I love to eat out. As I was determined that having a child would not make me into a hermit and that I could incorporate him into the things that I love, he ate his first meal out when he was two weeks old. Granted, it was the salad bar at Whole Foods, but he slept in his Bjorn against dad and we ate.
One of the few books on parenting that I read and liked was Jane Buckingham's The Modern Girl's Guide to Motherhood. She suggested that if you ever hope to have an enjoyable meal in public with your children that you start taking them out young and do not be dissuaded by an unsuccessful meal [or two or four]. I have followed her advice and except for a projectile vomiting mis-hap at a Mexican restaurant, no experience has been so bad that we could not return.
Unfortunately, repeatedly taking your child out to eat is not enough; you have to come with an arsenal of entertainment options and stay flexible. Below are some things that have worked for our family to make eating out toddler friendly:
1. Choose wisely. Parent's has a list of the "10 Best Family Restaurants of 2011," but if those are my only options, I would rather stay in. Luckily, there are better options, but they may require research. While awaiting little one's arrival, look around your favorite restaurants, talk to friends who share your taste, or call the restaurant and ask. Great restaurants for children have relaxed atmospheres that do not demand hushed tones or have outdoor seating. Also, look for places that do not take a long time to get your food out and have items that you and your child can agree upon.
2. Arrive early. Your child will only give you so much time, and you should not waste it waiting. This also allows you to choose your location: a table outside in anything short of a snow storm will be best for all, but a seat by the window still provides entertainment or a corner will allow room to move. Also, the kitchen is not backed up at this time, so the food is on the table fast.
3. Come armed. If they do not have kid-friendly cups, then bring your own. I also either pack my son's entire meal or at least some fruit or yogurt, as it is more economical, ensures that he is filling up on healthy foods, and it entertains him while we wait on our food.
4. Break it up. We break up the meal, by dropping one person to get a table and possibly order, while the other one parks and walks in with my son, thus eliminating some waiting time. He then can eat his "hor d’oeuvres," color (always carry the crayons!), chat, watch the passing buses, dogs, and trains, and if the food still isn't there, he will go for another walk. Thus, he is not ready to get up as soon as the food arrives and my husband and I actually get to eat together.
5. Be prepared for imperfection. Your child will throw something, get noisy, and/or spit something out, so allow forgiveness for yourself and child, as it will change your perception of how well the meal went. Most diners do not care what your child is doing, but also do not test their limits or your child's. If the wait is too long, service too slow, or your child is just irritable, get your food to go and try again another time.
6. Buy a return ticket. Clean up your child's mess and tip well.
Though these are mostly local restaurants to Atlanta, some great places that more than meet the needs of all family members are:
Highland Bakery: great staff, informal inside and great outdoor seating, diverse options (kids and parents alike eat the Sweet Potato Pancakes like they are candy).
Sun in My Belly: casual atmosphere with amazing food and right beside train tracks, which provide much entertainment.
West Egg: Unpretentious people, quick service, comprehensive menu. Nice patio on a busy road, which is great for entertainment.
Parish: I had to offer a truly nice dinner option. This is an amazing restaurant with food, atmosphere, service, everything, but they make it possible for moms and dads to simultaneously be parents and foodies, and for this I am grateful.
Whole Foods: let them experiment! All ingredients are posted and the atmosphere was made for children.
Share your own local favorites!
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