Village Burger Bar’s sweet and spicy turkey burger with sweet potato fries: Mark Davis

Village Burger Bar’s sweet and spicy turkey burger with sweet potato fries: Mark Davis

With 19 beers on tap and gourmet condiments such as champagne mustard and artichoke aioli, the Village Burger Bar seems an unlikely candidate for a family burger joint. But owners and husband-and-wife duo Mike and Susan Matta have managed to create just that since opening in our neighborhood in October. With a home in Preston Hollow and two children attending school in the area, the Mattas were on the hunt for nearly three years before they found the perfect location for a family restaurant, Susan says.

The restaurant is spacious enough for kids to roam without being intrusive. Outside there’s not one, but two giant ping-pong tables under a covered, heated patio. To eat, children can choose from classic menu options such as grilled cheese and hot dogs and wash them down with a root beer poured from the tap. The kids’ menu even comes with instructions for folding itself into a paper airplane.

Meanwhile, parents can choose from gourmet burgers or health-conscious menu items such as panini, salads, frozen skinny margaritas, and one of the best turkey burgers in town. That’s according to Susan, who says locals keep coming back for the sweet and spicy turkey burger, topped with jalapeno jack cheese and dried cranberries. “Beef burgers are our number-one seller, but the turkey burger gives it a little run for its money,” she says, suggesting that Village Burger Bar satisfies adult and kid palates alike.

Village Burger Bar
12300 Inwood, Suite 210
214.484.4679
villageburgerbar.com

Ambiance: Casual
Price range: $6-$9
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight
Tip: Happy-hour specials include half-priced wine bottles on Wednesday, $3.25 margaritas on Fridays, and $3-$4 draft beers daily

Three more family-friendly spots

1 Fish City Grill
Grown-ups will enjoy gluten-free (and guilt-free) menu options such as grilled fish or blackened chicken. The children’s menu includes Kraft Mac ‘n Cheese, straight up, just the way kids like it.
10720 Preston, Suite 1012
214.891.9979
fishcitygrill.com

2 Fernando’s
Try the bottomless mimosas during weekend brunch while the children choose from a kids’ menu boasting pint-sized enchiladas and quesadillas.
4347 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 100
214.351.9010
fernandosmexicancuisine.com

3 Mimi’s Pizzeria
A casual ambiance complete with TVs and small pasta dishes on the kids’ menu, combined with giant slices of New York-style pizza, keeps everybody happy. Plus, it’s BYOB.
6807 W. Northwest Highway
972.215.7290
mimispizzeriadallas.com