I don't know why anyone would suggest Carlyle for foodies. It's well made but super boring stuff. Lyon Hall is terrific. Request outdoor seating.

if you're looking specifically in the clarendon area, try Circa or Liberty tavern as alternatives. Circa is great for families. Liberty can be a little noise but the upstairs dining area is very different from the bar scene downstairs. Ambar is great - but you need to like Balkan food (it's worth a try if you haven't had it yet). Green Pig has great burgers and is also a nice place in Clarendon - just a couple of blocks off the main strip

If S. Arlington is possible, Carlyle is a fine choice.

Texas Jacks Bar B Que, very family friendly and very tasty. Carlyle is owned by a Great American Restaurant Group, yes, you can go there for a good meal but it really nothing special other than, they wont screw up. If you want to take them to Shirlington, go to Best Buns for breakfast. (cafe and bakery attached to carlyle)

If you take kids to Lyon Hall, they will automatically seat you in the generic over air conditioned upstairs. Plus, there is no kids menu and you will get the stink eye from the dolled up millennial girls out for their Sunday Funday.

Try SER is Ballston or Ambar in Clarendon.

Lyon Hall isn't really kid friendly unless you go for brunch and order the donuts. Check out Rustico in Ballston, in addition to the Carlyle suggestion.

Lyon Hall is very meat=centric

Lyon Hall has outdoor seating, where it's not as loud.

3rd Carlyle! Lyon Hall can be loud and it's not really what I think of for a "nice" dinner even though it's priced that way. The food and service at Carlyle is consistently good.

Second the Carlyle.

Palette 22, Carlyle in Shirlington

In-laws visiting and want to take us out to a nice restaurant that is also kids friendly. Kids are 8 and 10, in-laws are foodies, we're in NOVA. Lyon Hall seems to have a good menu but will it be very loud on a weekday night around 6-8? We're new to the area and don't eat out much. Any other options? Thanks!