Taking kids out to a restaurant can be a tricky business — are they going to throw a tantrum out of boredom or forget how to use a fork? It’s a lot of pressure, but a themed restaurant has the power to hold a little one’s attention and give them a meal they’ll actually eat.
Does your child have an Alice in Wonderland obsession or maybe you have a teen with a soft spot for the Beatles? Look no further than these themed restaurants in southeast Michigan.
Choosing a restaurant with a theme that your little one enjoys can take a dining experience from regular to magical. Check out our list of local themed restaurants for ideas on where to take the whole family on your next day out.
Bomber Restaurant
- Address: 306 E. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
- Hours: 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
This restaurant calls itself a miniature museum. With tons of World War II memorabilia as well as model planes on the ceiling, history buffs will find something to get excited about.
Dakota Inn
- Address: 17324 John R. St., Detroit
- Hours: 4-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
An old castle-like building in Detroit houses a truly German experience. The Dakota Inn serves up authentic German food and beer as well as decor. Plus, servers wear traditional German costumes.
The Engine House
- Address: 309 Cass Ave., Mount Clemens
- Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-midnight Thursday-Saturday
For little ones obsessed with firefighters, this might be the perfect spot. Authentic firehouse doors, firefighter memorabilia and more are highlights at this themed restaurant.
Ford’s Garage
- Address: 21367 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
A 1920’s service station theme awaits diners at this official Ford licensee. For fans of Detroit’s automobile history, there’s Henry Ford memorabilia, too.
Green Dot Stables
- Address: 2200 W Lafayette Blvd., Detroit
- Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, noon-10 p.m. Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
This Detroit restaurant serves up sliders and mini cocktails in a horse racing-themed space. Outside igloo seating, too.
Karl’s
- Address: The Siren Hotel, 1509 Broadway, Detroit
- Hours: 10 a.m.-midnight Wednesday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
This buzzy new restaurant takes the old diner aesthetic and gives it an upgrade. Even the paper menus are an homage to diners of the past.
Mad Hatter Bistro
- Address: 185 North Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham
- Hours: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday
This upscale take on an Alice in Wonderland theme is sure to delight all members of the family. Guests can choose to dine “down the rabbit hole” or watch the “mad scientist” chefs from the open kitchen.
Melting Pot
- Address: 888 W Big Beaver Road, Troy
- Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday
The theme here is cheese — and lots of it. This multi-course fondue experience allows diners to dip and create their own cheesy adventure.
Rainforest Cafe
- Address: 4310 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills
- Hours: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Want to experience the sounds and sights of the rainforest without leaving the country? The Rainforest Cafe offers a treetop dining experience with animatronics and tropical flair.
Strawberry Fields
- Address: 51070 Foster S., Chesterfield
- Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday-Monday
As the name suggests, this restaurant pays homage to The Beatles. The decor features Beatles signs and posters, Beatles music plays all day and menu items feature riffs on Beatles songs.
Vinsetta Garage
- Address: 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley
- Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday and 4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Out front is a vintage gas pump, but don’t let that throw you off. This airy restaurant, which used to be a garage, features on trend lighting, decor and food.
Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.
