Lebanese Taverna is a local chain, but family owned and based out of Arlington.

Agree with Whitlow's. There are a number of places in the Lee-Harrison shopping area. Pietanza and Taqueria El Poblano are perennial favorites.

We always bring our out of town guests to Lebanese Taverna in Bethesda. Bethesda Row is pedestrian friendly, and Lebanese Taverna is solidly good food and our kids like it too. Make reservations though - they get busy.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! I'm starving from reading these menus!

I found this Georgetown list when looking for myself -- I still say Neyla!

http://www.urbanspoon.com/tn/7/4/626/DC/Kid-Friendly/Georgetown-restaurants

We like Faccia Luna - with or without kids. Clarendon.

Neyla in Georgetown is our go-to spot. It's a fun, delicious and kid-friendly spot as long as it's on the early side (before 8:30). It's also perfect location for walking around before/after - head to Georgetown Cupcake for dessert It's Mediterranean/Lebanese so you order a bunch of small plates to share. http://neyla.com/index.php

Arlington, I highly recommend Piola for amazing pizza and a fun atmosphere http://www.piola.it/. We drive over from DC once every couple of weeks for it.

Anonymous wrote:

Washingtonian.com has a great restaurant finder & you can select kid friendly

Thanks all for the suggestions!

I tried Washingonian.com but there were too many responses - if that makes sense. I couldn't make heads or tails of what I was reading about (meaning I don't know if I'm reading about a dive, a local version of a Panera or Flemings - except to judge off the dollar signs).

We would definitely plan to go early.

Jaleo for tapas in Bethesda & DC—have kid friendly entrees like croquets and won’t matter if your kids are loud b/c of bustling atmosphere. Be forewarned croquets are super hot when served so small kids cut in half and let cool. Uncle Julio’s for “Mexican.” Has tortilla machine that fascinates kids. Café Deluxe is also good in Bethesda. Points of interest for kids—Barnes & Noble, toy store, Apple store, cup cake & gelato shops

If you’re on the Mall, the American Indian Museum cafeteria is amazing but go early b/c it gets crowded.

Washingtonian.com has a great restaurant finder & you can select kid friendly

Weighing in on the two options already presented (two of my favs!): Woodgrill is better for a slightly more calm group (I can't picture kids running around in there), Whitlows is more of an ultra casual place (some antsy-ness / little running around would probably be ok).

Boulevard Woodgrill across the street would also a good option.

Not sure how fancy you want or what time you are going, but if you go on the earlier side we love Whitlows in Clarendon. It turns into a real "bar" scene later at night, but we go around 5 all the time and there are lots of families.

We've got family coming to town for Thanksgiving and we'd like to go out to eat at some point in a cool and walkable area - but we have to bring the kids (6 total). We're new to the area, but I have to assume that families in the Metro area don't have to go to Reston or the chain capital of the world - Tysons - for dinner. TIA!