My 9YO only child has been to several of DC's finest restaurants.

Totally fine! My dad used to take us to restaurants for nicer lunches or dinners one on one when we were around that age and they were some of my best memories ever of my father. It was nice because it was one on one time with him without siblings or anyone else and dad was a big foodie.

Sometimes in the summers he would take a long break from work and I would meet him for lunch at a nice restaurant and just talk. The tradition continued until my dad passed away.

I have some friends who have taken their only child to some of the fanciest restaurants in the world. It seemed over the top pretentious when she was a toddler at Inn at Little Washington but now she's over 8 and seems to enjoy it. Who knows. She knows how to sit nicely and wear dress up clothes etc. Yes, these people are rich.

But my point is: as long as your child is behaving no one cares. Even better if they are "dressed up" but not required.

Anonymous wrote:Only child here. This is one of the best perks of being an only child! I was always the only kid in a sea of adults at restaurants, movies, plays, concerts, etc. Now as an adult, I always feel a special bond with the random only children I spot at these events.

I love that we can do this with our only child, as well.

Anonymous wrote:As long as they are well behaved. Not a problem.

+1
Even younger kids are welcome most places so long as they’re well behaved. I’m assuming your 13 year old is.

People of all ages who are well behaved are welcome anywhere. Well behaved meaning, sitting still, not screaming or making a mess, not distracting other diners, appropriately dressed.

As long as they are well behaved. Not a problem.

Of course!

Thanks for the responses! Yes, she has good manners and I'll have her dress up a little bit too. Now I'm looking forward to it!

It’s fine as long as she knows how to behave which I’m sure a 13 year old would.

We take our only child (now almost 16) to nice restaurants. She recently went to The Dabney and also L'Auberge Chez Francois. She's more adventurous than I am. I've only heard positive comments from other diners and waitstaff.

Only child here. This is one of the best perks of being an only child! I was always the only kid in a sea of adults at restaurants, movies, plays, concerts, etc. Now as an adult, I always feel a special bond with the random only children I spot at these events.

Totally fine! It's great having a kid who doesn't just want to go to Panera! Enjoy!

It’s totally fine.

Is it socially acceptable to bring our almost 13 yo to higher end restaurants (only child)? The food isn't an issue as she will eat anything. I just wondered if other diners would be annoyed to see a kid. I mostly see couples out at these places.