Eating out with kids in State College? Good food, gumballs make this spot stand out
We’ve had a lot of fun over these past weeks through our Hungry in Happy Valley series, where a member of our staff visits their favorite restaurant or a local hidden gem and writes about what makes it special. After burgers, brunch, barbecue and more, we’re ending the series by boldly going where we haven’t gone before: the kids menu.
When I asked my 7-year-old son where his favorite place to eat is, he said ... Subway. He can’t get enough and gets the exact same thing every time (6-inch ham with lettuce, green peppers, jalapenos, mayo). But I told him to think about places where we go and sit down as a family. He still wanted to go to Subway, but finally we thought of a perfect family-friendly spot: Rey Azteca.
The restaurant has been open for more than a decade at 485 Benner Pike and prides itself on being a family-oriented eatery. Its menu has pages of Mexican dishes and a variety of combination plates. Best-sellers include the flautas, chimichangas and fajitas, assistant manager Breanna Smith said. I usually get the enchiladas verdes — two enchiladas smothered with cheese and a just-spicy-enough sauce.
The kids menu has Mexican and American options, and Smith said the chicken nuggets and fries is the top item off that part of the menu.
“There’s adults who order that off the menu too,” she said.
My kids would agree that they’re good chicken nuggets, but they usually go the Mexican food route. Aside from the kids menu, a la carte tacos are also a good option.
At lunch on Tuesday, Casper had a soft taco (beef) with rice and beans. If he’s with his brother, they usually split the taco and burrito dish. Casper eats his tacos from top down rather than starting at a side, but even with that unique approach, it’s not too messy, with just the right amount of gooey cheese and a good ratio of beef and lettuce.
It’s not spicy, and Tyler Fry, a manager at the restaurant, added that a lot of things on the menu aren’t, though anything can be made that way if requested.
“When it comes to little kids, their palates are still growing,” he said.
The salsa is also not overly spicy, and that arrives at the table with a basket of tortilla chips almost as soon as you’re seated at Rey Azteca. That salsa and chips are a key component to what makes this one of my kids’ favorite places. It’s something to snack on as you wait, and — shhh — there are vegetables in there. Unlike the taco, this can get a little messy, at least the way my kids eat.
The food isn’t the only thing that makes Rey Azteca a great place to take kids. It’s brightly decorated inside, with a combination of regular tables and booths. The service is fast, reducing the chance of boredom. But if that does happen to kick in, there’s a gumball machine and bouncy ball machine at the front of the restaurant.
What’s better than a gumball to end a good meal?
Rey Azteca is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Other kids meals around Centre County
Because parents need lots of options this summer, I’m sharing a few other kids meals my boys have loved and some deals their parents like:
Bonfatto’s: $5 kids menu items include pizza, pasta and healthy sides (plus a cookie)
Champs Sports Grill: Hot dogs, “rollie fingers,” pasta and ravioli are some of the choices.
Jersey Mike’s: Free kids meal (sub, cookie and drink) on Mondays from 5-9 p.m. (both State College locations)
Otto’s Pub & Brewery: Lots of options on this menu with a variety of sides and a cookie
Roots Natural Kitchen: Kids under 12 eat free with the purchase of an adult bowl
Applebee’s: Look out for kid specials at this chain; a meal off the kid’s menu is free on July 4.
