River and Rail is a Yummy Mexican restaurant with a kids menu and large portions.

River and Rail Cantina is located in downtown Cranford between the railroad tracks and river (get it?!). They don’t have a parking lot but the metered street parking is only $.50 for 60 minutes.

The restaurant is fairly large and offers outdoor seating under a tent as well as patio seating under a roof next to large windows. Even the interior of the restaurant is open with more large windows for lots of air flow.  The decor is flashy and fun.

The meal starts with free chips and salsa delivered to the table which is always welcome to satiate hungry kiddos (and parents!). The kids menu is reasonably priced at $8 with choices like cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, tacos, and quesadillas. Kids meals come with french fries and a drink.

For older kids and parents, the menu is pretty extensive and offers lots of appetizers, soups, salads, fajitas, burritos, tacos, tortas, and hamburgers. There’s really something for everyone, including vegetarians. We ordered burritos and although on the pricey side, they were large enough to take half home for a second meal.

The restaurant also has a nice outdoor space next to the outdoor seating including a fire pit and life-sized games. Reservations are available but not necessary for lunch. It’s only 1.5 miles from Nomahegan Park making it a great place to grab lunch or dinner after working up an appetite at the playground.

Bonus for parents, the margaritas come in many flavors and are delicious!