Ready to kick your summer menu up a notch? Start with this sunny collection of our very best easy summer recipes! From pasta salad to grilling recipes and even summer dessert recipes, keep scrolling for the best dinners and side dishes to make this season.
Charcuterie boards are all the rage, and from hot dog boards to fruit boards and even a s'mores board, we found 11 that are perfect for summer. See them all here.
When a heatwave hits, skip the stove! Instead, turn to this collection of no-cook summer recipes. From refreshing salads to colorful summer rolls to simple crockpot meals, we have the stove-free dinners you'll love. Get the recipes here.
Our Favorite Grilling Recipes
Get fired up because we have just the recipes to take your grilling to the next level. Think top-notch skewers and kabobs, Mexican corn, strawberry tart, grilled peaches, and more! Get the great grill recipes here.
Whether you're headed to a summer picnic or just need a new summer recipe to add to the rotation, you can't go wrong with simple pasta salads! Check out the crowd-pleasing pastabilities here.
Take advantage of seasonal summer produce! First step: try these recipes that spotlight summer fruits and veggies. With these ideas, you can use up your tomato crop, sip on fruity agua frescas and enjoy the best of what summer has to offer. Click here for the roundup.
Applying SPF this summer? Go one step farther with a summery superfood menu! These summer recipes full of antioxidants, vitamins and other goodies that can help block UVA rays, protect skin, and even ease sunburns. Click here to shine on.
Summertime is kebab time! Get grilling with some of our faves like veggie skewers, teriyaki kebabs, and fancy salmon varieties. For your next favorite meal-on-a-stick click here.
Sweet Treats & Drinks and All the Ways to Use Summer Fruit
Celebrate summer with strawberries! We've given everyone's favorite summer fruit the spotlight, with recipes that'll amp up your smoothies, salads, scones, and more. Take your pick with these recipes.
It's blackberry season! To celebrate, we've got blackberry recipes for the whole family, for the whole summer. Discover the berry bliss of blackberry fruit roll ups, ice cream and even pizza. Get all the blackberry recipes here.
Every summer bucket list should include lots and lots of popsicles. We rounded up 20 homemade popsicle recipes that feature fresh flavors, fresh fruit, and even funfetti. Now the question is which delicious popsicle you'll whip up first. Click here for the icy scoop.
Make way for mocktails! Every summer staycation needs a sip of something good. That's why we've searched all around for slushies, fancy lemonades, Italian sodas and other delicious drinks. Grab a paper umbrella and get the recipes here.
Now here's a cool idea: get extra refreshed this summer with flavored ice cubes! Try chocolate cubes in your iced coffee, pineapple cubes in your water or go crazy with layered juice cubes. Ready to raise a glass? Click here for all the icy ideas.
When you need a sweet summer treat but can't face actual baking, turn to no-bake desserts! These recipes are easy, flavorful, and don't take a lot of energy—not from you, and definitely not from your oven. Click here for the no-bake list.
There's nothing more classic than a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. But what about giving your refreshment a refreshing twist? From peach and pineapple to a kick of green juice, click here to add something new to your 'ade.
Which watermelon recipe will your family want most? That'll be the question once you've browsed our roundup recipes that incorporate watermelon for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Click here for all the watermelon goodness.
Did somebody say s'mores? If these marshmallow goodies are on your summer to-do list, check out our picks for unconventional s'mores that make your campfire memories even better. Click here for more s'mores.
Festival Fare: Classic Recipes You Can Make at Home
If your fave thing about summer is the fun of festivals and fairs, we have good news. We found homemade versions of your favorite festival food, from churros and caramel apples to no-dye snow cones. For the full fair experience, click here.
Can’t take the heat? Then get out of the kitchen! Hang up your apron because there are plenty of great restaurants near you where kids eat free. We’re dishing about eateries where delicious kids meals are on the house. Treat your hungry crew to pizza and pasta, burgers, kebabs and more. Scroll through our list of San Diego restaurants where kids eat free and then turn off the stove and grab the car keys, because it’s time to chow down!
