s/o nice family-friendly restaurant

[Anonymous]

We have a 9 m.o. and have not dined out for 9 months I want to go out, all three of us, walk in the city and eat somewhat healthy good food ( I am craving fillet mignon). Where would you go?

[Anonymous]

I would go where I wanted to go and take the baby with me (us.) If you start giving into the "family-friendly" concept now, you're doomed to Olive Garden, Applebees and TGIFs for the next 12 years.

[Anonymous]

If this is your first time dining out with an infant, I suggest sticking to the "family" chains. Once you know your child's restaurant temperament, then perhaps broaden your horizons.

Or find a sitter?

[Anonymous]

I don't know where you are, but downtown Bethesda is full of ok restaurants that are pretty family friendly, especially if you eat on the early side You could sit outside at Mon Ami Gabi, or Jaleo, or Mussel Bar, or Cafe Deluxe, or just walk around, see what hits your fancy and hope the wait isn't too long.

[Anonymous]

Any of the great American restaurants is a good choice in VA (coastal flats, Artie's, Carlyle, etc) -- they have filet and a great kids menu (for when dc is a bit older). Enjoy!

[Anonymous]

Chef Geoff's has a kid menu, and I don't think anyone would be upset about a not-too-noisy baby.

[Anonymous]

There are some good restaurants that are family-friendly if you go early enough - like Hank's Oyster Bar.

There are lots of shitty restaurants that are always family friendly - like Cafe deluxe and Chef Geoff's.

But in my view the best restaurants when you have kids are good cheap ethnic places. Unfortunately most of them are in the burbs - Wheaton, Rockville etc. have lots of great places, as do places in Va.

[Anonymous]

Ruth's Chris in Bethesda

[Anonymous]

I hear there's this great sushi place in Del Ray...

[Anonymous]

Retro Rays in Courthouse (great filet!) we went with DD as a baby and it was great.

Rays to the Third is even more casual and has steaks, too.

[Anonymous]

if bethesda is an option, check out nest downtown. not sure if they have filet, but they have a nice wine selection and some nicer food, good vibe, etc.

[Anonymous]

We like Silver Diner, but wouldn't go there for steak (if they even have it). Its great once your child is eating a full meal and you want some healthy sides. But at 9 moths, I think you actually have more options as you don't need a place that caters to kid friendly meals.

We used to eat out constantly and were pretty much over it by the time we had our son, so we only go out to nice places a few times a year, and get a sitter. But in general, I think you can go a lot of places, especially if they place is fairly loud. Just go on the early side. And if your child lets out a very loud wail, one of you get up and take the child outside (unless its truly so loud that no one notices).

With the nice weather, maybe opt for some outdoor seating. Much more kid friendly (sounds don't echo, more to entertain the kid).

[Anonymous]

Mad Fox in Falls Church

[Anonymous]

If you're going to go at a high end steak place, go during lunch when the diners are less likely to be annoyed (less formal, less people on fancy dates). I even tried The Prime Rib. Check out how your child does outside.
Also, it goes without saying that you should time the dinner so that the child is fed and is on the drowsy side or asleep while the dinner goes on (does this not work with 9 month old babies? I do that with my 2 month old. Most of the time my baby sleeps through the meals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would go where I wanted to go and take the baby with me (us.) If you start giving into the "family-friendly" concept now, you're doomed to Olive Garden, Applebees and TGIFs for the next 12 years.

+1

Go wherever you want, OP! Just be prepared to leave if the kid has a meltdown!

We like Matchbox. Plus, as your baby gets older, they have an excellent choice on the Kids Menu of a fruit/peanut butter/cheese platter.