Kid friendly

**It'sJessMe** · 06-29-2010, 02:16 PM

You could also try IHOP, right next to Chuckie Cheese on Snyder. Not ideal for dinner but very kid -tolerant.

**Eames** · 06-29-2010, 03:03 PM

Take them to Distrito. Margaritas for the moms and dads, and a noisy, chaotic atmosphere that any kid could throw a tantrum in and go unnoticed. Of course that was a Saturday night. But it is a fun place.

**TonyDanza** · 06-29-2010, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by chuckiezip

hawthorne's is a very kid friendly place on 11th and fitzwater. decent food, great beer selection. very casual & has a lot of space, so if your little ones start walking around, there's no hassle.

Thanks for reminding me why I never go there. An adult can't even have a beer in peace in this town anymore.

**Ray K.** · 06-29-2010, 04:02 PM

I find most establishments in Philly are very kid friendly if you approach it correctly. I have twin girls, almost four, and my wife and I always take them out. We try to eat at an early time (usually 5:00 or 5:30 to avoid the more adult dinner hours) as well as to ensure that the children are not over tired before stepping into the place. We will usually inquire before bringing them in if it’s a place we haven’t had them before as well – only once were we told it was not appropriate. I also keep a short leash on their behavior – I will quickly remove the offending party from the restaurant until she calms down.

Now for suggestions I’d toss out Villa Di Roma on 9th in the Market has always been great – the waitresses there have always treated our girls like gold. And the food is damn tasty as well…

**chuckiezip** · 06-30-2010, 09:17 AM

jeez tonyd - you want a beer in peace, go to a bar like everyone else. you want an adult environment, go to a fancy restaurant after 8.30. no parent with a conscience will bring their little one by. BUT - if you walk into an inexpensive, casual place in BV/Hawthorne on a Sunday afternoon, you're on your own.

**Bulworth67** · 06-30-2010, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by jazzcat

I am clueless about where to meet friends from out of town who have 2 young boys...

Where in Center City, or easy access from the Airport to meet them for dinner with their two kids?

Thanks in advance....

I find Chickie's and Pete's in South philly surprisingly kid friendly. It's huge-already loud-the booths are huge-and the food comes out lightning quick. Just don't go if it is timed with a home Phillies game-it gets too crowded.

**Sycamore** · 06-30-2010, 09:26 AM

Heh. Villa de Roma is a good suggestion. I can still remember my 5 year old cousin (I was 6 years old at the time) having a fit and hiding under the table there during dinner.

**rojnish** · 06-30-2010, 09:29 AM

Spaghetti Warehouse on Spring Garden
Ruby Buffet on Columbus Blvd.

**Reality Czech** · 07-05-2010, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by jazzcat

I forgot..the kids are 2 and 5, and have been raised by wolves.

Where did you take these unruly beasts?

**jazzcat** · 07-05-2010, 04:51 PM

U

Originally Posted by Reality Czech

Where did you take these unruly beasts?

Thanks for the reminder....took my friend, her Mom, and the two kids to Pizzacato at 3rd? And Market.

The kids required constant attention.....probably normal....and while they didn't bother other tables, conversation between the adults was basically impossible.

I was told that the kids "would be fine", didn't need anyplace special...and that wasn't entirely true.....they wouldn't stay seated...crawling around....

A lot of work for their Mom.

Food was fine, a bit pricey.

I picked Old City for proximity to 95.

**ACG** · 07-05-2010, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by jazzcat

Thanks for the reminder....took my friend, her Mom, and the two kids to Pizzacato at 3rd? And Market.

The kids required constant attention.....probably normal....and while they didn't bother other tables, conversation between the adults was basically impossible.

I was told that the kids "would be fine", didn't need anyplace special...and that wasn't entirely true.....they wouldn't stay seated...crawling around....

A lot of work for their Mom.

Food was fine, a bit pricey.

That is not the norm. I know plenty of children who are perfectly lovely in these situations, and while they do need some attention, they allow the adults to have conversations and stay seated without constantly having to be reminded or disciplined. Of course children have their moments, but if for the most part they have been taught what is and isn't acceptable AND the parents come prepared - prepare the children, have quite toys, coloring books, etc for to keep the kids busy.

