Between COVID-19 and sky-high inflation, it should come as no surprise that kids eat free in Toronto deals are unfortunately an increasingly rare promotion. While these types of offers were already in decline back in 2019 when we last updated this list, the events of the last few years have (understandably) cut down on the number of restaurants offering free meals for little ones.
But there are still a few spots out there where kids eat free. Below, we round those restaurants up and call attention to exactly when those deals are offered. We’ve also expanded this list to include a few notable kids-eat-cheap deals because we know that in 2023, families can use every tip available when it comes to cutting costs without sacrificing the fun.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Toronto
Denny’s
Pancakes for dinner anyone? Or how about French toast or a Jr. Grand Slam breakfast combo? All those options and more are available to kids for free every Tuesday from 4 pm to 10 pm at the Denny’s, so long as you also purchase a regular adult meal. In Toronto, Denny’s has two locations, one on St. Clair West, near Jane Street and another right downtown near Yonge and Dundas.
When to go: Tuesdays
East Side Mario’s
Sign your kids up for the Mini Marios Club and they’ll automatically receive a coupon for a free Mario Chiller (think a sugary, fancy smoothie). They’ll also be mailed a membership card good for five free kids menu meals, which include a drink, a choice between chicken fingers or sliders as their main, and ice cream or a peanut-free brownie for dessert. That membership card will also get your kids five free Mario’s Chillers, making this an even sweeter offer.
When to go: Any day with free membership card
Mandarin
Mandarin is a favourite among families for many reasons, one being its massive variety of food choices (even the pickiest eater will find something here). Another reason? Its pricing for children. Kids four and under eat free (up to two kids per one adult) while kids ages five to 12 get a 50 percent discount off whatever the going rate is for the buffet. Adult buffet rates vary
by meal and day-of-the-week but expect to pay at least $36 for the dinner option.
When to go: Any day of the week.
McSorley’s Saloon & Grill
One of the most challenging aspects of eating out with kids is that they get bored. But on Wednesday nights at McSorley’s, your kids can enjoy not only a free meal (with the purchase of an adult entrée and beverage) but also free entertainment in the form of a magic show put on by Ben Jones Magic. The show runs from about 5:30pm-7pm while the free meal deal, which includes such dishes as beef tacos, hamburger, and mac and cheese, is offered from 5pm until 8pm. You can find McSorley’s over at 1544 Bayview Avenue, just south of Eglinton.
When to go: Wednesdays
Montana’s BBQ & Bar
Pre-COVID, kids could eat here free on Tuesdays. Now that’s changed to $2 meals every Tuesday (with the purchase of an adult entrée), which we still think is quite reasonable. Meal choices include grilled cheese, pizza, and crispy chicken fingers, just to name a few. If you sign your child up for Montana’s Kids’ Birthday Club, your child will also get a free kid’s meal on their special day. They’ll also get a coupon for a free kid’s cooler, as a sign-up thank-you gift. Montana’s has two Toronto locations, at 2011 Steeles Avenue West and at 65 Skyway Avenue, and another 13 restaurants throughout the GTA.
When to go: Tuesdays
The Old Mill
This is another destination that has revamped its kids-eat-free deal. Now only kids who are three and under dine for free at Old Mill’s all-you-can-eat weekend buffet brunch. At least this scenic restaurant has kept its wide variety of brunch selections, which include eggs, waffles, salads, carving stations, and all kinds of tasty desserts. Kids ages four to 11 pay a reduced rate of $25 for the brunch buffet, while everyone else is changed $50 for this memorable meal.
When to go: Weekends
South Street Burger
Do you have a burger-loving kid who happens to have a birthday coming up? Then be sure to sign up for South Street Burger’s Birthday Club; all you need is an email address. You’ll then be sent a coupon shortly before your kid’s birthdate for a buy-get-one-free deal, which means you (or maybe another family member) will also get a burger. South Street has 10 locations in Toronto and more in the GTA.
When to go: On your child’s birthday
Stacked Pancake House
There are no free meals for kids at this very family-friendly spot however, the portion sizes for even the kids’ meals are so huge, that you’ll feel like you’re getting a free food. Recently opened on the Danforth, Stacked offers all kinds of classic and over-the-top breakfast items (the kids’ menu includes Nutella banana French toast, birthday cake pancakes, and grilled cheese) as well as a nice mix of burgers and sandwiches. Pricing for kids’ meals runs from $6.99 to $9.99 and includes a drink.
When to go: Any day so long as you go before 3pm; this place isn’t open for dinner
Sushi Zuki
Okay, sushi isn’t the most child-friendly food out there, but we hear that there are some families that just love spicy salmon rolls, tempura, and miso soup. If that describes your household, or if you want to expand your child’s palate, stop by Sushi Zuki at 2030 Eglinton Avenue West. While it doesn’t offer free meals to kids, it does offer a variety of high-quality sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes at surprisingly low prices, such as seven pieces of tasty, crispy tempura vegetables for just $7.95.
When to go: Any day of the week
Swiss Chalet
At certain Swiss Chalet locations, kids who are 10 and under can eat free on their birthday. Per Swiss Chalet’s website, this promotion “…is at each franchisee’s discretion, so this offer is available at participating locations only.” If this promotion is available at your selected Swiss Chalet, your child will enjoy a meal that includes a main, a side, a drink, and a kid’s dessert. Toronto is home to eight Swiss Chalets while over a dozen other locations can be found throughout the GTA.
When to go: On your child’s birthday
United Bakers Dairy Restaurant
Since 1912, this North York culinary institution has been serving delicious meals that have a reputation for being a great value. Portions are on the larger size while the prices are still quite reasonable. For $8.99, your child can pick from a list of kids’ meals that include grilled cheese and fries, a pizza bagel and fries, and even French toast, all served with a drink.
When to go: Any day of the week
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Category: restaurants
