Bringing baby to a nice restaurant

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[Post New]04/13/2011 15:28
Anonymous
I posted earlier that I think it's fine as long as the child is well-behaved. However, OP, I wouldn't do it, because I don't think there's any way you can enjoy an upscale restaurant with a young child (this decidedly does not include Ruth's Chris - you can see the marks on the meat there from where the jockey was hitting it). It's about the pacing of the meal, enjoying some wine, relaxing, savoring your food, and not worrying about a young kid. You said you're don't like choosing between spending time with your kid and eating in a nice restaurant - I don't see why that's an issue. At such a young age, your kid is going to bed early (I hope) - after you put her down, hire a sitter and enjoy yourself with your husband. Best of both worlds.
[Post New]04/13/2011 15:40
Anonymous
What about going for lunch/brunch on the weekend? People are more laid back at that hour, you don't have to worry that your baby is interrupting someone's marriage proposal. We bring our baby everywhere and if we could afford fancy restaurants nowadays, we would certainly bring her along! If you go early or for lunch it shouldn't be a problem.
[Post New]04/13/2011 15:45
Anonymous


NO. NO. NO.

OP, I will try my best to put this as clearly and nicely as possible. I strongly believe I am in the majority, and I definitely am within my social circle. If DH and I get out only twice per year for special occasions (we do); have NO help and NO family bear by (we don't); and are saving our money and looking forward to a nice night out - we DO NOT want it to be around anyone's DC. NOT EVEN YOURS. Is that clear?


If a child-free night means THAT much to you, then you need to go somewhere that doesn't allow children. Oh wait . . . there aren't any restaurants that don't allow children . . . must be because you are NOT in the majority. If the market would support a restaurant that only served certain types of people, there would be plenty to chose from .

Stop expecting the general public to conform to your personal expectations - you will end up disappointed EVERY SINGLE TIME. You will have miserable date nights if the sight of a child upsets you this much.

OP - it has EVERYTHING to do with how your child behaves in the restaurant. My 1st was a maniac and wouldn't sit still for anything until he was close to 3. I didn't bring him anywhere because it made everyone (including us) miserable. My second was a totally chill angel baby, and we took him all over the place when I was on maternity leave because he'd just sleep or relax in his stroller. You can bring your child wherever you want as long as you are willing to show some courtesy to other diners and remove the child if she gets disruptive.
[Post New]04/13/2011 16:04
Anonymous
I think in your case it's fine. Just be aware of the things you mentioned.
[Post New]04/13/2011 16:31
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I dont have kids yet but OP- I commend you on even thinking about this. Many parents with babies do not care and when they bring their chld to very nice places they also do not care how they behave.

My DH and I eat at really nice places like Mortons, Bourbon Steak, etc. Personally, I do not think it is appropriate to bring a baby to those places but I have seen it done. I caution you that as soon as the baby makes a sound please to go outside. Most people going to these places do not want to hear a crying baby and I am not saying this to be rude its just the way it is. I also would not want to hear someone talking on their cell phone. Hope this helps!


Get back to us when you have kids.

Why I said nothing wrong. I'm not a mean poster or judgmental like you. Have a great day!
[Post New]04/13/2011 17:11
cuzimawesome
Member Offline
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I dont have kids yet but OP- I commend you on even thinking about this. Many parents with babies do not care and when they bring their chld to very nice places they also do not care how they behave.

My DH and I eat at really nice places like Mortons, Bourbon Steak, etc. Personally, I do not think it is appropriate to bring a baby to those places but I have seen it done. I caution you that as soon as the baby makes a sound please to go outside. Most people going to these places do not want to hear a crying baby and I am not saying this to be rude its just the way it is. I also would not want to hear someone talking on their cell phone. Hope this helps!


Get back to us when you have kids.

Why I said nothing wrong. I'm not a mean poster or judgmental like you. Have a great day!