Bucca di Beppo Kids eat free every day at Bucca di Beppo this summer! The deets: Dine in only, receive a free kids meal for each purchase of a Buca Small® Pizza, pasta, entrée or lunch item. Receive two free kids meals for each purchase of a Buca Large® Pizza, pasta or entrée. Your kiddo must be present to receive the discount.
10749 Westview Pkwy Mira Mesa, CA 92126 858-536-2822 Online: bucadibeppo.com
Bruski Burgers & Brew On Tuesdays and Sundays, kids get one free meal per adult entree purchased. They'll love dining on this restaurant's comfort food and you'll dig that it's on the house.
Al's Cafe in the Village Pancakes anyone? Get a free kids meal with each adult entree purchased any day of the week (kids 10 and under). Al's is open for breakfast or lunch daily.
795 Carlsbad Village Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-729-5448
The Cheesecake Factory If you like a menu with lots of choices, then this is your place. Bring the baby or toddler (those still in high chairs) and receive a free banana and bread plate upon arrival at your table.
Claim Jumper Get a free baby-toddler plate for kids age 3 and under any time when you go to this dinner spot. The toddler plate has applesauce, mandarin orange slices, two cheese sticks and oyster crackers.
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. La Mesa, CA 91942 619-469-3927 Online: claimjumper.com
12384 Carmel Mountain Rd. San Diego, CA 92128 858-485-8370
1355 North Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 619-469-3927
Denny’s Basic kid-food from chicken nuggets to macaroni and cheese. Two kids 12 and under eat free off the kid's menu per adult entree and drink ordered. Dine-in only.
Many locations throughout San Diego Online: dennys.com
Barra Barra Saloon You'll gobble up chips and salsa, enchiladas and quesadillas at this Mexican eatery in the middle of Old Town San Diego. Come anytime and kids 10 and under eat free with a paying adult.
BIGA Voted best Italian restaurant by several different local magazines and foodie blogs, this hot spot serves up free food for little eaters on Sunday. Kids eat free Sunday evening after 5 p.m. Littles have a choice of a kid Margherita pizza or buttered pasta when an adult meal is served.
950 6th Avenue. San Diego, CA 92101 619-794-0444 Online: bigasandiego.com
Dickey's Barbeque Whether it's slow-cooked meat or the beef brisket, classic bbq for lunch or dinner always hits the spot for the fam. Receive one kid’s meal (12 and under) with $10 purchase per adult. Dine-in only.
Several locations throughout San Diego dickeys.com
Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen From salads with salmon to salads with tri-tip steak, you'll eat healthy and hearty at this spot behind La Costa Cinepolis. Kids eat free after 4 p.m. on Sundays. The ten and under crowd can choose one little chef’s meal with each adult entrée purchased.
6985 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92009 760-431-5323 Online: tinleafkitchen.com
Daphne's Have you ever had a street gyros? They're delish! Kiddos 10 and under get a free meal on Sundays per adult entree purchased. The kid's meal comes with entree choice plus rice and a drink.
Several locations throughout San Diego Online: daphnes.biz
Rockin Baja Lobster While you have the lobster you half-pint ten-and-under can chow down a burger or mac n cheese with orange wedges (or fries) for free! One free kid's meal with the purchase of adult entree and beverage. Two kids meal per table and dine-in only. Mira Mesa location only. (Kids eat free special is offered on Sundays and Mondays)!
The Weevil Burger Plenty to entertain little burger eaters with an arcade, jukebox and large screen TV. Sundays, one kid meal per paying adult and little drinks are about a buck.
The Kebab Shop Veggie skewers, a lamb doner, and saffron rice will get eaten up at this local hot spot. Kids 12 and under eat free Sundays (and Saturdays!) with the purchase of an adult entree and drink.
9450 Mira Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92126 858-586-0499 Online: thekebabshop.com
Fuddruckers You can customize your burger on a fresh-baked bun at this self-serve restaurant. After 4 p.m. on Mondays, this joint gets packed with little ones with the buy one adult meal, get a kid’s meal for $1.99 deal. Kid’s meal includes an entrée, side, kid’s drink and a cookie for dessert.