It really is a shame it was like that since the point of getting together with this woman was to have a conversation, not to watch her chase after her children. Hopefully you'll have an opportunity to get together with your friend one day without the kids in tow.

**jazzcat** · 07-05-2010, 05:19 PM

I agree A.

But because I am not a parent, I have to choose what I say very carefully.

Perhaps visiting her at her home, where the kids could play outside may be the answer.

It isn't cute or endearing to me to have a 5 year old crawling all over, or interrupting. ....

But. .....

Sounds like you understand even better.

**ACG** · 07-05-2010, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by jazzcat

I agree A.

But because I am not a parent, I have to choose what I say very carefully.

Perhaps visiting her at her home, where the kids could play outside may be the answer.

It isn't cute or endearing to me to have a 5 year old crawling all over, or interrupting. ....

But. .....

Sounds like you understand even better.

I'm not a parent either, but I have taken kids out on my own. Before we go I tell them where & how we'll all behave. I bring crayons & paper... and even a pb&j sandwich if there is any fear they won't eat the food there (usually only if we are going somewhere with ethnic food or something).

If I if have a situation like yours, I wouldn't think to telling a friend that their children are lil monsters I don't want to be in public with... I would however turn down invites to restaurants when the lil buggers will be joining you... especially since not even worth it if you are paying for a meal with as much conversation as if you ate alone, only more frustrating.

**jazzcat** · 07-05-2010, 05:45 PM

I hear ya ACG.

It appears to me that Mom has had to, or chosen to, be very entwined with her kids, especially the older one.

It seems that some socializing and training is in order.....and I mean that in a positive way, not a criticism.

I think that the oldest son has been too isolated. ....no kids nearby..and while the transition to preschool will be tough, I hope it becomes positive.

These kids seriously needed to be on a leash....and I still have concern about the older one....since he was even smaller, something about his eyes is dark and not bright and friendly.

**ACG** · 07-05-2010, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by jazzcat

I hear ya ACG.

It appears to me that Mom has had to, or chosen to, be very entwined with her kids, especially the older one.

It seems that some socializing and training is in order.....and I mean that in a positive way, not a criticism.

I think that the oldest son has been too isolated. ....no kids nearby..and while the transition to preschool will be tough, I hope it becomes positive.

These kids seriously needed to be on a leash....and I still have concern about the older one....since he was even smaller, something about his eyes is dark and not bright and friendly.

My brother & sister just recently joined their local JCC and enrolled my niece in pre-school there. She use to be in daycare with just one or two other children with a lovely woman at her home. Although she was social & progressing, once she got involved the larger JCC program, everything from her social skills to her speech development suddenly started advancing in leaps and bounds.

It's tough, and it is possible that the kid(s) have some deeper issues that are being dealt with and while I don't think that those kids should be sheltered away from the world until they can be made to "behave", I do think it is a bit unfair to invite people along under the guise "getting together" when they know that won't really be possible.

**jazzcat** · 07-05-2010, 06:27 PM

Yes.

Mom lives in the Poconos......and I am hopeful that learning to socialize, and when to be still and quiet may come from school.

You raise a good point.....inviting other adults into that environment, especially adults without kids....is a tough situation.

Thanks for your input...very valuable.

**markedixon** · 07-05-2010, 09:05 PM

Another vote for Spaghetti Warehouse. My daughters loved it, though I have since influenced them to prefer better restaurants food-wise.

SW has that old trolley car in the middle of the dining area, with a dozen or so tables inside. Kids love that sort of thing.

It's also a relatively noisy place, so any racket these kids make will be less noticeable.

**ndebergerac** · 07-06-2010, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by markedixon

Another vote for Spaghetti Warehouse. My daughters loved it, though I have since influenced them to prefer better restaurants food-wise.

SW has that old trolley car in the middle of the dining area, with a dozen or so tables inside. Kids love that sort of thing.

It's also a relatively noisy place, so any racket these kids make will be less noticeable.

Pet hate, not taking time to read through the thread before posting.