Mission possible – Dining with kids in Downtown Bellevue
November 5, 2009
About 67% of restaurants nationwide cater to kids, according to my latest scientific hunch. That’s not bad. Few parents run up a bar tab, plus kids tend to throw stuff, make noise, table dive, and drop utensils by the dozen.
Downtown Bellevue rates highly for its many restaurants welcoming kids at places you’d expect: Red Robin, California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s, Z’Tejas, Pagliacci Pizza, and Azteca. The list could go on.
So, how about a taste of adventure with the wee ones? Perhaps Monsoon East, the new Artisanal Table, Tap House Grill, Boom Noodle, 520 Bar & Grill, O/8 Seafood Grill, or The Melting Pot. For me, when it’s time to pick a restaurant, two big factors play into the decision: 1) a good past experience, and 2) a friend’s recommendation.
Pretend it’s early evening on a Saturday night. Your kids, (choose your number) ages 0 to 7, have a look of calm. You’re game for going out – but not to fast food. Where do you head? What do you expect? What’s your recipe for dining success?
Here are my top three essentials for kid-friendly dining.
- A cordial greeting from the host and server (genuine or not) upon seeing adorable little faces
- Clean high chairs for baby/toddler if you need one. Nowadays, most restaurants have high chairs. Some don’t, and that’s just fine. Not every place is geared for families.
- Changing table in BOTH restrooms
And nice to have:
- Drink cups with lid and straw
- Kid-size and suitable portions, whether it’s on or off the menu
- Some little item (other than salt shakers) for table entertainment
- A quick bread or snack option for hungry kids
- Prompt overall service
Never necessary, but sometimes fun: mascots, balloons, singing and a fish tank. Or a singing fish mascot who is a balloon artist. Can fish tie knots? I know my kids would like that. The point is to have appropriate expectations for the dining experience.
There’s joy in a successful meal out with the kids. They learn more about food, conversation and interesting places. Parents savor the satisfaction of meeting the challenge and a slice of freedom as the children fall blissfully asleep on the drive home.
Courageous parents:your advice is wanted here. Please share tips and tricks for dining out with kids in Downtown Bellevue.
Dearest restaurants: how do you help out the families among us?
Writer’s note: Patrick and his wife are the ones eating next to you with the two very well-behaved children.
by Jordan
Artisanal Brasserie just announced a promising new kid’s menu: http://www.artisanalwa.com/artisanal_brasserie/pdf/BRASS_KIDS_MENU.pdf
by Cathy Lalley
Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar has always welcomed families with open arms. We have a great chilrens menu complete with pictures, puzzles and crayons.
John Howie Steak has a nice childrens menu, etc. as well.
by Laurie
We’ve enjoyed California Pizza Kitchen many Friday nights – just to relax with the kids. We know to ask for the goldfish while we wait! On a couple of occasions, we’ve gone “white tablecloth” at Andiamo…their staff was very welcoming, and the girls felt very special being the only children there. The girls were up to the challenge and behaved wonderfully! We’ve had a great time there on several occasions. http://www.andiamobellevue.com/
by nan
We had a very good experience with our three sons at Z-Tejas. It’s not geared for children, but they were friendly and accomodating.
Our absolute favorite place with kids is just North of downtown, on Bellevue Way. Sushi in Joy has great sushi, and their tatami tables are ideal for family dining. Want your teriyaki boneless and skinless, with no sauce? No problem. They fawn over the kids–in a nice way.
by Dan
The usual suspects (Red Robin, CPK, Pagliacci) are great just about any time of the evening, but I think it’s great to aim “higher” on the culinary scale. And we have had good experiences at just about everyplace we went so long as we arrived early enough in the evening. Understandably, the patience of both servers and fellow diners is tested by the extra accommodations demanded by the 7-and-under set. Z’Tejas has been great!
by Kim Malcolm
I’ve had a great time at Z’Tejas with my 5 year old, who is a serious fan of Mexican food. He was on his best behavior in such a grown-up restaurant and the selection of 3 salsas brought to our table made a big impression!
We’ve also eaten at Chipotle, which has great food, but standing in line at lunch time is tougher with preschoolers. Best to go after the rush; the service couldn’t be quicker.