6+ Amazing Places to Eat in Red Wing with Your Kids
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Red Wing is one of my favorite day trips from Minneapolis. And, the food scene is a big reason why! This river town features cozy cafes, downtown ice cream stops, and one of the best bakeries in Minnesota! In this guide to the best restaurants in Red Wing with kids, I'm sharing the spots we've actually tried as a family (plus a few on our must-visit list). If you're wondering where to eat in Red Wing with kids, these family-friendly favorites won't disappoint.
Scarlet Kitchen & Bar (All Day)
When people ask for the best restaurants in downtown Red Wing with kids, this is always my first answer. We've eaten at Scarlet Kitchen & Bar multiple times, and each visit was outstanding.
Located inside the historic St. James Hotel, Scarlet Kitchen & Bar feels special without feeling stuffy. The dining room is beautiful, and the service is warm and welcoming to families. Plus, the large menu is filled with options that will truly impress everyone in the family. There's even a thoughtful kids' menu (let's be real, this is always appreciated with picky eaters!). Scarlet Kitchen & Bar offers a full all-day menu from breakfast through dinner.
Their charcuterie board is one of the most stunning I've seen. My daughter ordered it as her meal on our last visit and absolutely devoured it. The cheese curds are also very good! And don't skip dessert. The Chai Cake was hands-down our favorite bite on a recent weekend visit. Make reservations for busy weekends, and grab rooftop patio seating in summer for river views.
Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop (Breakfast + Lunch)
If you're looking for family-friendly places to eat breakfast in Red Wing, this iconic downtown bakery belongs at the top of your list. Hanisch Bakery has even been voted Minnesota's Best Bakery (and is a longtime local favorite!).
They're known for inventive donuts, scratch-made pastries, and over-the-top display cakes that stop you in your tracks. Beyond the bakery case, there's a casual coffee bar with espresso drinks. They also offer simple lunch specials if you're hungry again later in the day. But it's the donuts that most people are after!
Full transparency: Hanisch Bakery continues to elude us! We haven't successfully timed it right yet (it's either closed or has a LONG line when we visit!), but that popularity tells you everything you need to know. I'm still trying to get there, but I can still confidently say this is one of the best places to eat in Red Wing with your kids! Definitely check hours ahead of time, though.
Mandy’s Coffee & Café (Breakfast + Lunch)
If you're wondering where to eat lunch in Red Wing with kids, Mandy's is a relaxed, reliable downtown choice. It's usually a bit busy in the best way (vibrant and lively-just what you want a downtown cafe to be!). Mandy's is welcoming, comfortable, and full of locals grabbing coffee or meeting friends.
They offer breakfast and lunch. For breakfast, there is a small bakery case for quick bites. Or, you can order something hot off the menu. There are only a few options, but it does the trick! Lunch features soups, sandwiches, and salads. Plus, a kids' menu that makes it an easy win for families. Located right downtown, Mandy's is a super convenient stop when you're looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Red Wing.
Red Wing Cafe (Breakfast + Lunch)
Red Wing Cafe is a classic Midwest diner with an airy dining room (and that iconic counter-top seating you love to see!). One of the top kid-friendly restaurants in Red Wing, it's a dependable, no-fuss option. Located right in the heart of downtown, it's an easy, convenient stop between exploring.
Red Wing Cafe has a true diner vibe with an extensive menu, huge pancakes, and generous portions. On our recent visit, my daughter ordered a BLT, and I chose the taco salad. Everything was simple, satisfying, and filling. Service is quick in that classic diner style, but still friendly and efficient with kids. It's a great option for breakfast or lunch in Red Wing.
Bev's Cafe (Breakfast + Lunch)
When people talk about the best restaurants in Red Wing with kids, Bev's Cafe always comes up (and for good reason!). This long-running downtown diner truly feels like "one fine local diner". It's cozy, welcoming, and proud of its place in the local community. They serve up classic comfort food with friendly, speedy service.
The menu is extensive (you may have a hard time deciding!), from traditional breakfasts to burgers, meatloaf, and egg salad sandwiches. Their biscuits and gravy are a local favorite. And you should absolutely save room for dessert. They have some of the best pie in Red Wing!
Red Wing Confectionery (Coffee, Sweets + Ice Cream)
If you're wondering where to get ice cream in Red Wing with kids, this downtown gem is an easy choice. It smells amazing the moment you walk in! Rich chocolate. Fresh candy. And a huge case filled with all your favorite ice cream flavors!
Red Wing Confectionery makes chocolates the old-fashioned way. They use fresh ingredients (and no preservatives). You'll find hand-dipped chocolates, saltwater taffy, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more. Peek toward the back to watch treats being made in their small factory window. Kids usually love that part!
They also serve specialty coffee drinks, root beer floats, and Italian sodas. No matter what you're craving for a sweet treat or an afternoon pick-me-up, you're likely to find it here!
More Kid-Friendly Restaurants to Try in Red Wing, Minnesota
Looking for more family-friendly places to eat in Red Wing? Here are a few places we look forward to trying on our next visit. All recommended by locals or other family travelers.
- The Mac Shack & Specialties
- Liberty’s Restaurant and Lounge
- Red Wing Brewery
- Rancho Loco Grill & Bar
- La Dolce Vita – Art & Cafe
- Stoneware Cafe
Have Fun Eating in + Exploring Red Wing with Your Kids!
Red Wing is such a great Minnesota town to explore with kids (especially when you're hungry!). Hopefully, you aren't still wondering where to eat in Red Wing with kids. From cozy diners and award-winning bakeries to homemade chocolates, there's truly something for every appetite. Whether you're searching for family-friendly places to eat in downtown Red Wing or simply need a quick ice cream stop, my guide features several fantastic options. Enjoy trying some of Red Wing’s best restaurants with your kids!
