Best Restaurants in Chisago Lakes with Kids: Local Foodie Guide

This post, featuring the best restaurants in Lindstrom, Taylors Falls, and the Great Chisago Lakes area with kids, may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).

The front of the iconic Taylors Falls Drive In, one of the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids.

As a foodie parent who's spent countless weekends exploring Minnesota’s Chisago Lakes area with our young daughter, we've discovered some seriously delicious spots that go way beyond basic kids' menus. From lakeside taverns to retro malt shops, these are the best places where we've shared post-hike burgers and ice cream cones that melt faster than you can say "sprinkles". Whether you’re here for a day trip or a weekend getaway, there are plenty of kid-friendly places to eat in Chisago Lakes that welcome families with open arms and full plates!

This guide rounds up the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids, all personally tried and tested by our little trio. Each spot on this list, from Lindström to Taylors Falls, offers great food with a welcoming atmosphere. We promise everyone, from picky toddlers to hungry parents, leaves happy and full. Ready to eat your way through Taylors Falls, Lindström, Center City, and beyond? Let's dig into our top picks for the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes for families with kids of all ages!

Northwoods Roasterie & Coffee Shop, Lindström

Coffee and treats from Northwoods Roasterie, one of the best places to eat in Lindström with kids.

We start a lot of Chisago Lakes adventures with breakfast at Northwoods Roasterie. Located in downtown Lindström, this cozy log cabin coffee shop is packed with character (and caffeine!). We love the warm and welcoming vibe, the big fireplace, and the shady patio in summer. There is additional (and usually very quiet) seating upstairs, too.

The drink menu has everything from signature favorites, like the Umlatte, to traditional espresso drinks, tea, and more. Their bagel sandwiches are a top pick for breakfast. And, they've got plenty of options for kids, including muffins, fruit smoothies, and hot chocolate. Our daughter always heads straight for the little chocolates in the bakery case! It’s hands-down one of the best coffee shops and restaurants in Lindström with kids. Not to mention, our favorite spot for coffee in Lindström before a day of exploring the local trails and activities.

Gustaf's on Main Eatery, Lindström

Swedish pancakes from Gustaf's On Main Eatery, one of the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids.

Gustaf's on Main is as charming as it gets. This historic house-turned-café is perfect for a laid-back breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat stop. Their paninis and homemade soups hit the spot. Of course, you can't miss out on the Swedish pancakes. They pay homage to the area's Swedish roots and are topped with tart lingonberries! Breakfast diners should try The Covered Wagon. Kids also have their own dedicated menu, featuring sandwiches and kid-sized Swedish pancakes.

But the real showstopper for our family? The ice cream. They serve up premium scoops with all-natural ingredients. And, the scoops are very generous! If you’re wondering where to eat ice cream in Lindström with kids, this is the place to do it. Not an ice cream fan? No worries, grab a slice of homemade pie instead. Gustaf's serves up just the right mix of history, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere - a triple win for foodie families.

Coffee Talk, Taylors Falls

Two coffees and a morning bun from Coffee Talk in Taylors Falls.

Coffee Talk in Taylors Falls feels like a hidden gem, tucked into a historic downtown building with cozy corners and cheerful colors. It’s our favorite coffee spot before hiking at Interstate State Park. If you time it right, you can also grab one of their popular morning buns. Though, fair warning, once they're out, they're out! The checkout usually stocks granola bars if you need a quick snack.

The vibe is casual and artsy, with seating on two levels and an outdoor porch. It's easy to relax here, whether you're sipping a latte or playing a quick board game together. Coffee Talk is your go-to spot for coffee shops in Taylors Falls with kids.

Juneberry Cafe, Taylors Falls

A sandwich from Juneberry Cafe in Taylors Falls, one of the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids.

We're in love with Juneberry Cafe! It's bright, beautiful, and full of seasonal flavors that highlight local ingredients. From savory breakfast sandwiches to fresh-baked goodies, everything tastes like it was made with care (because it is!). Meanwhile, lunch includes pressed sandwiches (the Turkey Pesto is my go-to!). Kids will find things they love, too, including a dynamite grilled cheese.

