Best Restaurants in Port Washington with Kids: 8 Foodie Ideas

This post, featuring the best restaurants in Port Washington with kids, may contain affiliate links. Additionally, Visit Port Washington sponsored our recent family trip to Port Washington, though this article was not part of the expected deliverables. All opinions expressed are my own. Read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information (linked below).

A man and his young daughter enjoy a view from the Port Washington Light Station.

If you think dining out with kids means sacrificing flavor, Port Washington is here to change your mind! This charming Lake Michigan town is filled with family-friendly activities (think beaches, lighthouses, state parks, and more!). AND, Port Washington also boasts a surprisingly delicious food scene that welcomes little ones without skimping on quality. After our recent visit, I can confirm you'll find all the lakeside eats you've been craving! From cozy cafés serving locally roasted coffee and fresh-baked pastries to waterfront eateries with stunning marina views, you'll find plenty of spots that cater to grown-up palates, little foodies, and picky eaters. In this guide to the best restaurants in Port Washington with kids, I'll highlight exactly where to eat in town with your family-whether you're looking for a quick bite between beach time and the playground, or a sit-down dinner the whole family will remember.

Java Dock Café (Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch)

A hand holds out a coffee from Java Dock Café, one of the best restaurants in Port Washington with kids.

Kick off your morning at Java Dock Café. This cozy, family-owned gem is one of my top picks for where to eat breakfast in Port Washington with kids. Just a short stroll from downtown hotels, this local favorite brews up exceptional coffee from locally roasted beans. It also offers a menu full of fresh, flavorful breakfast and lunch dishes made with care.

Favorites include the hearty Breakfast Burrito, Avocado Toast, and the Sunrise Bagel Sammy. With its welcoming atmosphere and relaxed, community feel, Java Dock Café is the perfect spot to fuel up before a full day of exploring Port Washington.

They offer indoor and limited outdoor seating. You can also grab your breakfast to go and eat in Rotary Park (just down the street with amazing Lake Michigan views!).

Dockside Deli (Breakfast, Lunch, Ice Cream)

Lunch from Dockside Deli, with a view of the marina in the distance.

For a laid-back, family-friendly breakfast or lunch with unbeatable waterfront views, head to Dockside Deli. Located right on the marina, this casual spot offers both indoor seating and outdoor tables. Outside, you can choose shade or full sun while watching boats drift by.

Serving breakfast and lunch daily, Dockside Deli is known for its fresh, made-from-scratch handhelds, juicy burgers, and crisp salads. The dedicated kids' menu makes ordering for little ones easy. And the friendly vibe keeps everyone happy, making this one of the best restaurants in Port Washington for families with kids. Before you go, treat the family to a scoop (or two) of their fantastic ice cream. It's the perfect sweet ending to your meal by the water!

Big Baby Subs (Lunch)

A massive sub sandwich from Big Baby Subs.

For a laid-back and delicious midday bite, head to Big Baby Subs. This hidden gem is perfect if you're wondering where to eat lunch in Port Washington with kids. Tucked in the back of The Steerage right downtown, this local favorite is loved for its friendly service, generous portions, and house-roasted meats paired with made-from-scratch dressings.

Ordering is quick and easy at the kiosk just inside the door. You can grab a cozy seat indoors or take your sandwiches to go for a casual picnic nearby. With a menu full of hearty subs and fresh salads, Big Baby Subs makes it easy to keep the whole family fueled and ready for more adventures in Port Washington.

The Steerage Dining Saloon (Lunch + Dinner)

A Rueben sandwich from The Steerage Dining Saloon in Port Washington.

Don't miss a meal at The Steerage Dining Saloon. This downtown favorite easily ranks among the best restaurants in Port Washington with kids. With its whimsical old-ship decor, moody vibe, and welcoming staff, it's a Port Washington eatery the whole family will enjoy.

The menu at The Steerage is packed with comforting dishes, no matter the season. You'll find hot sandwiches, hearty soups, and delicious entrees. A dedicated kids' menu is available to keep little foodies happy. In my opinion, the Reuben is a standout. But, I also don't think you can go wrong with any choice here. Pair your meal with something from the full bar (for the grown-ups) and soak in the lively, nautical atmosphere.

Inventors Brewpub (Lunch + Dinner)

An overview of a family meal at Inventors Brewpub.

If you're looking for a low-key restaurant in Port Washington for a solid meal with kids, try Inventors Brewpub. This laid-back, family-friendly spot pairs house-brewed beers and craft sodas with a menu full of comfort food favorites.

Located near the marina, Inventors Brewpub offers indoor seating year-round and limited outdoor tables in warmer months. It's an excellent spot for watching boats come and go from the marina. The menu features a variety of options, including juicy burgers, poutine, fresh salads, and hearty sandwiches. The kids' menu is a win for little ones, too! It offers simple, tasty options. And, kids' menu items are half off on Sundays!

