Its so nice to get out and not have to do dishes every once in awhile. . but I am struggling to figure out places for me, my husband, and my 13 month old daughter to all happily eat. Heathy (ish), kid tolerant, something on the menu a toddler can eat, easy in easy out, no long waits etc. It doesn't need to be American food only or kid centered. I do have a few places that all of us happily eat (e.g. a nice Vietnamese place nearby and my daughter loves the lemongrass chicken). But I have been disappointed with the typical Applebees or Chili's type places-
What are favorite places (of any type of food) that you like to go with the family for your nights out?
We are in Mountain View, but even if your favorite restaurant isn't near by, i would love to hear about it, as maybe I haven't considered something similar.
Thanks for all the great ideas!! There are definitely a few that I hadn't thought about--especially Armadillo Willy's. :)
My kids favorite place to eat, and they are all happy there, is Sweet Tomatoes! Kid friendly, and something to please anyones tummy!
We've always loved Hobee's for the kids. They come out with a plate of fruit arranged in a happy face to keep the little ones busy while you look at the menu. Then there's a substantial salad bar to pull more fruit and veggies. I always ordered a salad bar with my lunch or dinner and fed the little ones off that. Now that they're a bit older, they enjoy the kid's menu or share a regular entree.
For lunch, I often met my friends at Fresh choice. Toddlers eat for almost free and there were plenty of options. I've also noticed lately that Plutos (there's one at Santana Row) has a finger food choice on their kid's menu.
HTH
i would no suggest a typical restaurant because the menu is not always children friendly, they give you a choice that is not always good with the child.
Try the buffet restaurants, Sweet Tomatoes, Fresh Choice, Home Town Buffet.
My family likes to go to Super Buffet in Santa Clara on the corner of Stevens Creek Blvd and Saratoga. This restaurant has Chinese, Japanese and American. You can get Sushi, Dim Sum, Mongolian BBQ along with french fries, pizza, fried chickent, sweet and sour chickent, beef broccoli, fried rice, chow mein, crab legs, soup, salad, dessert, there is over 120 different menu items. The price is reasonable and you don't have to pay for your daughter since she is under 3.
We go to Armadillo Willys a lot.
Armidillo willies in Sunnyvale (not the one in Los Altos) the idfference is you order at the counter and pick up your food. No waiter and much more family friendly.
Pasta Market in Sunnyvale, Hometown buffet in Santa Clara, Fresh choice, Cheveys in mountain View. Not totaly kid centered but We like Bucca de beppo in cupertino, our son likes all the things to look at and it is great food served family style and a great kids menu. Sweet tomatoes in Santa Clara/Sunnyvale.
We go out when we have a coupon or want to try a new place if they're running a deal. However, in our economy, with kids, go to www.kidsmealdeals.com. You can choose restaurants where your kids eat free! How nice is that! Also, www.abc7news.com features free items each friday under finneys friday free stuff and on a blog that's really helpful.
Rick's cafe on State St in Los Altos and Amici's in Cupertino or Mountain View.
When we are up in Sausalito, we eat at Fred's Place Coffee Shop on Bridgeway. Very typical American small town joint. You get a TON of food. We always over-order.
Stephanie
I have a couple.
Rosie's New York Pizza in the Alameda neighborhood of San Jose. It's on El Camino Real and Julian Street. They have salads, pasta, and pizza. The staff are very accomodating to their kid guests. If your child cries, most of the restaurant won't even know it because the music is pretty loud. www.rosiesnewyorkpizzasanjose.com
I also like taking my daughter to Happy Buffet on 830 E. El Camino Real in Sunnyvale. There is a variety of food you can eat, including healthy food, and the staff are helpful with young ones.
FU LAM MUN Chinese restaurant on Castro Street, Mountain View: Dim Sum lunch , and discount price dishes ($8) after 9PM everyday.
Also, Hong Kong Bakery, Castro Street, Mountain View: very fluffy cakes and Chinese pastries.
Miyake Japanese restaurant on University Ave, Palo Alto.
California Pizza Kitchen, Cowper Street, downtown Palo Alto.
