Dinner with 4 kids in DC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

What's your point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

What's your point?

OP said we didn’t understand how a food hall works and I responded to the contrary and provided an example. I’m that bored today. You’re welcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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!

Got it, thank you!

[Anonymous]

I like that we call it a food hall now and not a food court.

[Anonymous]

I don't think the square operates that way and its food options seemed less kid-friendly than the roost. The food hall at Ballston common doesn't allow for a single mobile order either, as far as I know, but it would still be a better choice than the square food wise. There's a new hall in friendship heights you could look into. If you want a sitdown place, my go-tos with kids are Ted's bulletin or silver diner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like that we call it a food hall now and not a food court.

Food courts are for lukewarm mac and cheese and overfried chicken tenders.

Food hall can include restaurant quality food and variety, adult cocktails, and more. There is a difference if you are someone who likes quality/unique food and dines out frequently (but if you think Cheesecake Factory is good stuff, you are not one of those people).

[Anonymous]

Union Market is too crazy for us with just two adults and one kid.

I agree that the Roost is the much better option. I’d get there early though- it really starts to fill up around 5:30/6.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Where does one park at the Wharf? I avoid it like the plague because the few times I've been there, the traffic and parking is a nightmare.

-DC resident.

[Anonymous]

4 kids? Please stay home and order take out.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I prefer table service. If you can get a reservation at a restaurant for 8 with a kids menu, why not? So much better than hectically standing in line, waiting for food, looking for a place to sit (exactly why I would avoid Union Market). We have been to fancy french restaurants, upscale Mexican, etc. Just got a res for earlier in the evening (5:30).

Also, I like Carmine's for big groups. The food is good and kid friendly.

[Anonymous]

We always use a private room at the Met Club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We always use a private room at the Met Club.

🤦‍♀️🤪🤓😂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like that we call it a food hall now and not a food court.

Food courts are for lukewarm mac and cheese and overfried chicken tenders.

Food hall can include restaurant quality food and variety, adult cocktails, and more. There is a difference if you are someone who likes quality/unique food and dines out frequently (but if you think Cheesecake Factory is good stuff, you are not one of those people).

There’s no difference except the word they put on the sign. You could have good or bad food in either.

[Anonymous]

What about the Heights in Friendship Heights? Lots of options and has group orderibg

[Anonymous]

Sounds low class and dreadful. Why not just order carryout at home?