by Jan Spann
Most of us are looking for ways to stretch the dollar and still enjoy the little extras such as dining out. Fortunately, there are restaurants throughout the 501 area that cater to those two goals, serving up family fun to delight the taste buds and yet not making too big a dent in the wallet.

If you’re looking for new options for family nights out, here are some Central Arkansas restaurants that help you spend less and enjoy more. All restaurants included define child as 12 and under, and most deals are “dine-in” only.
Maumelle
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
115 Audubon Drive
Beef O’Brady’s promotes a kid-friendly atmosphere with a game room and a trained service staff ready for young’uns. On Tuesday nights, each regular-price adult meal earns a kid-eats-free meal. House specialties include eight big salads, a seafood basket, crispy chicken wings with a variety of sauces along with burgers and deli sandwiches. For information, call 501.803.3500.
Greenbrier
Same Ole Joe’s
44 S Broadview St.  
On Monday night, the “Balloon Man” entertains kids from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Same Ole Joe’s. The menu offers yummy sandwiches as well as kid portion pastas for about $2. You can add a $1.99 one-trip salad bar, with fresh fruit, seasonal veggies and pudding.
Joe’s pizza features fresh-daily dough in either deep pan or thin crust. Another option offered is the weekday buffet from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday For more information, call 501.679.3911.
Morrilton
Old Mill Burgers & BBQ
2837 Hwy. 95
A wee bit off the beaten path, you’ll find Old Mill Burgers & BBQ, where kids dine half-price from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Not far from Overcup Lake, Old Mill is less than a mile off Interstate 40 at Exit 107.
The children’s menu includes hot dogs, corn dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches plus hamburgers, chicken nuggets and strips. The restaurant is known for its pork and beef barbecue, and it features ribs on Saturday nights. For information, call 501.354.1148.
Conway
Lindsey’s BBQ
1101 Mill St.
Lindsey’s BBQ in Conway continues a family tradition started in 1956 when Donnie Sr. opened in North Little Rock.
The Kids’ Special on Monday night includes chicken strips, barbecue, hot dogs and drumsticks. Fried chicken is a favorite, along with fried fish, and of course, the namesake barbecue. Or try the smoked turkey legs at $5 each, as two or three can feed a family.
Although Dad ‘retired’ and is now a minister, he still makes the sauce and helps smoke the meats. Save room for the homemade fried pies or sweet potato or coconut pie, to name a few. For information, call 501.505.8089.
Stoby’s
805 Donaghey Ave.
A Conway favorite for 28 years, Stoby’s offers “Kids Eat Free” on Monday nights.
In addition, the restaurant menu includes the “Kids’ Clubhouse,” served from 5 to 9 p.m., which features a variety of options that youngsters love – from a cheeseburger and fries and spaghetti to a peanut butter n’ jelly sandwich. Prices range from $2.25 to $3.50.
Stoby’s also offers coupons on its website at www.stobys.com. For information, call 501.327.5447.
MarketPlace Grill
600 Skyline Drive
At MarketPlace Grill in Conway – during the months of January, June and September – two kids eat free with the purchase of one entree after 4 p.m. Sunday-Thursday.
Kid menu options include pizza, chicken tenders, barbecue grilled chicken, shrimp or pasta.
For more information, please call 501.336.0011 or go to www.marketplace.com.
Know of any other kid-friendly restaurants in the 501 area that offer special discounts or accommodations to help families? Send an email to [email protected] with the information.
Check out future issues of 501 LIFE for more family dining ideas.