We appreciate their relaxed vibe. It's perfect for families wandering downtown Taylors Falls or hiking the nearby trails. Juneberry Cafe is a must for foodie families and one of the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids (especially if you want to enjoy a wholesome meal that's just as satisfying for grown-ups as it is for little ones!). If you don't want to eat inside, you can take your food to go and enjoy it at a local park.

The Drive In Restaurant, Taylors Falls

An aerial view of a spread of burger baskets and chicken strips from The Drive In Restaurant in Taylors Falls.

If you only eat at one place in Chisago Lakes this summer, make it this one! The Drive In Restaurant is an iconic summer stop in Minnesota. This place screams nostalgia! Carhops still wear poodle skirts and bring your meal to your window. Plus, the root beer floats are made the old-fashioned way! You can eat in your car or dine at one of the restaurant’s many picnic tables.

Our kiddo loves the chicken strips, and I usually order a burger basket (and, a root beer, of course!). After a long hike at Interstate State Park, families appreciate the fact that kiddos can eat in the back of the car with no shoes on.

Connected to the restaurant, you'll also find Adventure Falls Mini Golf. This 18-hole mini golf course is a delight! It features several fun and challenging holes that the whole family will love. The Drive In Restaurant is casual, playful, and totally kid-approved. If you’re looking for one of the most kid-friendly places to eat in Chisago Lakes, this is it.

Schoony’s Malt Shop & Pizzaria, Taylors Falls

A pizza meal at Schoony’s Malt Shop & Pizzeria in Taylors Falls, one of the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids.

Schoony’s Malt Shop & Pizzaria is a classic small-town eatery that feels like stepping into the not-so-distant past. This retro-styled local gem, filled with pinball machines and fun 80s and 90s decor, is the perfect place to wind down and swap stories about your family's adventures in Chisago Lakes. It's easily one of my favorite restaurants in Taylors Falls with kids. The vibe is playful, and the food hits the spot.

Grab a slice of piping-hot pizza or a classic hot dog. Or, head straight for the sweet stuff. With 30 ice cream flavors to choose from-think rich chocolate, bright cotton candy, and everything in between-everyone's guaranteed to find a favorite. Or go full nostalgia with a root beer float or extra-thick malt. With its checkered floor, red vinyl booths, and arcade games, this spot is retro fun for all ages. If you’re wondering where to eat pizza in Taylors Falls with kids, Schoony's delivers on flavor and family fun.

The Goat Saloon, Taylors Falls

A burger and chips from The Goat Saloon in Taylors Falls.

Don't let the name fool you, The Goat Saloon is surprisingly family-friendly (especially if you’re into dive burgers!). The pub is located in the heart of downtown Taylors Falls. It is a great spot to refuel after a hike or paddle. Its cozy, laid-back vibe and welcoming staff make it a favorite for visitors and locals. The warm glow from the hanging lights, roomy seating, and long bar create a space that feels both relaxed and inviting.

The menu is packed with all your pub-style favorites, like crave-worthy burgers, appetizers, and comfort food done just right. Their burger menu is stacked with great options, which are juicy and flavorful. Plus, the TVs throughout make it easy to catch the game while you dig in. If you’re on the hunt for where to eat burgers in Taylors Falls with kids, The Goat is a solid, satisfying choice.

The Stone Inn, Chisago City

Lunch at The Stone Inn, featuring handhelds for the whole family.

The Stone Inn is one of our favorite dinner spots when we're in Chisago Lakes. Located right off Highway 8 in Chisago City, The Stone Inn delivers comfort, flavor, and a cozy, welcoming vibe. Plus, they offer tons of seating, from a spacious dining room to lively bar seating. The Stone Inn is an excellent stop if you're heading out of town on your way back to the Twin Cities (or, of course, if you're spending a weekend exploring the area!).

The Stone Inn is ideal for families, with plenty of room to spread out, kid-friendly booths, and lots of TVs if you’re in game-day mode. The menu features something for everyone, from broasted chicken and walleye to homemade meatloaf, burgers, and cheese curds. Our daughter always finds something she loves on the dedicated kids' menu. Don't forget to save room for dessert! With its extensive menu and relaxed dining experience, The Stone Inn is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids.

The Northern Lake Tavern & Grill, Chisago City

Fish and chips from The Northern Lake Tavern & Grill, one of the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids.

