I actually kind of like the National Gallery of Art sculpture garden cafe for adult-friendly meals with kids. There's a big garden to run around and they sell beer and wine. Not so great in winter, unless the 2 y.o. likes skating though. Oh! Speaking of which: is the Park Tavern at the brand new Canal Park over by the baseball stadium open yet? It sounds tasty and like a spot that would have space for kids.

In NW, I second Comet Ping Pong. Also Pete's A Pizza on Wisconsin.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in DC so our kids don't grow up with chunky cheeses and suburban crap. Go to Virginia if you want that

I realize you're seething with jealousy, pp, but there's not need to be rude.

One of the drawbacks of living in D.C. is that mainline retailers tend to avoid it like the plague. Fortunately that's starting to turn around a little -- Biden was at a Costco yesterday! So, I would imagine that you'll eventually start to attract desirable establishments like CeC.

NP here. Go early is good advice and call ahead to let them know you're coming. they may put you in a section where the kids can play on the floor. Bring a bag of toys. I fondly remember my toddler rolling his trucks around at Tryst. You might try The Coupe for space. Comet Ping Pong is a good idea too. As for the lack of mainline retailers, I have no idea what the PP is talking about. She has obviously never spent much time in DC. It's a typical uninformed comment from the hinterlands.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the suggestions. We were wanting to avoid Chuckie Cheese, but in NorCal (where we just moved from) there were several other restaurants with inside play areas so adults could sit & enjoy dinner/drinks while kids played train table, chalkboard, etc. I guess DC doesn't have much like that?

I am seething with jealousy at the thought of an adult restaurant that has a place for kids to play. That said, vapiano's is our go-to for playdates - kid's can watch pizza being prepared, there's plenty of porn space, they have crayons...

That's the typo/autocorrect of the day.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the suggestions. We were wanting to avoid Chuckie Cheese, but in NorCal (where we just moved from) there were several other restaurants with inside play areas so adults could sit & enjoy dinner/drinks while kids played train table, chalkboard, etc. I guess DC doesn't have much like that?

I am seething with jealousy at the thought of an adult restaurant that has a place for kids to play. That said, vapiano's is our go-to for playdates - kid's can watch pizza being prepared, there's plenty of porn space, they have crayons...