Last night we tried out Babycat Brewery, a newer brewery and food truck setup tucked away in Kensington. I’d been hearing some buzz about it, and when we had an evening free with no real dinner plan, it felt like the perfect excuse to check it out. Spoiler: it was a great call.

Babycat has the kind of relaxed energy that makes you instantly exhale. The setup is straightforward—you grab a beer inside the brewery, and order food from the food truck parked out front. The space is welcoming and unpretentious, the kind of place where families, couples, and dog owners can all hang out comfortably.

We kept it simple food-wise. The truck offered all the staples—burgers, fries, chicken tenders—and we went for the basics. Everything came out hot and fast, and while it wasn’t fancy, it definitely hit the spot. It’s the kind of food that pairs perfectly with a cold drink and good conversation.

Speaking of drinks, I had a really nice IPA—bright, a little citrusy, and super drinkable. The beer menu had a good mix of styles, from hoppy IPAs to easygoing lagers. Babycat clearly takes its brewing seriously, but the vibe is all about ease, not snobbery. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a high-quality craft beer without needing to overthink it.

There was also live music while we were there—a solo artist with a guitar playing familiar tunes that blended into the background in the best way. It added a warm, festive energy to the evening without being overwhelming or too loud. Just another element that made the whole experience feel thoughtful and inviting.

One of the best parts of the night was how kid-friendly the setup was. There was a single playground structure next to the outdoor seating—not a full playground, just one piece of equipment—but it totally worked. The kids climbed, balanced, and made up elaborate games with it while the adults got a chance to relax. I’m always amazed at how kids can turn something small into hours of fun. And when the kids are happy, the parents get to actually enjoy themselves, too.

We chatted with a few other families, shared fries, laughed about the usual parenting chaos, and just settled into a genuinely pleasant evening. There was no rushing, no hovering waitstaff, no feeling like we were overstaying our welcome. Just a well-balanced mix of good beer, tasty food, happy kids, live music, and fresh air.

What I really appreciated was how effortless it all felt. So often going out with kids takes more energy than staying in, but Babycat flips that equation. It’s casual, it’s local, and it just works.

If you’re in or around Kensington and looking for an easygoing dinner spot that won’t stress you out or break the bank, I highly recommend giving Babycat Brewery a try. It’s nothing fancy—but it’s exactly right..