The Beacon Restaurant & Bar (Breakfast + Dinner)

An overhead of two breakfast plates from The Beacon Restaurant, , one of the best restaurants in Port Washington with kids.

Whether you're starting your day or ending it, The Beacon Restaurant shines as one of the best spots to dine on the water in Port Washington. With panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the marina, and the city's iconic lighthouse, it's a favorite for both breakfast and dinner when visiting with kids.

In the morning, this bright and airy dining room offers a relaxed start to your day. From hearty breakfast plates to lighter bites like avocado toast (my daughter's favorite!), there's something for every appetite at The Beacon Restaurant. Guests staying at The Harborview can also enjoy a generous breakfast discount-a definite perk.

An overview of dinner at Dinner at the Beacon Restaurant, featuring a salad, fish, and more.

A couple enjoys the first bites of their dinner at Dinner at the Beacon Restaurant.

Come dinnertime, the atmosphere shifts to a cozy lakeside retreat, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The menu features steak, fish, farm-fresh salads, and made-from-scratch desserts. Kids will find plenty of familiar favorites, even without a dedicated children's menu. And yes-you have to try the cheesecurds. Whether you dine indoors or snag a spot on the seasonal outdoor patio, The Beacon offers a deliciously memorable lakeside dining experience.

Twisted Willow Restaurant (Dinner)

An overhead of two plated filled with delicious food at Twisted Willow Restaurant.

The yummy scallops on the summer menu at Twisted Willow Restaurant.

A hand holds out the lemon cheesecake at Twisted Willow Restaurant.

For a special night out, make a reservation at Twisted Willow Restaurant. Located in a beautifully restored former home in the heart of downtown, this charming spot serves elevated American dishes made from farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients (many of which are grown right in their own garden!). No wonder this is one of the most beloved Port Washington family restaurants!

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. You'll love the stylish dining room and a cozy patio (it's perfect for warm summer evenings!). The menu changes with the seasons. Our favorite summer dish is the rich, perfectly seared brown butter scallops. And, the lemon cheesecake is divine (trust me, it's worth saving room for!). From scratch-made soups and shareable appetizers to hearty entrees and creative cocktails, every bite reflects Twisted Willow's passion for fresh, local flavors.

While the menu feels refined, it's still approachable for families, making it an ideal choice for a memorable dinner during your Port Washington getaway. There’s also a dedicated kids' menu.

Reservations are highly recommended.

Frankie's Ice Cream

If you're wondering where to get ice cream in Port Washington with kids, Frankie's Ice Cream is a must-visit summer stop. Open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this charming 1969 Airstream Safari-affectionately called "Frankie"-serves up 11 flavors of locally crafted Cedar Crest Ice Cream. Plus, hot, fresh mini donuts that smell as good as they taste!

Located right in the heart of downtown, Frankie's offers a beautiful green space with plenty of seating. It's the perfect spot to unwind and savor a sweet treat after a day of exploring (or between stops!). Whether your kids go for a classic scoop or a magical concoction of warm donuts, Frankie's captures that small-town lakeside whimsy that makes Port Washington so special.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Port Washington that We Saved for Next Time

Antonia and her young daughter walk along a park in Port Washington.

You can't fit all of the best restaurants in Port Washington, Wisconsin, into just one weekend getaway! Here are some additional places to eat in Port Washington with kids that we saved for next time. They were all recommended to us by locals or other travelers.

Sacred Bean Coffee Co. is a weekend-only coffee shop (operating out of Cavelier Wine Bar).
Fork & Tap offers a great menu featuring American comfort food, all served alongside stunning views of the Marina.
Tello's Grille & Cafe is a family-owned establishment that offers an excellent menu, featuring a blend of Greek and Mexican classics.
The Pasta Shoppe offers a full menu of pasta and pizza favorites in a relaxed, comfortable dining room for all ages.
Moonlight Tavern & Supper Club offers traditional Wisconsin supper club vibes with indoor + outdoor seating. It is located inside the Port Hotel.

Keep Eating + Exploring Port Washington, Wisconsin, with Kids!

A young girl looks at a mural in downtown Port Washington.

We loved exploring Port Washington with our young daughter-it's truly a family-friendly gem in Wisconsin. You'll find lots of family-friendly restaurants in Port Washington where both kids and parents can enjoy a great meal. From laid-back marina-side spots to inviting cafés and upscale farm-to-table dining, there's something for every taste. Port Washington's charming lakeside setting makes it easy to find some of the best places to eat with kids, making your Wisconsin getaway even more memorable.

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.

8+ Best Restaurants in Port Washington with Kids