Best Kid-Friendly Cafes & Brunch Spots in Laguna Beach
All parents know that the key to a happy holiday is a happy kid...which usually means a full belly (for both you & your Mini!). Here are some of my top picks for a
Our picks:
For a beach vibe:
Lost Pier Cafe
Cafe Heidelberg
Penguin Cafe
Orange Inn
Kitchen In The Canyon
For a bougie brunching babes:
Zinc Cafe & Bar
Anastasia Cafe
The Cliff Restaurant
For a canyon escape:
Harvest (The Ranch at Laguna Beach)
Kitchen Canyon
Los Pier Cafe
31131 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Why we parents love it: It’s right on Aliso Beach, next to a playground in the sand. You can eat while you kids play. Perfection!
Reservations required? Nope! Order-at-the-counter, no reservations needed. However, expect a short wait for a table on weekends and sunny days (as it’s right on the beach!).
Menu: Click Here (the beignets are my favorite!)
Restrooms: Yes, on-site
Links: lostpiercafe.com
Cafe Heidelberg
1100 S Coast Hwy Ste 116, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Why we parents love it: The casual counter-service and friendly staff make this place a relaxed experience for the whole family. Outdoor seating with highchairs means your Minis can people watch & wiggle around without judgement.
Reservations required? Counter service, no reservations. Locals pack it on weekend mornings, so go early (before 9am) if you want to skip the line.
Menu: Click Here
Restrooms: Yes, on-site
Links: heidelbergcafe.com/
Penguin Cafe
981 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Why we parents love it: This old-school diner has been around since the 1940s, and is minutes from the beach. With a classic comfort food menu, booths for the kids to spread out in, it is the great way to start the family vacay.
Reservations required? No reservations, it’s a first-come-first-served kinda joint. As it’s a beloved local spot, you may have to wait for a weekend brunch. Weekday mornings are much quieter.
Menu: Click Here
Restrooms: Yes, on-site
Links: penguincoffeeshop.com
Orange Inn
703 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Why we parents love it: This small but speedy-service breakfast spot right by the beach has a back patio that kids (and pups) enjoy. Offering a wide variety of breakfast & brunch options, there is something here for everyone (even the pickiest eaters!).
Reservations required? Counter service, no reservations. Gets steady foot traffic since it's a quick grab-and-go spot, but turnover is fast so waits are usually short.
Menu: Click Here
Restrooms: Yes, on-site
Links: orangeinncafe.com
Urth Caffe Laguna Beach
308 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Why we parents love it: A true SoCal icon! Bringing that classic Hollywood energy to the coast, Urth is a family favorite for good reason. Between the massive beachy patio, cozy vibe, and a crowd-pleasing menu that easily caters to picky eaters and dietary needs, it’s an absolute staple for all ages.
Reservations required? No reservations, it’s a first-come-first-served kinda joint. As it’s a beloved local spot, you may have to wait for a weekend brunch. Weekday mornings are much quieter.
Menu:
Restrooms: Yes, on-site
Links: urthcaffe.com
Zinc Cafe
350 Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Why we parents love it: Gorgeous design, incredible food, and counter service with a massive shaded patio, this spot nails the impossible balance between effortless style and total kid-friendliness. It’s the brunch joint that actually lets parents feel like adults again.
Reservations required? Counter service, no reservations needed. Patio seating is popular and can be hard to snag on weekend mornings.
Menu:
Restrooms: Yes, on-site
Links: zinccafe.com
Anastasia Cafe
460 Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Why we parents love it: Bright, boutique-style café with a quick counter order and fast kitchen is great for families who don't want to wait long with hungry kids.
Reservations required? Counter service, no reservations. Generally it’s an easier, less crowded option, though weekend mornings pick up.
Menu: Click Here
Restrooms: Yes, on-site
Links: anastasiacafe.com
The Cliff Restaurant
577 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Why we parents love it: This is the spot for a special-occasion brunch with a stunning view, but the vibe stays relaxed and casual enough that kids won't feel out of place.
Reservations required? Yes, highly recommended, especially for the balcony/ocean-view seating as these fill up fast on weekends and around sunset.
Menu: Click Here
Restrooms: Yes, on-site
Links: thecliffrestaurant.com
Harvest (The Ranch at Laguna Beach)
31106 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Why we parents love it: This is perfect for families staying at or near The Ranch at Laguna Beach, or simply wanting more elevated brunch/lunch experience. Their farm-to-table menu is based on seasonable produced picked from their own estate farm.
Reservations required? Reservations recommended, especially for weekend brunch or a garden-view table.
Menu: Click Here
Restrooms: Yes, on-site
Links: theranchlb.com
Kitchen Canyon
Why we parents love it: This small but speedy-service breakfast spot right by the beach has a back patio that kids (and pups) enjoy. Offering a wide variety of breakfast & brunch options, there is something here for everyone (even the pickiest eaters!).
Reservations required? No reservations needed, order yourself at the counter. Free parking means that it can get busy on weekends, so pack extra snacks for the kids (just in case).
Menu: Click Here
Restrooms: Yes, on-site
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