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very parent knows the back-to-school struggle. With so much money spent on expensive school supplies and new clothes for the year ahead, there isn’t always a lot left over for fun nights out — especially if you’ve got a multiple hungry little mouths to feed. Luckily, there are a few eateries stepping in with meal deals that will make it easier for families to enjoy a night out — without breaking the bank. Whether your little one’s meal is completely on the house or you’re just catching a back-to-school deal at the right moment, we’ve got you covered! So go out and celebrate that first day back at school of at one of the New Jersey restaurants below. They get an A+ from us!
Back-to-School Specials
IHOP
Location: New Jersey is chock full of IHOPs – take your pick!
Details: IHOP, aka, the International House of Pancakes, is best known for their delicious breakfast options all day long. Love breakfast for dinner? There’s a seat for you at IHOP. While IHOP traditionally offers free kids meals on Tuesdays, now through September 25 guests can get a free meal for their little ones any day of the week. So get out there and treat your short stacks to some short stacks!
More info: www.ihop.com or call 1-866-444-5144
Rainforest Café
Location: 2201 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Details: The Rainforest Café is the wildest place to grab a meal in New Jersey. The jungle theme is in full swing at this spot and your kids are sure to love the rainforest animals spread throughout the dining room. And the Rainforest Café is pulling no punches for its Back To School Bash at the Atlantic City location on September 7. Enjoy one-on-one time with Cha! Cha! (Rainforest’s resident frog mascot), play some games, win some prizes, and, of course, there are kid’s meal discounts – and even a free cupcake! It’s sure to be an awesome time to make your kids forget about their back-to-school blues.
More info: www.rainforestcafe.com or call 609-345-5757
Dairy Queen
Location: Multiple locations (they’re everywhere!)
Details: Dairy Queen, the ice cream spot we all know and love, is granting the wishes of oreo frappe fanatics worldwide. On Tuesday, September 6, for three hours (from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) only DQ is giving away free small Oreo frappes. Since this delicious drink does include coffee in addition to vanilla soft serve ice cream, Oreos, and ice, it might be one to skip for the kids – but that doesn’t mean mom and dad can’t treat themselves. And, hey, coffee never hurts once homework season is back in full swing.
More info: www.dairyqueen.com or call 1-866-793-7582
Kids Eat Free (All the Time!)
Stage House Tavern
Location: 1719 Amwell Road, Somerset
Kids Eat Free: Wednesday
Details: The Stage House Tavern is the perfect spot to go with a big crew of friends to enjoy a night on the town. The space is huge, but maintains a warm ambience, and the menu is just as massive. Choose from a variety of pizzas, salads, sandwiches, or homemade ravioli and pastas. On Wednesday nights, from 4 p.m. on, kids under 12 eat free from the kid’s menu. (Note: There’s a limit of two children to each adult.)
More info: www.stagehousetavern.com or call 732-873-3990
Willie McBride’s
Location: 1270 Easton Turnpike, Branchburg
Kids Eat Free: Sunday
Details: Willie McBride’s offers a casual, but classy, Irish pub experience. And, I don’t know about you, but that’s my favorite kind of Irish pub vibe. The food goes perfectly with a pint of beer and the latest football game, which you can enjoy on one of the many TVs posted throughout the restaurant. And on Sundays, kids eat for free with each adult entrée purchased. And that includes brunch hours! So head over to Willie McBride’s for some serious kid’s deals without sacrificing your adult Sundays.
More info: www.williemcbrides.com or call 908-722-1113
ROCCA Restaurant
Location: 203 Rock Road, Glen Rock
Kids Eat Free: Wednesday & Sunday
Details: ROCCA is an Italian spot worth a visit whether you’re taking advantage of the kids’ deals or not. Their homemade pastas and farm-to-table ingredients make for fresh, decadent Italian meals with some creative twists. Tagliatelle in a wild mushroom Bolognese sauce? Sign me right up. And on Wednesdays and Sundays, bring the kids (under 12) for a free meal with each adult entrée. This awesome deal includes an entrée, drink — and ice cream! — for your little ones! And hey, who doesn’t like ice cream?
More info: www.roccanj.com or call 201-670-4945
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Location: 700 Plaza Drive, Secaucus
Kids Eat Free: Tuesday
Details: Looking for a little piece of paradise in the Garden State? Look no further. Cheeseburger in Paradise offers a breezy tropical theme with a fun, option-packed menu. Choose from classic dishes such as quesadillas, chicken wings, salads, and, of course, cheeseburgers – all with an island twist. For the kids, or Little Parakeets as Cheeseburger refers to them, their meals are free with the purchase of an adult entrée. And the kid’s menu here is filled with delicious options!
More info: www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com or call 201-392-0500
Lovin’ Oven
Location: 62 Trenton Avenue, Frenchtown
Kids Eat Free: Thursday
Details: Lovin’ Oven is as cute and quirky as its name implies! The menu is packed with a wide array of options – some common and some totally unique. They have everything from hamburgers to shrimp & grits, so it’s a sure bet that there will be something for everyone on the menu. The best part? Every Thursday is Italian night and kids under 12 get bottomless bowls of pasta from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – for free!
More info: www.lovinovenfrenchtown.com or call 908-996-7714
Marlton Tavern
Location: 65 East Main Street, Marlton
Kids Eat Free: Sunday
Details: Marlton Tavern is worth a visit for the décor alone. It’s warm and inviting and absolutely gorgeous! The menu is casual, but delicious, and filled with all of the steak, seafood, and pasta options you could dream of. The kid’s menu has the standards your little one is used to – such as grilled cheese — as well as some awesome choices that they’ve probably never had before. Chicken parm tenders, anyone? For children 12 and younger, buy one adult entrée and get one kid’s entrée at no charge.
More info: themarltontavern.com or call 856-985-2424
Nino’s Coal Fired Pizza
Location: 1012 Cox Cro Road, Toms River
Kids Eat Free: Monday
Details: Nino’s offers a ton of incredible options to satisfy everything your pizza-loving heart desires — whether you’re a plain slice type of person or you want to take a walk on the wild side with a zucchini and gorgonzola pie. On Monday nights, kids 10 and younger eat for free as long as they’re with a paying adult. With pizza like this, it’s a can’t-miss deal.
More info: www.facebook.com/NinosCoalFired or call 732-505-8400
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