Best Restaurants in Crosby with Kids: 8 Dynamite Ideas!

This post featuring the best restaurants in Crosby with kids, may contain affiliate links. This article also includes a hosted stay at Cuyuna Cove. All thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.

A family of three enjoys take-out pizza in Crosby at their accommodations at Cuyuna Cove.

Crosby, Minnesota, may be known for its thrilling mountain biking and crystal clear pit mine lakes, but its growing food scene is a hidden gem! Foodie parents who love to travel just can’t miss this Minnesota destination! During our latest trip to the Cuyuna Lakes Region, we enjoyed epic outdoor adventures and some of the best spots to grab a bite with kids in tow. If you’re wondering where to eat in Crosby with kids, this guide will undoubltedy help you decide. Whether you’re craving fresh local flavors, something unique, or classic comfort food, the best restaurants in Crosby with kids have something to satisfy every palate. If you’re planning a trip to this cozy corner of Minnesota, here are 8 must-try restaurants to add to your family’s itinerary for Crosby, Minnesota!

Croft Kitchen and Bar

Fish tacos and a handheld from Croft Kitchen + Bar, one of the best places to eat in Crosby with kids.

My favorite restaurant in Crosby? Croft Kitchen and Bar in downtown Crosby, of course! It’s a bit off the main drag, making it feel like a hidden gem. In my opinion, it’s one of the best restaurants in Crosby for families with kids for lunch or dinner.

The menu is packed with pub favorites like walleye fish tacos (yes, fresh walleye!), burgers, handhelds, and flatbreads. Everything we’ve tried here has been fantastic, especially the cheese curds and walleye tacos. They also have a great kids’ menu for little ones.

In the summer, you can choose indoor or outdoor seating. Remember to order inside at the bar if you opt for the patio. If your schedule allows, don’t miss their Sunday brunch menu to mix things up during your adventures with kids in Crosby!

Red Raven

Stop for coffee or lunch at Red Raven, the ultimate bike-themed café! Located in downtown Crosby, Red Raven is perfect for fueling up before a day of adventure in the Cuyuna Lakes Region.

Their in-house roasted coffee is top-notch. And, their breakfast (I love their breakfast wrap), panini, and lunch menus are equally impressive. Grab a bite indoors or soak up the sun at their (seasonal) outdoor seating. No matter where you sit, you’ll love the cozy vibe.

If you’re swinging by for lunch, they offer draft beer to pair with your sandwich. Prefer to eat on the go? Grab your meal and head to a nearby playground for a family picnic before diving into your Cuyuna adventures! We often do this with coffee in the mornings so that our daughter can eat and play. Meanwhile, we have a relaxing start to the day, chatting over coffee at a nearby table. With such a versatile menu and to-go options, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best restaurants in Crosby with kids.

Burritos California

A table filled with chips and guac and local brews at Cuyuna Brewing, one of the best restaurants in Crosby with kids.

If you are wondering where to eat in Crosby with kids for a casual yet delicious meal, head to Burritos California. This spot serves up the best burritos, bowls, tacos, and quesadillas in town. All menu items include your favorite fresh ingredients and toppings. It’s perfect for families, whether you’re grabbing a quick snack like chips, salsa, and guac or sitting down for a full meal.

If you’re stopping by Cuyuna Brewing (the two are attached in the same building), you can even bring your food over to enjoy with a locally-made craft beer! Burritos California also has its own seating. This includes a few outdoor cafe tables in the summer. It is a convenient and tasty option for families looking for lunch or dinner while exploring Crosby with kids.

Cuyuna Brewing

While technically not a food service restaurant in Crosby, Minnesota, I still think this next spot deserves a place on this list since you can bring in outside food to pair with your pint (like chips and guac from Burritos California or pizza from Rafferty’s Pizza).

Cuyuna Brewing is hands down one of my favorite breweries in Minnesota, and it’s perfect for families! The welcoming taproom is not only kid-friendly but also stocked with games to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re grabbing a seat inside or snagging one of the limited outdoor spots, the atmosphere is always warm and inviting. This family-owned brewery prides itself on being a community hub, where locals and visitors alike can relax and enjoy each other’s company. It’s the ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring Crosby with the kids.

Rafferty’s Pizza

Antonia and her husband enjoy a pizza take out meal at a picnic table.

Rafferty’s Pizza is a must-visit for families exploring Crosby, especially after a long day of biking or exploring the nearby lakes. Known for its dynamite pizzas, this local favorite has been bringing friends and families together since 1981. This location even offers wood-fired pizzas!

With a lovely street-side patio perfect for summer evenings, you can enjoy pizzas, calzones, nachos, wings, and more while soaking in the fresh air. They also have tons of indoor seating all year round – even for large groups. Whether you want lunch or dinner, this is the spot!

