Dinner with 4 kids in DC

[Anonymous]

Question - friends are visiting this weekend with kids. We'll have 4 adults and 4 kids. We want to go out to dinner. I'm thinking a food hall with this setup.

Has anyone been to the Square foodhall downtown? Would this work? Can you order from multiple places on one app (like at the Roost) or would you have to go to each vendor to order?

I haven't been to Union Market - would that be an option or is it way too slammed? I'd started to avoid it over the years because it seemed impossible to get seating (especially when it will be cold).

[Anonymous]

Why not make a reservation somewhere so you have guaranteed seating? As basic as Old Ebbitt Grill or Matchbox to more adventurous like the Jose Andres restaurants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not make a reservation somewhere so you have guaranteed seating? As basic as Old Ebbitt Grill or Matchbox to more adventurous like the Jose Andres restaurants.

More interested in a food hall setup as it's something for everyone. Roost is a fall back, but DH and I eat there frequently though so curious about something new.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not make a reservation somewhere so you have guaranteed seating? As basic as Old Ebbitt Grill or Matchbox to more adventurous like the Jose Andres restaurants.

More interested in a food hall setup as it's something for everyone. Roost is a fall back, but DH and I eat there frequently though so curious about something new.

This sounds chaotic - surely you can find somewhere that takes reservations and has a menu with broad enough appeal for two families with kids. PP's suggestions are solid for this.

[Anonymous]

A food hall w/ everyone going in different directions sounds like a nightmare. Also sounds like a pain to get a big enough table. We have 4 kids and it’s by far less stressful to have a reservation somewhere. Go to old enjoy grill or Clyde’s or fogo or an Italian restaurant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not make a reservation somewhere so you have guaranteed seating? As basic as Old Ebbitt Grill or Matchbox to more adventurous like the Jose Andres restaurants.

More interested in a food hall setup as it's something for everyone. Roost is a fall back, but DH and I eat there frequently though so curious about something new.

This sounds chaotic - surely you can find somewhere that takes reservations and has a menu with broad enough appeal for two families with kids. PP's suggestions are solid for this.

The Roost is perfect for this setup with adults and kids and specifically sought out by large groups with kids. Personally would prefer a food hall than sit down dinner with four young kids. To each their own.

[Anonymous]

Feel like people on this board are completely unfamiliar with DC food halls in general. At the Roost, you sit down at a group and nobody has to get up to go to the food hall, you just order off whatever menu with a QR code and staff bring it to you. So kids can get pizza, adults can get beer and cocktails from a different menu, someone can get tacos, someone can get a burger, someone can get sushi. Nobody has to get up to get any of this and the food comes quickly. It's easy enough to get a table if you go early and are willing to hang out at the playground down the street for 30 minutes while waiting. This is why it's fantastic for families or large groups with kids.

Not sure if the Square works that way though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Feel like people on this board are completely unfamiliar with DC food halls in general. At the Roost, you sit down at a group and nobody has to get up to go to the food hall, you just order off whatever menu with a QR code and staff bring it to you. So kids can get pizza, adults can get beer and cocktails from a different menu, someone can get tacos, someone can get a burger, someone can get sushi. Nobody has to get up to get any of this and the food comes quickly. It's easy enough to get a table if you go early and are willing to hang out at the playground down the street for 30 minutes while waiting. This is why it's fantastic for families or large groups with kids.

Not sure if the Square works that way though.

DP to add it's way more fun food options than boring Clyde's or Old Ebbitts or a crappy Italian tourist place downtown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question - friends are visiting this weekend with kids. We'll have 4 adults and 4 kids. We want to go out to dinner. I'm thinking a food hall with this setup.

Has anyone been to the Square foodhall downtown? Would this work? Can you order from multiple places on one app (like at the Roost) or would you have to go to each vendor to order?

I haven't been to Union Market - would that be an option or is it way too slammed? I'd started to avoid it over the years because it seemed impossible to get seating (especially when it will be cold).

If you have your plan (foodhall), why are you posting?

[Anonymous]

We've been to Union Market many times and it's been great. But I wouldn't go there with a group w/ kids.

[Anonymous]

Cheesecake Factory.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Feel like people on this board are completely unfamiliar with DC food halls in general. At the Roost, you sit down at a group and nobody has to get up to go to the food hall, you just order off whatever menu with a QR code and staff bring it to you. So kids can get pizza, adults can get beer and cocktails from a different menu, someone can get tacos, someone can get a burger, someone can get sushi. Nobody has to get up to get any of this and the food comes quickly. It's easy enough to get a table if you go early and are willing to hang out at the playground down the street for 30 minutes while waiting. This is why it's fantastic for families or large groups with kids.

Not sure if the Square works that way though.

I've been at airport eateries that operate the same way.

[Anonymous]

Here you go OP:
https://wapo.st/3UNFPbE

[Anonymous]

I agree that the Roost setup is ideal for this! I went to the Square when it first opened and we got buzzers from the counters where we ordered stuff. (And I think we had to go to each counter?) Not necessarily a deal breaker though!

[Anonymous]

The Roost setup sounds good, but I can't think of other food halls that are similar. It can be chaotic to pick up from multiple counters and what not. And I'd avoid Union Market which is a total zoo.
I'd do an early dinner at a nice Italian restaurant that takes reservations. There are some at the Wharf which could be an interesting option, I think the skating rink is also still open.