Why it works for families
Most nights you will be seated right away; the only time there can be a wait is dinner on a busy Saturday, so reserve on Toast then. Once you order, a wood-fired pizza takes about 5 to 10 minutes, which is about as long as most kids can wait patiently.
There is ample parking in front of the restaurant and along the side by the patio, so you are not crossing a big lot with little ones.
The kids menu
Kids can choose a Half Cheese Pizza with san marzano tomato sauce and mozzarella, a Classic Grilled Cheese on sourdough with fontina and cheddar, Chicken Fingers or a Cheeseburger, each with french fries. Most items are $9 and the cheeseburger is $10.
At breakfast, kids 12 and under can order the Little Franka Breakfast: a pancake or waffle with breakfast potato, crispy hashbrown or fries, and juice.
Ordering for the table
Every pizza comes in 10" and 14". A good rule for a family of four is one 14" pizza for the adults and a 10" (or a kids half cheese) for the kids. Picky eaters can stick with Cheese or Pepperoni while adults try the Thai Chicken or Chicken Caprese.
When you dine in, you can change or add toppings on any pizza, so "just cheese on half" or "no peppers" is no problem. Ask and the kitchen is also happy to go lighter on salt.
For a parent who wants something lighter, the Half Pizza & Half Salad Combo is $18 at lunch, and our salads, pastas and sandwiches round out the menu.
Drinks for everyone
Kids can choose milk (chocolate or regular 2%), lemonade, fresh squeezed lemonade, juice or a fun mocktail like the Tropical Sunset or Blue Lagoon. Parents can enjoy a beer, glass of wine or cocktail from the full bar. On weekdays from 3 to 6pm, happy hour (dine-in) brings $7 appetizers like mozzarella sticks and onion rings, which kids tend to love too.
Allergies and gluten-free
Gluten-free crust is available for any pizza for $2 more ($3 on breakfast pizzas). We offer gluten-free options, but we are not a gluten-free kitchen. Please talk to your server about any allergies before ordering.
Tips from the kitchen
Order the kids’ food first. Tell your server you would like the kids’ pizza or chicken fingers out as soon as possible, then take your time with the rest of the order. Share a starter: mozzarella sticks or onion rings keep little hands busy while the pizzas cook.
Try one new pizza each visit. Kids who like Cheese often enjoy the Margherita once they try it, and the Taco Pizza with seasoned beef and crushed nacho chips tends to win over the skeptics. Ordering ahead? Toast online ordering lets you pick up a family dinner on the way home.
Make it a tradition
Early dinner is the sweet spot: dinner starts at 4pm, and coming between 4:30 and 6 means a calm room and a quick meal before bedtime. Weekend breakfast with ricotta pancakes or Rainbow Magic Pancakes is another favorite way to do it.
Celebrating a birthday or a team win? We offer catering packages for 5, 10 or 20+ guests and host private events by reservation. Franka is at 12695 University Ave Suite 100 in Clive, a short drive from Waukee, Urbandale and West Des Moines.