Best Outdoor Dining in Westchester at Family-Friendly Restaurants

Outdoor dining is an annual rite of passage in Westchester, marking the turning of the seasons—and the area's many great eateries mean that you can definitely find choices that work for kids and parents. 

Read on for our list of family-friendly outdoor restaurants in Westchester. These selections offer a mix of price points, atmospheres, and cuisines where families can get an al fresco fix.

Looking for more family-friendly dining options? Check out our Kid-Friendly Westchester Restaurant Guide. And for more family fun this season, bookmark our Event Calendar and Summer Activity Guide. 

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Dine riverside at Harvest on Hudson.

1. Harvest on Hudson – Hastings-on-Hudson

Harvest on Hudson overlooks the Hudson River. The menu has several Italian dishes, with enough variety to suit many tastes. Although it doesn't have a dedicated kids' menu, there are options to satisfy little eaters, like pizza and pasta. Diners can walk around a small outdoor garden to view veggies and other flora. Best of all, it's right next to a playground, making it easy for kids to run and play before or after a meal.

2. Traditions 118 – Granite Springs

Traditions 118 combines Italian and American cuisine, with selections ranging from pasta and meatballs to burgers, steak, and salads. Enjoy dining on the lovely outdoor patio.

3. Sam's of Gedney Way – White Plains

A longtime favorite of White Plains residents, Sam's of Gedney Way bills itself as a "classic American bistro." Sam's offers lunch, dinner, and brunch and has a gluten-free menu. The restaurant has a great covered outdoor area.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Grab some delicious comfort food in a gorgeous setting at Birdsall House.

4. Birdsall House – Peekskill

At this "craft beer gastropub" in Peekskill, families can hang out in the large beer garden, including patio seating and picnic tables. The pub serves lunch and dinner, plus brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, with a menu that features favorites like mac and cheese, burgers, and lots of types of fries. Kids getting restless? Let them try out the bocce ball court. 

5. The Brazen Fox – White Plains

This casual American eatery and craft beer bar on Mamaroneck Avenue offers patio seating in the nice weather. There isn't a dedicated kids' menu, but there are plenty of kid-friendly favorites, including quesadillas, chicken tenders, flatbread pizza, and nachos.

6. Captain Lawrence Brewery – Elmsford

While a brewery might not seem like an obvious choice for outdoor dining with kids, Captain Lawrence Brewery in Elmsford has an outdoor eating area (with games like cornhole) as well as a kids' menu, with options like hot dogs and burgers. The brewery has an excellent selection of craft beers on tap (for the parents, of course). Kids can opt for a brownie with ice cream. 

Enjoy pulled pork sliders on the waterfront at Hudson Social. 

7. Hudson Social – Dobbs Ferry

Hudson Social is located on the Dobbs Ferry waterfront, near the train station and a large park with a jungle gym and lots of space to run and play—and is just one of many great family-friendly restaurants in the Rivertowns. The kids' menu has classic favorites like sliders and chicken fingers. Grown-ups can choose from a selection of sandwiches, salads, and cocktails.

8. Bartaco – Port Chester

Bartaco has an outdoor seating area overlooking the water, plus a full kids' menu with items like quesadillas and fruit skewers. The food is yummy, the prices are reasonable, and the service is fast and friendly. It can get a little loud and crowded—the place is popular for good reason—so we suggest heading over on the early side to avoid crowds and lines. Take a walk by the water and look at the boats before or after your meal.

9. Larchmont Tavern – Larchmont

A local favorite for younger families, the Larchmont Tavern features a courtyard cafe. Its menu is packed with everything from salads to grilled items and pasta, as well as a massive burger and sandwich menu.

10. Louie & Johnnie's – Yonkers

Louie and Johnnie's is the kind of casual family restaurant that makes kids feel like they've gone out for a fancy meal. The children's menu at this traditional Italian restaurant features kid-sized portions of cultural favorites.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Vineyards and Hard Cider Houses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Relax on the patio while the kids eat and play at Yonkers Brewing Co.

11. Yonkers Brewing Co. – Yonkers

This outdoor beer garden is great for kids, who can dig into chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and other items. Parents, meanwhile, can enjoy the expanded menu—tacos, sandwiches, salads, burgers—and a local beer. 

12. The Lazy Boy Saloon – White Plains

This bar-restaurant has outdoor seating right on busy Mamaroneck Avenue, which means there should be plenty of good people-watching. In addition to their famous wings, there's a menu full of kid-friendly meals like burgers, pizza, and French fries.

13. Rivermarket Bar and Kitchen – Tarrytown

Rivermarket Bar and Kitchen is another of our favorites near the Hudson River, offering a large outdoor patio, though the vibe (and price point) leans toward the higher end. Try the wood-fired pizzas for a gourmet take on the humble pie. Rivermarket is conveniently near Pierson Park and its splash pad, making it a lovely stop on a warm day.

14. Colony Grill - Port Chester 

If you're in the mood for pizza, that's the only thing on the menu at Colony Grill, and it's served on paper plates. The casual restaurant has a winning outdoor patio. There are a variety of pizza toppings, or you can opt for creative options like bacon, egg, and cheese pies. 

Originally published in 2017, this post is updated annually.

Photos courtesy of the restaurants