Kids’ Guide to Eating Around Pearl

When you think about visiting Pearl with your kiddos, you likely envision playing in the cool fountains or the grass by Twig in the summer, grabbing a treat at Bakery Lorraine, or sitting on La Gloria’s patio for a taco and a margarita. The culinary choices at Pearl are wide in variety and well known for delivering an exceptional dining experience in familiar, relaxed atmosphere with a completely San Antonio vibe. But kid-friendly? Like, family date night, birthday celebration, in-laws-are-in-town-and-take-them-to-dinner, have-an-enjoyable-dining-experience kid-friendly?

Well, yes!

A sincere caveat: there are a couple of restaurants/eateries that are utterly family-friendly—La Gloria and the Bottling Dept. Food Hall, specifically. Then there are the culinary destinations that welcome well-behaved littles accustomed to dining experiences sans crayons delivered by the hostess. These are the true gems of Pearl dining experiences, and with the help of some ACM Kids, we taste-tested and reviewed. Have your braised short ribs and charcuterie too, friends!

Disclaimer: Pearl took care of our meals for this tasting adventure, but reviews and appetites are all our own.

Integrating a flurry of flavors from Asia and South America, Botika offers a variety of foods: sushi and stir fry to braised pork shank and grilled octopus with a side of cool vibes. The kids’ menu (“for dragons up to 12”) is safe but not stodgy, and there isn’t a bland or boring thing on it. The online menu differs a bit from the in-restaurant menu selections, so if you have questions, please give the restaurant a call. The ACM Kids sampled the stir fry noodles (with a sprinkling of veggies) topped with lightly fried chicken breast. Noodle slurping aside, the fat noodle and chopsticks combination earned the restaurant high praises and the chicken was flavorful. Botika also has some patio seating and takes reservations.

Rating: ♦♦♦◊ (3/4)

ACM Kids say: The noodles were great, and the chicken was yummy. The chopsticks were super fun.

If you or anyone in your your pint-sized posse is a meat-a-saurus, you’ll have no problems enjoying everything Cured has to offer. Not so much? Our resident ACM Kid pescatarian gave the meat-free options high praise. Cured offers off-menu kid-friendly choices of a hamburger or grilled cheese. Banish the thoughts of boring burgers and soggy cheese sandwiches, though, as these offerings are delicious enough to order for yourself. Thoughtfully accompanied by seasonal fresh fruit or can’t-get-enough-of-them fries, both sandwiches arrived pre-cut so there was no awkward mom-reaching across the table to help out required. Cured also has in-house crafted “sodas” with flavors ranging from blackberry to pear and mint—be sure to ask what’s available. Rounding out the meal, the ACM Kids sampled the Neapolitan ice cream sandwich, which received 12 very enthusiastic thumbs up. Cured takes reservations and also offers outdoor seating.

Rating: ♦♦♦♦ (4/4)

ACM Kids say: The fizzy drinks were my favorite. The grilled cheese was the best ever ever ever. The French fries were hard to stop eating. I really liked the ice cream sandwich and can’t wait to eat it again.

You can pretty much guarantee a meal “win” at Southerleigh. The kids’ menu is delivered on a tray with a piece of dough meant to be shaped into a pretzel (but if we’re being honest, any ol’ shape will do), which is taken away, baked, and coated in cinnamon sugar to end the meal. While said pretzel making is happening, live your best life sampling the seasonal and signature brews. Crafted in house, the restaurant has a distinct “hoppy” smell from the brewing process—just an FYI if you’re dining with a sensitive-nosed child. The menu features Southern comfort food influenced by the Texas Gulf Coast and ranges from fried chicken to oysters on the half shell. The kids’ menu includes several options including a grilled cheese and a fried chicken wing with delicious biscuits. The ACM Kids gave big points to Southerleigh’s GM Philippe Place for his expert “cut the hot chicken into bite-sized pieces” skills, and though that add-on is probably not the norm, it sure made an impression on the kids trying the food! Southerleigh takes reservations.

Rating: ♦♦♦◊ (3/4)

ACM Kids say: I liked the squishy dough—it was really fun to play with and tasted good. [The restaurant] smelled kind of funny, but you get used to it. I enjoyed the pretzel the best.

The Culinary Institute of America might conjure up thoughts of stiff, white chef’s coats or their Pearl-based teaching restaurant, Savor, but to the delight of any food fan family, the CIA also offers kid-friendly cooking classes and demonstrations. The ACM Kids were treated to a cupcake decorating class. Several piping techniques (all completely kid do-able) were demonstrated and explained before turning the kids loose at individual “stations” with the most delicious buttercream frosting bagged and ready to decorate naked cupcakes. Best part from the parents’ side? Not having to actually bake or clean frosting off the counters. The CIA offers cooking and baking classes for kids, adults, and families. Be sure to note the age ranges on the class descriptions and that an adult must accompany each kiddo attending. The CIA also offers chef demonstrations, many with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.

Rating: ♦♦♦♦ (4/4)

ACM Kids say: I thought this was great. It really empowered my creativity, and it had some sort of nice, yet strict kitchen feel. It was fun to be there. I can’t wait to go back! When is the next cupcake class?

There are quite a few additional dining options at Pearl, and we encourage you to explore them with your family.

Special thanks to Mewborne Photography for the images.