Youngsters can be some of the toughest food critics out there, so why drop dough on meals they find meh? These area restaurants are so sure they’re attuned to budding tastes, they’re giving their food away to little ones for free.
Copperwood Tavern
The farm-to-table restaurant in Shirlington invites kiddos ages 12 and younger to eat free off the kids’ menu during lunch and dinner on Mondays with the purchase of an adult entree. The deal is valid only for dining in, not takeout. The meal options include grilled cheese, a burger and buttered noodles. 4021 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Immigrant Food
On weekends, children 12 and younger get half off kid-friendly dishes at the Ballston outpost of this gastroadvocacy restaurant. Items denoted by a smiling kiddo face on the menu include Nutella empanadas, Hong Kong French toast, Filipino fried chicken, Belgian fries, Greek wings, a Havana sandwich or a classic cheeseburger. 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Ocean Shack
Got a seafood lover? Youngsters measuring less than 3 feet tall can partake in an all-you-can-eat seafood boil (think crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams and more) for free at this beachy eatery. For kids 3 feet to 4.5 feet, the price is $25.99; adults pay $57.99. 2163 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
Lost Dog Café
The McLean location of this local chainlet invites kids to eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult meal. (The Dunn Loring spot isn’t too far, and it has the same deal on Mondays.) Find the options in the Pups Corner of the menu, which lists pita pizzas, mac and cheese, a hot dog and more. Fun fact: The founders of his homegrown franchise are also the creators of the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation. A portion of every sale at the restaurant goes toward helping fur babies in need. 1690 Anderson Road, McLean
Ellie Bird
When the restaurant is named after a kid (in this case, the owners’ middle daughter), it’s no surprise that they take care of children. Yuan and Carey Tang’s award-winning gathering spot in the Little City recently launched Whine/Wine/Wind Down Wednesdays, when adults get a free glass of wine with the purchase of an entree or prix fixe option, and youngsters get a freebie from the kids’ menu. The latter includes options like buttered pasta, chicken tenders, pizza and PB&J. 125 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Inca Social
Diners 12 and younger eat free all day on Mondays at this Peruvian restaurant with locations in Arlington and Vienna. Kid faves include chicken and fries, spaghetti with butter and parmesan cheese, and salchipapas, a mix of fries and thinly sliced hot dogs or sausages. 1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Matchbox
Children eat free every Tuesday at all locations of this D.C.-born chainlet with the purchase of any adult entree. Kids can enjoy doing a maze, word scramble and tic-tac-toe grids while they wait for freebies such as mini burgers, chicken tenders, grilled cheese or cheese pizza, each of which comes with a soda, milk or juice. 1340 Chain Bridge Road, McLean; 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington (National Landing); and 2911 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
The Casual Pint
This self-described “craft beerstro” has a kids-eat-free special on Sundays from noon-9 p.m. for visitors ages 8 and younger. Little ones can enjoy a kid-friendly meal such as grilled cheese, pizza or chicken poppers at no charge with the purchase of an adult entree. 6410 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Banditos Bar & Kitchen
Tuesdays may be the standard night for tacos, but kids 10 and younger eat free at this Westpost taqueria on Wednesdays. For every adult entree, children get a free kids’ meal, with options that include chicken or beef tacos, as well as chicken nuggets or a cheese quesadilla. All of the choices come with a side of waffle fries. 1301 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