This place surprised us in the best way with its massive menu and lake views in Chisago City! The Northern Lake Tavern & Grill serves elevated tavern food in a bright, airy space with plenty of room for high chairs and kiddo gear. If you can, get one of the tables facing the lake. I promise, the views of Lake Martha are worth it!

When you're ready to order, start with a basket of frickles (fried pickles) or cheese curds. For dinner, you'll have no shortage of delicious options. Think: fresh salads, hearty sandwiches and wraps, flavorful flatbread pizzas, juicy burgers, tasty tacos, and more! The Reuben and fish tacos are a personal favorite. Kids will love the chicken tenders and fries (crispy and not too salty) from the dedicated kids' menu. The Northern Lake Tavern & Grill is fun, fresh, and absolutely one of the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids.

Winehaven, Chisago City

A woman holds a wine slushie near the vineyard at Winehaven Winery.

You might not think "winery" and "kid-friendly" belong in the same sentence, but Winehaven Winery pulls it off. Located right off Highway 8 in Chisago City, we love coming here as a family for the wood-fired pizza on the patio. And, of course, the local cheese boards are a must, too! If you come in the summer (and you drink), try a wine slushee. They are so refreshing in the summer's heat. Their other wines are great too, and you can easily get a flight to try more than one. They also have several non-alcoholic drink options for kids and adults alike.

Our daughter loves wandering through the vineyard and lying out on the lawn. The views are incredible (especially in the summer and fall)! And, the staff is incredibly warm and knowledgeable. The vibe is definitely relaxed enough that families can truly enjoy themselves. There's often live music or other events, and plenty of outdoor picnic tables (full sun). Plenty of indoor seating is available, too. Winehaven is one of the most unexpectedly kid-friendly places to eat in Chisago Lakes.

Jake’s on the Lakes, Center City

Several apps and drinks from Jake's on the Lakes, one of the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids.

Located in sight of the lake in Center City, Jake's on the Lakes serves up unbeatable water views and a laid-back, family-friendly menu. It features a cozy indoor dining room, high-top bar seating, and a spacious outdoor patio with beautiful lake views. There’s plenty of room for large groups at Jake's on the Lakes, too. It's an excellent choice for families after a long day of hiking and exploring the Chisago Lakes area. (They also offer a dynamite breakfast if you want to make Jake's on the Lakes your first stop!)

The Shorelunch Walleye Bites are a hit with all ages. And, their burgers and sandwiches are always solid. Don't miss the Pan-Seared Walleye either! We usually grab a patio table and let our daughter color while we soak in the views. The kids' menu is full of familiar faves, and the service is always friendly. Jake's is one of the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes with kids, especially if you want a side of sunshine with your meal!

The Market at Nordic Harbor, Center City

Drinks on a railing overlooking a lake at The Market at Nordic Harbor.

This spot is part café, part boutique, and ALL charming. We pop into The Market at Nordic Harbor in Center City for coffee and snacks when we're in town. They offer thoughtfully sourced snacks and quick meals in the downstairs market. And, there's usually something fun for kids, from locally-made gelato to fizzy sodas.

Upstairs, you'll find one of the best rooftops in Minnesota! The lake views are incredible, and the drinks are top-notch. In the summer, the rooftop is open air. Then, in the winter, it becomes enclosed, offering a beautiful heated experience with panoramic windows. You can bring up food from the market and order drinks from the rooftop beverage window. The cozy vibe and lakefront location make it a sweet stop, whether you're doing a quick lunch on the go or grabbing a treat and drinks on the rooftop.

Keep Exploring Chisago Lakes with Your Kids!

A woman and her granddaughter play mini-golf in Taylors Falls.

Don't forget to bring your appetite to these kid-friendly places to eat in Chisago Lakes! I wholeheartedly recommend each stop on this list. From lakeside burgers to old-school malts and flaky pastries, Chisago Lakes is packed with foodie fun for families. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Lindström or watching the boats on the lake in Center City, these restaurants are welcoming, delicious, and kid-approved. I hope this has helped you and your kids find the best restaurants in Chisago Lakes for your upcoming visit.

Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog's author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.

A Foodie Parent’s Guide to the 12 Best Restaurants in Chisago Lakes (MN) with Kids