Mira Mesa Shopping Center 8285 Mira Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92126 858-693-3916 Online: fuddruckers.com
Mission Valley 891 Camino de la Reina San Diego, CA 92108 619-299-2270
La Mesa 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. La Mesa, CA 91942 619-589-6144
Chula Vista 340 3rd Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910 619-420-4881
Borelli’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant Got a spaghetti-loving crew? This local’s spot serves up a good-sized free kid’s meal with each adult entrée all day on Mondays. Good to know that drinks are additional, and run about $2 each.
285 N. El Camino Real Ste. 106 Encinitas, CA 92024 760-436-1501 Online: borrellispizza.net
Hacienda Casa Blanca Little eaters will enjoy the colorful decor, music and free meal on Mondays for kids 10 and under with paying adult.
Pei Wei Polish of an adult order of chow mein noodles (or another entree) and receive a free kid's meal that includes a drink. This offer is good after 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Several locations throughout San Diego. Online: peiwei.com
Souplantation Fill-up on clam chowder, make-your-own salad, muffins and more at this local eatery. All day on Tuesdays, kids eat free (12 and under) with each adult meal purchased. Head over for lunch today!
Several locations throughout San Diego 1860 Marron Rd. Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-9100 Online: souplantation.com
Ikea Who doesn't love Ikea's Swedish meatballs with gravy, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes? (Or you can substitute fresh veggies). You can satisfy that craving any Tuesday and get two kids meals per adult entree.
Fenton Marketplace 2149 Fenton Pkwy. San Diego, CA 92108 888-888-4532 Online: ikea.com/sandiego
Ruby's Diner Shake up Tuesdays (after 4 p.m.) with a free kid's meal that includes fries and a drink with each adult meal purchased.
Good to know: In the summer, you'll need to request this sweet deal!
5630 Paseo Del Norte #130 D Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-931-7829 Online: rubys.com
1640 Camino Del Rio N. San Diego, CA 92108 619-294-7829
Hamburger Factory Step into the Old West for some burgers and tater tots. There's plenty to enjoy at this cute diner. Head out on Tuesdays after 4 p.m. and kids 10 and under eat free with paying adult.
Achiotes Brunch it out. Down an order of Huevos Rancheros with a little hot sauce and your little sidekick can eat their eggs for free. One free kid's meal (10 and under) with adult entree purchased on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
4419 Camino de la Plaza San Diego, CA 92173 619-690-1494 Online: achiotes.com
Marie Callender’s If you're craving comfort food from chicken pot pie to grilled cheese and delicious apple pie, hit up this local spot Tuesday (or Saturday) where kids 12 and under eat free with paying adult.
Escondido 515 W. 13th Ave. Escondido, CA 92025 760-741-3636 Online: mariecallenders.com
La Mesa Area 6950 Alvarado Rd. San Diego, CA 92120 619-465-1910
Chula Vista 330 F St. Chula Vista, CA 91910 619-420-0751
O's American Kitchen While Pat and Oscar's changed its name to O's American Kitchen, they still have the best breadsticks. Hit them up anytime Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. when an adult spends five dollars or more, the littles get one free kid's meal.
Del's Hideout Wednesdays at Del’s Hideout invites adults to bring in their kids for a complimentary kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. More perks: free mini ice-cream cones and an array of retro arcade games, a dedicated children’s activity zone complete with stationary iPads for educational gaming, alongside a dozen TVs for game day entertainment.
Red Robin Rock over to this eatery all day Wednesday and with the order of one adult entree you can get up to three $1.99 kids meals. Note: This is a summer promotion.
4373 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122 858-450-0343 Online: redrobin.com
Oggi's Pizza Liberty Station Dig into pizza or pasta after walking around Liberty Public Market. On Wednesday, receive one free kid's meal per adult entree purchased after 6 p.m.
2562 Laning Rd. San Diego, CA 619-876-5000 Online: oggis.com
El Torito Kid-sized fajitas and cheese quesadillas are on this kids eat free menu. One kid's meal for one dollar (12 and under) for each adult entree purchased. Dine-in only.
5024 Baltimore Dr. La Mesa, CA 91942 619-698-7404 Online: eltorito.com
2693 Vista Way Oceanside, CA 92054 760-439-5407
Hooley's Irish Pub Pull up a chair for good bar grub like fish and chips for you and mac n' cheese for the littles. Kids 12 and under eat free on Wednesdays with a paying adult.
