What is a resto?

Mad Fox Brewing Company

Present (delicious Vietnamese, beautifully/uniquely presented, classy setting, but not expensive or stuffy)

I love Dogwood Tavern!

Kid friendly should mean more than having a kids menu! Come on, and Anthony's has got to serve the worst, blandest food ever. Definitely not a place a "foodie" would enjoy dining.

Just went to Anthony's for the first (and last) time a few weeks ago. It may be an institution, but it was horrible.

Pizzeria Orso in Falls Church

TaqUeria el Poblano in the Lee Harrison shopping center could not be more kid-friendly (I feel sorry for the occasional couple that wanders in on a date night), and the food is good. The menu is limited, but good.

Their web site may say one thing, but I tried taking our boys there about 2 months ago. The evil looks from the other customers and the near-snotty looks from the hostess and waitress were enough to deter me.

Anonymous wrote:Eventide?? Kid-friendly?? Ummm, I think NOT!

Not the PP who originally posted this, but I was going to say Eventide too. Check out their website before scoffing. From their website:

Is Eventide family friendly?
Most of us who work at Eventide are parents, so we understand the need for a nice place to go out to dinner with the kids. In addition, we believe in serving the youngsters the same high quality, healthful food we provide for adults. As a result, we are offering a special option for families who aren't ready for "prime time" evening dining yet, but still want a refined restaurant experience with excellent culinary options. Come in any night before 6:30 and kids age 6 and younger will get the chef's daily selection of fresh steamed vegetables, fresh fruit and tender cuts of meat at NO cost*. It is our hope that this will provide both the comfortable and exceptional family dining experience you've been looking for. If the chef’s selection is not to your liking, we would be happy to create something from our existing menu options.

*Please note: One free "kid's plate" per adult entree ordered. They are $5 each otherwise. Please remember that this special offer is only available to tables that are seated at 6:30 or earlier.

Eventide?? Kid-friendly?? Ummm, I think NOT!

our goto kid friendly restaurant is Dogfish (local chain.) It is better than average 'pub style' food. 7-corners

Argia's in Falls Church is also kid friendly- they have good kids deals. Italian- pretty good.

Pasha Cafe in Arlington- pretty kid friendly and really excellent food. I like the fact that Pasha has kids meals that are appealing to kids- but not limited to chicken fingers and pasta. Middle Eastern.

Lebanese Taverna is kid friendly for older kids- but the tables are so close together I find it difficult to eat there with kids in a highchair. Lebanese. Arlington

Harry's Tap Room used to be one of my favorites for this kind of thing- but then it became Market Common and it is now closed.

I think the key for us to a 'good food kid friendly restaurant is as follows'-- 1) the food be good; 2) it be loud enough that the normal child noises our toddlers and infant make are not a problem; 3) it have some kid friendly options on the menu.
I look forward to reading your article- we are always on the lookout for places like this in those areas.

PieTanza
Jaleo
Silver Diner
There's also a family-owned small rest in FC called Anthony's. It's not fancy at all - very casual, but they make some great dishes.

Silver Diner...good kids' menu & kids' night every Tuesday

2nd Jaleo (they are my go-to for taking out of town guests with my little one along)
Tapas come fast....and kitchen will make up a special fruit plate or more plain plate if you ask

Pietanza
Eventide
Jaleo
Cafe Deluxe
Chef Geoff's

I am freelance writer and first-time mom-to-be working on a story about kid-friendly restaurants in Arlington, Falls Church and McLean that you can bring wee ones without having to compromise your palate. No chains (unless they are local ones) and they have to be located in one of these cities. Suggestions? Feel free to email me direct - jstrelitz at gmail.

Best,
Jess