You know the scene. The kids are hyped for a meal out. You’ve chosen a restaurant that’s not too pricey and not too far away. It’s a family restaurant, several notches above fast food. You’ll enjoy a healthy meal and some quality bonding time.

But then, just half an hour later, you’re corralling the kids back into the car. At least one is in tears (and you’re close), at least one pair of pants is dripping in juice (you hope it’s juice), and you still have to make dinner because no one has eaten. Because “family restaurant” only meant that fries were on the menu.

I’ve been to that restaurant so many times, I’ve compiled a mental list of features that make or break a family meal on the town. Some are obvious, like kid-style food in kid-sized portions. No surprise Gorgonzola on the pizza. No carting home half a ton of congealed pasta.

Others are less obvious but worth watching for—preferably before you sit and commit to a meal.

Solid chairs
Highchairs (not encrusted) for babies and seats with full, solid backs for older kids. Nothing like slipping through a chair to kick off a peaceful family meal.

Small, unbreakable cups
It seems even the friendliest of kid-friendly restaurants insist on serving drinks in towering glasses with unbendable straws. In my experience, these glasses have a lifespan of about 2 minutes

Toilets within striking distance
Not downstairs, not next door, not under lock and key.

Manageable menus
Those poster-sized menus that flap like sails and efficiently whisk salt, pepper, sugar, and siblings to the floor? Bad idea.

Diversions
We recently took the kids to mid-scale pizzeria. My husband and I shared a bottle of wine while the kids sat at a small counter, rolling their own pizza dough, happily busy until our meals arrived. It was a treat for everyone.

A welcoming attitude
A general feeling from restaurant staff that kids are small but welcome people sets the mood for a relaxing – or at least an understanding – meal on the town.

February 4th, 2009 | by Katherine Barrett 3 comments