Dinner with 4 kids in DC

[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.

If it is easy to walk up and get a table for 8 people, then go there. In my experience (generally, not at the Roost) it is hard enough to walk up and get a table anyplace for just 4 people.

[Anonymous]

What ages are the kids? A food hall could be a good idea because it can be tough to accommodate a group that large on short notice. Do you have a preference for location - where will you be coming from?

I agree Union Market could be a little quirky/chaotic for a big group. I also think it’s better in the summer when sitting outdoors is an option…it can get crazy loud inside.

[Anonymous]

An unexpectedly really great place with kids is Love, Makoto! In addition to the sushi and ramen, they have fries, donuts, and ice cream!

[Anonymous]

And I meant to mention that the ordering is centralized and easy. I’ve only done lunch there, but my kids love it.

[Anonymous]

Just chiming in to echo previous posters that I find food halls chaotic and underwhelming and if I were your visiting guests, I’d prefer a reservation at a regular 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.

My thoughts exactly.

[Anonymous]

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

Or a cafeteria

[Anonymous]

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

I agree

[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).

PP sounds gullible. I guarantee you the artisanal flatbreads and various handhelds aren’t very unique. But it’s a great way to get people to eat at a food court and pay top dollar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cheesecake Factory.

Thanks for coming to visit we are going to go dine at the epitome mediocrity which is available anywhere you travel.

[Anonymous]

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

lol! My MIL was mentioning going to a Food Hall, and I was like, guess that's the new name for the back in the day food court. Memories of noise and chaos at the local mall. Enjoy OP!

[Anonymous]

I was also going to suggest Carmine's. It's family style and very kid-friendly. We had an early dinner there with friends (4 adults, elementary aged kids, toddler, baby) and it was easy.

[Anonymous]

Just seconding Old Ebbit for this scenario. Kids get a kick out of the unique old DC atmosphere, and it's well equipped for kids' chaos. I've brought a gang of my daughter's friends and they LOVED it. (6 yo) Food halls feel so generic nowadays.