When you’re juggling gymnastics, guitar lessons and debate practice, the last thing you want is a stressful restaurant experience. Check out our picks for eateries that make family meals fun and easy, complete with reasonable prices, kid-friendly staff and even great patios.

1. Any Way You Slice It

IronStone Pizzaworks
Highway 31

IronStone Pizzaworks is a build-your-own pizza spot allowing every family member to have a meal they will enjoy. Entrées range from $4.80-$12 and gluten-free crust is available. The kid’s meal option is a small one-topping pizza with a small drink for $4.79. To save time, you can order ahead online. Be on the lookout for two new Birmingham-area locations in coming months.

  • Don’t Miss: Many people on Facebook told us about the hand washing station at IronStone, so we had to check it out. It was just as cool as everyone said. No germy hands here!

632 Montgomery Hwy, ironstonepizza.com, (205) 582-7686

Ashley Mac's Kids Meal

Ashley Mac’s Kids Meal

2. The Mac Attack

Ashley Mac’s
Cahaba Heights

Ashley Mac’s strikes a balance with easy food for children and fresh, flavorful meals for adults. Kid’s meals like a PB&J with fresh fruit and a brownie start at just $3.99. For adults, the Salad Trio and Apple Havarti sandwich are popular choices. Before you leave, pick up a few items from the freezer section where they stock soups, sides and entrees for groups of 2-10. Don’t forget about their famous strawberry cupcakes either; they come in mini sizes perfect for little ones or a small sweet bite for parents.

  • Don’t Miss: “Gourmet to Go” family dinners. Call any location two hours ahead to pick up a hot meal that includes your choice of an entrée, salad, and rolls or biscuits.

3147 Green Valley Road, ashleymacs.com, (205) 822-4142

3. #GettotheDip

Diplomat Deli
Highway 31

In our unscientific Facebook poll, parents raved about Diplomat Deli. Their patio stands out from the rest and you can find live music on Friday nights. Service is fast, and most sandwiches are priced under $8. Choose from standards like a hot ham and swiss sandwich (“The Southerner”) and more out-of-the box options like “The Hawaiian” with havarti cheese, sliced pineapple, and sprouts on raisin bread. Adults can order 16 rotating beers on tap and kids love their selection of Jones Soda.

  • Don’t Miss: Catch live music and beer tastings each Friday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the family-friendly Friday Patio Party.

1425 Montgomery Highway, #101, diplomatdeli.com, (205) 979-1515

4. Light Bites on the Ridge

Café Iz
Rocky Ridge

Although Café Iz does not have a kid’s menu, many of their offerings please picky eaters. Chicken salad, pimento cheese, and the Thai Chicken Wrap are all only $9. On Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights take home one of their family dinners serving 4 or 6. Check the schedule on their website to know when BBQ Chicken or Southern Paella will be served.

  • Don’t Miss: Their fresh pastries, pumpkin bread, and granola are all perfect to take home for breakfast the next day.

2514 Rocky Ridge Rd., everythingiz.com, (205) 979-7570

Leon Outdoor Shot5. Mexico via Liberty Park

Leon La Taberna
Liberty Park

Looking for a little bit of Mexico near Liberty Park? Look no further than Leon La Taberna. Have several kids who want different items? Have them split a special like #23 (a burrito, enchilada, and taco) for $9. If Mom and Dad are looking for a drink to wind down after a busy day, the House Lime Margarita is $6 or try a Mango Margarita for $7. Less than 10 minutes from the Sicard Hollow Athletic complex, it a great choice after soccer or baseball games.

  • Don’t Miss: Leon does take reservations, so you can call ahead to make sure you don’t have to wait when you arrive.

8000 Liberty Parkway Suite 102, leontavern.com, (205) 977-7899