Eating out with children in Spain

Key rules

• Late evenings: Children are normally welcome in bars and restaurants late into the evening.
• High chairs: Tronas are limited and some small bars have none, so ask when you book.
• Children's menus: A menú infantil is common in tourist areas and chains, but not everywhere.
• Nightlife venues: Strictly nightlife bars and clubs may refuse minors, and rules differ by region.

Children are welcome, even late

You will see children in Spanish bars and restaurants well into the evening. Families treat eating out as a social event, and young children stay up late. Terraces at 22:00 or later are normal, especially in summer, at weekends and at family meals. Nobody will expect you to leave early.

There are exceptions:

• Bars and clubs that are strictly nightlife venues, and places where people smoke, may not admit minors.
• Rules on minors in venues that serve alcohol differ by region. If you are unsure about a particular bar, ask at the door.
• Some upscale restaurants are less used to young children. Ask when you book.

High chairs vary

Many sit-down restaurants have a few high chairs (tronas), but the number is limited. Small bars and tapas places may have none. If you need a trona, ask when you book or when you arrive, and don't count on one being free at busy times.

If there is no high chair, ask for a cushion or bring a portable booster seat.

Children's menus vary too

A children's menu (menú infantil) is common in tourist areas, family restaurants and chains. It often includes croquetas, chicken, pasta or burgers.

Elsewhere, children usually share dishes or get a half portion (media ración). Ask the waiter if a media ración is possible for the dish you want. Many places are happy to do it.

Practical tips

• Book ahead for larger groups or if you need a trona.
• Choose a terrace if your child is restless. There is more room and no one minds the noise.
• Eat when locals do. Lunch is often from 14:00 and dinner from 21:00, so a late meal is not a problem for children.

The questions below cover common worries.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my children to a bar that serves alcohol in the evening?

Yes, usually you can, but rules on minors in venues that serve alcohol vary by region. Ordinary bars and terraces are fine for families. Strict nightlife bars and clubs may refuse minors, so ask at the door.

Should I book ahead to get a high chair?

Yes, ask when you book, because many restaurants have only a few high chairs (tronas). Small bars and tapas places may have none. If there is no trona, ask for a seat you can pull up to a corner of the table.

What can my child eat if there is no children's menu?

Your child can share dishes or get a half portion (media ración) when there is no menú infantil.