The kids’ menu offers excellent options like chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and kid-sized pizzas, ensuring there’s something for everyone. My daughter declared it her favorite meal in town! Whether you dine in, take out, or order online, Rafferty’s is a tasty and convenient option for families, making it one of the best restaurants in Crosby with kids.

Ice Cream from Victual

A hand holds up ice cream dishes from Victual, one of the best restaurants in Crosby with kids.

If you’re wondering where to get ice cream in Crosby with kids, head to Victual in downtown! They offer the best lactose-free ice cream in Minnesota. It’s so good, you won’t believe it’s lactose-free.

Made on-site, their super-premium ice cream is rich, creamy, and completely lactose-free—so everyone in the family can enjoy it (even me, the worst lactose-free girlie to ever come out of Wisconsin). With an ever-changing roster of 24 flavors, there’s always something new to try, from classic Oreo (my personal favorite) to unique, seasonal combinations. You can enjoy your scoops on the beautiful outdoor patio – or grab a pint or quart to go. It’s the perfect treat to cap off a day of family fun in Crosby!

Want to make a charcuterie board to enjoy at the cabin? Victual has everything you need for a delicious spread, from gourmet meats and cheeses to olives, crackers, nuts, and dried fruit. In fact, they offer one of the best selections of gourmet cheeses in the state! Be sure to grab a few things to take home, too.

Iron Range Eatery

Iron Range Eatery is the perfect spot for a laid-back family meal in Crosby. The cozy indoor seating and large outdoor patio make it one of the best restaurants in Crosby for families all year round.

Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or something a bit more adventurous, this local favorite has you covered. From appetizers and pizzas to handhelds and hearty dishes like Smoked Brisket Cavatappi & Cheese, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Locals and visitors alike love the welcoming vibe and delicious, creative menu. It’s a must-visit for foodie families in Crosby!

North Country Cafe

For a hearty, home-cooked breakfast before hitting the trails in the Cuyuna Lakes Region, North Country Cafe is the place to be if you’re wondering where to eat breakfast with kids in downtown Crosby! Serving breakfast all day, this cozy spot offers huge portions and delicious options like eggs Benedict and their legendary “cordwood” pancakes. If you’re feeling extra hungry, try tackling their three-stack pancakes—they’re massive!

North Country Cafe also offers homemade soups and daily lunch specials, making it a great stop anytime (at least before 3:00 pm). Whether you’re fueling up for a family adventure or just craving a comforting meal, this local gem won’t disappoint! Undoubtedly, this is one of the best restaurants in Crosby with kids.

MacDaddy’s Donut Garage

Start a fun day of adventures together in nearby Ironton with a sweet treat from MacDaddy’s Donut Garage. This local gem is famous for its fresh, house-made donuts and pastries that are sure to please the whole family.

From classic cake donuts to their famous apple fritter, “Max Torque,” you’ll find something to satisfy every craving. Pair your donut with a hot coffee, and if you’re in a hurry, their drive-through makes it easy to grab breakfast on the go. Be sure to arrive early—they’re open until they sell out! MacDaddy’s is the perfect morning stop before a day of adventures in the Cuyuna Lakes Region.

More Ideas for Where to Eat in Crosby with Kids

A campfire cooked meal with coffee in the woods.

Looking for a few more kid-friendly places to eat in Crosby? Here are a few restaurants in Crosby that we have saved for our next visit. I’ve included them here, just in case you need a few more options.

Mixed Company – A Kava House provides options like coffee, delicious cinnamon rolls, sandwiches, and more.
Hudson Smokehouse, located in nearby Ironton, offers a mouthwatering BBQ menu for lunch and dinner. Plus, they also have coffee and breakfast items in the morning!
Drunken Noodle Crosby offers seasonal specials and classic Asian noodle dishes.
Trailside Tavern & Patio has a menu filled with burgers, broasted chicken, appetizers, and more.
High Wheel Confectionery and Coffee House, in nearby Ironton, is a sweet stop your family will love – it’s a candy lover’s paradise!
If you are staying at a campground or cabin, grab groceries from Victual or SuperOne to make a meal over the campfire together!

Keep Eating + Exploring Crosby with Your Kids!

A family of three enjoys a campfire breakfast in Crosby at their accommodations at Cuyuna Cove.

If you’ve been wondering where to eat with kids in Crosby, Minnesota, I hope this article answers all of your questions! From breakfast to after-dinner ice cream, I’ve outlined my top picks for the best restaurants in Crosby for families with kids. The area is so fun to explore with kids, whether kayaking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter. Undoubtedly, these kid-friendly places to eat in Crosby will be ready to refuel you for your next adventure in the Cuyuna Lakes Region. Enjoy exploring Crosby and its many delicious restaurants with your family!

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 Amazing Restaurants in Crosby, MN, with Kids