by Jackie, Toddler’s parent
We are always looking for places we can go out to eat with our kids that are enjoyable for everyone. We want places that cater to them and us. We want good food, a good atmosphere and no dirty looks when someone acts up. Here are some places that I have actually tried with my kids (3.5 and 1.5), and were a hit for the whole family:
Frelard: This may be my #1 spot for eating out with the family. Not only is the pizza actually really good, with interesting topping options, but they have the best kid-friendly play area around! There is a whole space where kids are shut in (aside from people going in and out) with toys, games, a chalk wall… it’s awesome. Grab a beer, send your kid off to play until the food comes, then send them back to play when they have finished and you have yet to take a bite.
Tutta Bella: Although I personally do not think the pizza is as good as Frelard, their ability to cater to children is unmatched. They have toys, they have pizza dough to play with, they have a good 3 piece band on Sundays! This place (Stone and 44th) gets very crowded very quickly, so make a reservation or go early.
Din Tai Fung: Need a restaurant for big family dinners (or lunches, or breakfast, or brunches)? They have amazing dumplings, big tables, kid set-ups and plentiful high chairs. Dumplings are the perfect size for little hands and they can quickly get you in and out stuffed to the gills.
Rock Creek: Another date night spot that easily converts into a family spot. They have high chairs; they have crayons and coloring sheets; they have a good kids menu. I recommend brunch or dinner.
Porkchop and Co: Heading to the Ballard Farmer’s Market? This is the perfect brunch/breakfast spot to hit up before the market opens. The high chairs and booster seats (the one we have at home!) make it easy to accommodate different aged children. No kids menu, but it is very easy to order for a kid – and the adult food is delicious.
Queen Anne Beer Hall: In Europe, being at the beer garden is a family event. It should be here too! We LOVE the food (and drinks!) at QABH, plus the tables are huge and the atmosphere (when not Oktoberfest) is very family friendly. Your kid can run around in circles with mine and no one will care one bit. The kids will be so exhausted, a nap is bound to happen (fingers crossed).
A few hidden gems:
– Kisaku – Yes, it’s a sushi place, but they also have cooked food. There are several high chairs and kid chopsticks and cups. We have been bringing our kids here for years and it is great to be able to have them enjoy something different while we get to enjoy what we like as well.
– Salare – ok, so this is a true date night spot… BUT, they have a kids menu which isn’t your run-of-the-mill chicken fingers. Duck Hash (delicious – who knew 3 year olds like duck?) and a Three Cheese penne (fancy mac). This is a great option if you want a date night dinner and don’t mind small people getting in the way of you and your wine.
– Yoroshiku – This is an amazing Ramen place on 45th in Wallingford. We are there once a month. They have high chairs and kid friendly set ups. You can get side dishes of anything and its a great place to expand your kids palate into the wonderful world of Ramen!
– The Fat Hen – Good luck getting in, since it is super small and very popular, but we are an early-rising family, so getting to breakfast by 8am on a Saturday is no big deal. They have great strap-on high chairs (also adopted by Tutta Bella), a kids menu (smaller version of a main dish) and a bakery across the street to get something small while you wait.
Here are some links if you want to see what the “professionals” say…
http://anemeraldcitylife.com/restaurants-we-love/
http://www.seattlemag.com/article/kid-friendly-restaurants-seattle
http://redtri.com/seattle/best-kid-friendly-seattle-restaurants/