Matchbox is either brunch/dinner.

Anonymous wrote:I see you're asking about brunch - many recommendations here are for evening so I'm not sure what that's about, but anyway, I've always liked Whitlow's on Wilson in Arlington for brunch.

She said brunch and probably an early dinner, too.

Another vote for cafe deluxe. Love the brunch and there's always tons of kids in there.

I see you're asking about brunch - many recommendations here are for evening so I'm not sure what that's about, but anyway, I've always liked Whitlow's on Wilson in Arlington for brunch.

Macaroni Grill - the kids can draw on the table cloth which is really just a large piece of mural paper draped over the table.

And of course they have pasta there. What 2 year old doesn't eat noodles?

Cafe Deluxe, Masa 14, Blue Duck Tavern, Matchbox.

I have taken my toddler to brunch at meridian pint in Columbia Heights a few times. It's hip, friendly, I've never had to wait for a table, and the food is really good.

Mad Fox brewing company in Falls Church - very kid friendly in early evening, and good beer for the grown ups.

Hate to admit it but we went to Romano's Macaroni Grill in Silver Spring recently, they had pizza and mac and cheese the kids loved, paper table covers & crayons. And decent food & wine, I was surprised since I am kind of a non chain DC person. There is also a toy store in that Wayne Avenue pedestrian mall for bribery purposes.
Harris Crab House has a good kid's meal and views of Kent Narrows, it's 50 minutes out of town on the other side of the bay bridge, you could combine it with a trip to the Maritime Museum in St. Michaels.
Had good luck recently at Rosemary's Thyme, Cafe Latrec, Napoleon and Guapo's.

We did Georgia Brown's last year for New Year's brunch with a bunch of friends-- we all had kids under 3. There was live music and a buffet. Kids were fine- and it was loud enough that no one could hear them! Food was good too.

Carmines for dinner. It's huge, loud, and Italian. But it may be BTDT for your NY friends.

A big second for Paradiso, good early and request your table just outside the kids room.

I was about to second Eventide, but then saw the last post. They don't have a kid's menu, but they have a $5 kid's plate with a basic protein and fruits and veggies. I'd just go early (but that'd be what I'd do anywhere with a kid on New Year's Eve).

I'm not sure I'd do Eventide - they haven't really known what to do with us when I've taken my daughter there. (several times.) and they don't really have a kid's menu. (I like the place, just not with my kid.) Harry's Tap Room has been rebranded as Market Tavern, but they always did a good job with our daughter. You might try Whitlows, but expect a wait for brunch! it's popular on weekends. And a definite yes on the Great American Restaurants - very good with kids, and adults.

All the Great American restaurants are good if you are in the 'burbs. Costal Flats, Sweetwater, Arties, etc.