. 

Rochester Mills Beer Company 

• Address: 400 Water St., Rochester
• Kids eat free on Mondays

Start the week off with a delicious, affordable meal in a huge beer hall! Parents can sample craft beer and order elevated takes on classic bar food. Purchase an adult entree and you’ll receive one free kids entree. The children’s menu includes classics like chicken fingers and hot dogs, as well as battered cod, tortellini and salad. 

National chain restaurants where kids eat free in metro Detroit

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 

• Address: 4825 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce Charter Township and 48975 Grand River Ave. Suite 300, Novi
• Kids 12 and under eat free on Sundays

This popular BBQ chain is serving up free meals for kiddos 12 and under! For every adult purchase of $10-plus, your littles earn a free children’s meal. Kids can choose from 11 barbecue meats, nine sides and nine drinks — the mouth-watering combos are practically endless! 

Fogo de Chao

• Address: 301 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy
• Kids 6 and under eat free daily, kids 7-12 can enjoy the Full Churrasco Experience for half price

The main event at Fogo de Chao is the Churrasco Experience. For $63.50, each adult guest can enjoy unlimited tableside service of 14 cuts of fire-roasted meat, as well as sides of Brazilian cheese bread, polenta, mashed potatoes and caramelized plantains. 

Older kids can feast on the Churrasco Experience for half-price every day, and littles ages 6 and under can enjoy lunch or dinner for free daily! 

Smashburger

• Address: 1735 E Big Beaver Road, Troy and 6919 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township
• Kids 12 and under eat free on Wednesdays

I probably shouldn’t be writing this guide around lunchtime, because I could talk about Smashburger’s truffle mushroom swiss veggie burger with smash tots all day! Luckily for me, for every purchase of an adult entree, side and drink, kids 12 and under can enjoy a free kids meal! Kids meal options include a hamburger, cheeseburger or chicken strips with a side and a drink. 

Grown ups can build their own burgers, chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers and salads, or try one of Smashburger’s yummy menu options.

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