Are you looking for family-friendly restaurants in Rutherfordton, NC?
Historic downtown Rutherfordton in Western North Carolina has so much to offer, and it’s easy to make a day of exploring the town! Kidding Around’s Sarah enjoys the area, including grabbing a bite to eat at local restaurants. If you want to make the most of your visit to this community, be sure to check out one of these 3 family-owned and kid-friendly restaurants for lunch or dinner in Rutherfordton, NC!
Mi Pueblito
This Mexican restaurant is right around the corner from Main Street in downtown Rutherfordton.
For nearly 30 years, Mi Pueblito has lived up to its name, meaning My Small Town, as it warmly welcomes and serves the surrounding community.
If you visit the nearby KidSenses Children’s Museum, your kids may also be extra excited to discover the Kids Pueblito Café there is based on this real-life restaurant!
Walking in the door, your children’s eyes are sure to widen as they take in the absolutely beautiful atmosphere. Paintings of huge monarch butterflies stretch across the walls, and there are murals of Spanish architecture and more as you walk around the restaurant.
With ample family-sized tables and booths, you can expect to be seated quickly no matter the size of your group or the time you arrive.
The menu features over 100 different options, plus daily specials, so everyone is sure to find something they enjoy! And those with picky kids will be thrilled to know their children’s menu includes several options, both Mexican and American in flavor!
Most of the staff at Mi Pueblito is bilingual in Spanish and English, making this an especially attractive option for native Spanish speakers or those studying the language.
Mi Pueblito Menu
Location: 139 S Washington Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 am-10 pm / Sunday, 11 am-9 pm
Copper Penny Grill
This sports bar and grill is just one street over from Main Street in downtown. The atmosphere at Copper Penny Grill is casual, but the high ceilings, rustic décor, and string lighting provide a visually engaging environment in which to dine. TV displays throughout the restaurant also offer a variety of sports entertainment to enjoy.
Kids can be corralled into the comfortable seating area while you wait for a hostess to seat your family. Wait times are generally short, especially at lunch hour—but you’ll want to check whether any big games are happening that might draw a crowd!
There are four separate seating areas: two inside with bar areas, one more family-friendly inside area, and one outdoor seating area set up to be both pet- and child-friendly. Be sure to let the hostess know if you have a preference for where you’d like your family to be seated, and keep in mind the outdoor option may be limited by the weather!
The menu features a range of popular tavern food, and the fries and sweet tea here come highly recommended! The children’s menu offers several popular options, and there are seasonal specials.
There is karaoke every Wednesday night, and Copper Penny Grill regularly hosts live musicians in the evening hours. Be sure to check their website for any special events.
Copper Penny Grill Menu
Location: 131 N Washington Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11 am-9 pm / Friday-Saturday, 11 am-11 pm
Main Street Market
This deli shop can be found—you guessed it—right in the middle of Main Street! It is conveniently located next to Main Street Park and just diagonal from the KidSenses Children’s Museum.
With a large open dining area where you can seat yourself, and a walk-up counter to order, the atmosphere at Main Street Market is the definition of casual. In nicer weather, the small back patio also offers a couple of picnic tables to enjoy.
The menu has several sub sandwiches on the list, all with names based on animal sounds which kids are sure to find hilarious. And of course, there are your salads, too.
But the build-your-own sub-option is one of the best things about this place: It guarantees that even the pickiest eaters will be able to get the PERFECT sandwich for them!
The servers are super friendly, and there are special events almost every night of the week, typically involving live music, karaoke, or trivia. Some events are more family-friendly than others, so be sure to check their Facebook before dropping by with your kids for dinner!
And when you finish your meal, consider popping into Main Street Coffee & Ice Cream
right next door for a delicious dessert!
Main Street Market Menu
Location: 187 N Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 am-9 pm / Friday-Saturday, 11 am-10 pm
