FTM here - what restaurants do you take your infants/toddlers to in the DC area?

[Anonymous]

We went anywhere and were quite lucky with a perfect baby/kid. My mom said I was a total brat when I was little, so I realize I was really lucky.

We used to go to Chadwick's in Georgetown and anything Indian, Japanese, Asian, wherever. We avoided super expensive places because we realized that couples freak out when they see kids and we didn't want to ruin it for anyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Missed the part about how to deal with kids in a restaurant. Start taking them early. Go when they are well rested. Bring things they like to do and some backup snacks you know they'll like in case they reject what is ordered. Don't go when the restaurant is busy and you will have a long wait. And as the kids get older, make your behavioral expectations clear. It won't always go smoothly but eventually they'll catch on. My 5 year old is a delightful restaurant companion now because we refused to stay home from day 1 and ignored the kid haters.

In addition to "start taking them early" go to restaurants early. No one can complain if you are out of a restaurant by 7:00 or 7:30 or if you remove your child if they are wailing to the point that they are disturbing others. Most people aren't kid haters - perhaps it's you they are calling out PP. In general rudeness in children is tolerated more than rudeness or obliviousness in adults.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Guapo's was always very sweet and accommodating to kids. Cactus Cantina, too - the kids love to watch the tortilla maker. Try to go when it's not insanely packed though so they don't get in the way of the waiters.

They shouldn't be in the way of the waiters if they are sitting in their seats. Watching the tortilla maker shouldn't put them in the way either, unless they are zipping all around.

[Anonymous]

Red Hen is super family friendly if you go early. Also easier to get a seat.
We also like Ted's Bulletin, most Ethiopean places, Panda Gourmet on NY ave, Menomale, union market.
The key for us is to be willing to leave if it's just not working. Last week, we got through entrees at Red Hen and then left abruptly as our ten month old dissolved. But it was a really nice 3/4 of a meal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Red Hen is super family friendly if you go early. Also easier to get a seat.
We also like Ted's Bulletin, most Ethiopean places, Panda Gourmet on NY ave, Menomale, union market.
The key for us is to be willing to leave if it's just not working. Last week, we got through entrees at Red Hen and then left abruptly as our ten month old dissolved. But it was a really nice 3/4 of a meal.

We must be neighbors. We also like the Hamilton, busboys and poets, argonaut and pretty much anywhere where they can slap together buttered noodles or grilled cheese.