From a low-key environment to a dedicated kid’s menu, there’s nothing better than a family restaurant when you’ve got little ones in tow. Next time the kids claim to be starving, you’ll know exactly where to go. Use this list of our favorite family-friendly restaurants around Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

Scotto Pizza Cafe

“Pizza Camp – yum!” licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr by iandexter 

If you’re looking for one of those kinds of places with crayons and placemats the kids can color, head to Scotto’s. Even the pickiest toddlers love pizza, and this pizzeria in the Larchmont Commons Shopping Center on NJ-38 serves up some of the city’s best pies.

Get hooked on Scotto’s healthy, fresh Italian cuisine, like the goodies you’ll find on its extensive starters menu. Get savory appetizers like buffalo calamari, bruschetta, and mussels marinara. If you’ve got a big hungry crew, get 50 wings tossed in your favorite sauce. Order online with the Scotto’s app and bring diner home. 

Ma & Pa’s Tex-Mex BBQ

If your family is like most, you’re too busy after school to make a big fancy meal. So while you might think you need to go to a fancy steak house for finger-licking Tex-Mex made from meats like brisket, shrimp, and chicken, you’d be wrong.

Ma & Pa’s food truck is a staple at every foodie festival in the area for a reason. It’s good! Its sticks and bricks location on Creek Road between I-295 and Marne Highway dishes up all the same great meals, plus more. It’s the ideal stop to or from Rancocas State Park.

Even with the busy crowd, this dynamic duo will do its best to accommodate a few special requests. So don’t hesitate to let them know about your little one’s food allergies. Save time and place your order online, plus earn free food with its club program. Ma & Pa’s Tex-Mex BBQ serves delicious:

• Tacos
• Quesadillas
• Burritos
• Salads
• Chips and salsa
• Tex-Mex nachos

Manila Cafe and Asian Market

Does your family love authentic Filipino fare, or are you looking for something outside the burger box? Then, head to the Manila Cafe on Larchmont Boulevard for homestyle comfort food, like bangus belly sinigang. This no-frills counter-service cafe and market touts warm, friendly service, great prices, and a clean environment.

Locals rave about its egg rolls and halo-halo cups. This refreshing classic Filipino dessert offers layers of shaved ice and condensed milk on top of all sorts of yummy ingredients that are perfect for beating New Jersey’s summer heat. Stop by every Sunday morning for breakfast. The feast starts at 8 a.m. and stars Filipino-style eggs, omelets, longanisa, and beef tapa. Remember to shop for a few grocery items to take home.

Dad’s Deli & Catering

Nothing says family-friendly like Dad’s Deli. This Mount Laurel neighborhood eatery is bustling with loads of residents at its location on North Maple Avenue. This little gem is tucked away behind Rita’s water ice and can be a bit hard to find, but it’s worth the effort.

With great sandwiches, salads, and a delicious selection of all-day breakfast items, Dad’s is a refreshing change to your typical take-out. Doug, the high-energy owner, is vested in every interaction. His team delivers friendly service and large portions at reasonable prices. You’ll be blown away by the extensive menu here, including daily dinner specials like roast beef with roasted red potatoes, grilled veggies, salad, and a dessert for under ten bucks a person. Dad’s deli also offers:

• Hot and cold sandwiches
• Soups and chili
• Salads
• Subs and hoagies
• Burgers
• Hot dogs
• Daily dinner specials

The British Chip Shop

Go on a European excursion without leaving the city limits at The British Chip Shop (TBCS). The Coleman family carries on its culinary traditions from its Kings Highway East restaurant in nearby Haddonfield.

Start your culinary journey with smoky bacon chips severed with a tangy malt vinegar mayo. Opt for the classic fish and chips or bangers, or venture outside traditional and opt for UK-style American classics with a UK spin, like burgers and fish sandwiches.

The wee bairns can munch on cod nuggets, chicken strips, or beans on toast with a spot of tea. They even have an excellent selection of British canned beverages like licorice root soda. Take advantage of TBCS’s call-ahead program that offers first-available seating once you arrive.

Cocina Azteca

Located just off NJ-73 in the  Ramblewood shopping center, Cocina Azteca may suffer from outdated decor, but it’s the ideal place to dine when you’ve got kids in kindergarten or younger.

Dine-in or take out traditional Mexican dishes like Camarones Vallarta. This savory dish features Mexican shrimp swimming in butter and minced garlic. The chef serves it over a bed of Mexican rice, then drizzles the whole plate with melted white cheese and adds a garnish of pico de gallo.

Get tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and burritos individually from the al la carte menu or try something from the grill, like the seasoned ribeye. 

Skyler’s Hoagies

Skyler’s Hoagies on South Church Street touts a variety of sandwiches made from the best selection of meats and cheeses — and served up by one of the friendliest families in the Mount Laurel area. Try a four-pack daily special. It includes a combination of a chicken or beef cheesesteak, a crispy chicken platter, a classic hoagie, and a 2-liter of soda for around $25. It’s just what you need to feed your hungry brood. 

Top your sub with Skyler’s signature housemade chipotle mayo. It’s a spicy party on your tongue that everyone raves about. You can also order your meal from a great selection of:

• Salads
• Soups
• Hot sandwiches
• Chicken wings
• Gyros
• French fries
• Onion rings

There you go. Mission accomplished! Crème de la Crème of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, just shared the city’s best family-friendly restaurants. Did you find our list satisfactory? Did we miss a favorite eatery of yours that we can share with other residents? Let us know if we did! Drop us a line. We would love to add your picks to our growing list.