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277 La Mesa, CA 91942 619-713-6900 Online: www.hooleys.com
2955 Jamacha Rd. El Cajon, CA 92019 619-670-7468
Thursdays
Kate Loweth
Mendocino Farms Not only do little ones get a free kid's meal when you buy an adult meal all day on Thursdays. But there's also a chalkboard to do artwork, a bean bag toss and foosball, so kids stay busy while you get to eat. You can also take your food to-go.
Del Mar Highlands Town Center 12873 El Camino Real Carmel Valley, CA 92130 858-436-0000 Online: mendocinofarms.com
8795 Villa La Jolla Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037 858-731-8130
Even in the Bay Area’s sophisticated food culture, new concepts pop up that make you wonder, “Why hasn’t anyone done this before?” Wursthall, the newest restaurant in downtown San Mateo, might make you think that. It’s bustling ambiance and kid-friendly grub make it a great spot to grab a family meal and a mug of German beer. Read on for some of the menu highlights.
A Californian Take on the German Beer Hall Wursthall is a collaborative venture between James Beard award-winning author J. Kenji Lopez-Alt along with Adam Simpson and Tyson Mao, owners of the nearby Grape and Grain bar. A winningly modern take on the classic German bierhaus, Wursthall serves up over 28 German and Austrian beers on tap, a wide selection of local beers, alongside a menu full of Californian interpretations of German cuisine. Although it’s a beer hall, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming to families, and there’s plenty of kid-friendly choices on the menu.
The two-story space is light-filled and lined with long, picnic-style tables. If you’re looking for a bit of quiet or just a nice view, go to the upper level which is more private.
Pub Food, Elevated
The highlight of the food is the collection of wursts, ranging from more traditional bratwurst and Thüringer to Cajun and al pastor. The wurst comes in a fantastic buttery toasted bun (all breads at Wursthall are made by local German bakery Backhaus) that is almost worth the price of the plate alone. You can choose your toppings for the wurst, from sauerkraut to speck-pepper relish, and the plate also comes with their house potato salad and mixed greens. It’s plenty filling for dinner.
Other standouts on the menu include the chicken schnitzel sandwich; vegan döner kebab (German-Turkish sandwich) made with Impossible meat; and their pull-apart pretzels. Don’t forget to try the various mustards from the mini condiment bars set up at each table. The crispy fried potatoes will be a hit with the kids; get the plain for them and the over-the-top bacon and onion version with mustard aioli for yourself. The kids’ menu has plenty of kid appeal, including “kinderwurst”, grilled cheese and chicken schnitzel options.
Besides the outstanding beer selection, there are also wines and non-alcoholic beverages, including Mexican Coke and cold brew coffee, plus milk and juice for the kiddies.
The Fine Details Although Wursthall is designed as a casual drop-in style place, overwhelming popularity from opening day means long lines, at least for the time being. For families with small kids, your best bet is try to get there before it opens to try a snag a spot near the front of the line. The crowds also start thinning out later at night, although at 9 p.m. they switch to a more limited, wurst-only menu. Also, be sure to bring your credit card; this is a cashless facility.
310 Baldwin Ave.
San Mateo, CA Hours: 5 p.m.-midnight daily, lunch hours TBA Online: wursthall.com
Which dish are you wanting to try first at Wursthall? Let us know in the comments!
As the weather heats up, we all gravitate toward the grill for quick, super satisfying meals. But if you’re getting sick of hot dogs and hamburgers, try out one of these awesome kebab recipes. From classic beef and vegetable skewers to fancy salmon varieties, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up a meal-on-a-stick that will please everyone in your family. Click through the slideshow below to see our favorite kebab recipes from around the web.
Chicken Souvlaki
Go Greek tonight with The Healthy Foodie’s awesome recipe for chicken souvlaki. Whip up a quick marinade and a creamy tzatziki sauce to go on the side—this one’s sure to be a home run with the whole family.
What’s your go-to summertime kebab recipe? Let us know by leaving a comment below. — Susie Foresman