Sheesh. I think it's good that the OP gets feedback from non-parents. I mean, she IS going to be sitting in a restaurant with people that may or may not be parents.
[Post New]04/13/2011 17:31
Anonymous
No, you do not need to take your baby to a fancy resturant to show off what great parents you are because you have a well behaved baby. Really, there is no other reason I can think of to schlep and infant to one. It's not like they are going to appreciate the food!

AND you can't "train" a young infant/toddler or preschooler for that matter to sit still and enjoy being confind by going out to eat in many resturants. It doesn't work. I hate when people use that excuse to drag their shreiking, running around toddlers to resturants "oh they have to learn how to behave in a resturant". The parent sounds like such an idiot moron when they say that crap.
[Post New]04/13/2011 17:41
Anonymous
15:45 - hey, High and Mighty One - I hope I employ you. Not for long! The type of person who would bring their kid to an expensive restaurant is not exactly the courteous type. Case in point.
[Post New]04/13/2011 18:09
Anonymous
My vote is: don't do it. Get a sitter - you can relax and enjoy your meal, and so can all the other diners!
[Post New]04/13/2011 19:26
Anonymous
15:45 - hey, High and Mighty One - I hope I employ you. Not for long! The type of person who would bring their kid to an expensive restaurant is not exactly the courteous type. Case in point.



Have you been drinking? Your post makes no sense.
[Post New]04/13/2011 20:13
Anonymous
Upscale restaurants is where we go where we want to get away from our kids. If we pay $$ for the sitter we always go to a place where most parents wouldn't bring their kids. We have brought our then well-behaved kids to nicer restaurants, but I was uncomfortable with everyone looking at us. I was worried about the kids pulling the napkins, all the utensils had to be put away, we couldn't get the dessert or the extra glass of wine.

I say it's a no.
[Post New]04/13/2011 20:16
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:


NO. NO. NO.

OP, I will try my best to put this as clearly and nicely as possible. I strongly believe I am in the majority, and I definitely am within my social circle. If DH and I get out only twice per year for special occasions (we do); have NO help and NO family bear by (we don't); and are saving our money and looking forward to a nice night out - we DO NOT want it to be around anyone's DC. NOT EVEN YOURS. Is that clear?


If a child-free night means THAT much to you, then you need to go somewhere that doesn't allow children. Oh wait . . . there aren't any restaurants that don't allow children . . . must be because you are NOT in the majority. If the market would support a restaurant that only served certain types of people, there would be plenty to chose from .

Stop expecting the general public to conform to your personal expectations - you will end up disappointed EVERY SINGLE TIME. You will have miserable date nights if the sight of a child upsets you this much.

OP - it has EVERYTHING to do with how your child behaves in the restaurant. My 1st was a maniac and wouldn't sit still for anything until he was close to 3. I didn't bring him anywhere because it made everyone (including us) miserable. My second was a totally chill angel baby, and we took him all over the place when I was on maternity leave because he'd just sleep or relax in his stroller. You can bring your child wherever you want as long as you are willing to show some courtesy to other diners and remove the child if she gets disruptive.


I'm pretty sure this person has miserable date nights for a variety of reasons.
[Post New]04/13/2011 21:02
Anonymous
Here's the thing. You have no idea why a couple at a nice restaurant might have a child with them. Maybe they are on vacation and don't have access to a sitter, and wanted to go to one nice restaurant while in DC. Maybe it's their anniversary and the sitter canceled at the last minute. There could be a hundred reasons other than "too cheap for a sitter" and "are selfish and don't care about other diners."

Point being, I don't see why the mere presence of children should upset anyone. If they are well-bahaved and/or the parents take them out if they act up, then why is it anyone's business to judge them? Sure, I think it is much more fun to go to a nice restaurant without my kids, but there's no reason for me to expect that everyone should feel the same way I do.
[Post New]04/13/2011 21:50
Anonymous
We do. Our only issue has been others who think it's cute to wave and distract our child when we are trying t
[Post New]04/13/2011 21:50
Anonymous
Oops, sorry"..trying to eat.

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