Great Boston Restaurant Haunts for the Stroller Set

Having kids does not mean you have to give up dining out. In fact, if you drag your kids to restaurants from the time they’re still in the stroller, chances are you’ll have a real foodie on your hands in no time.  Luckily, finding kid-friendly restaurants that offer up more than chicken nuggets and mac’n cheese in Boston is a cinch.

1. 1. Italian – Bertucci’s. A true Boston-born eatery, this chain restaurant is a great family gathering spot. Serving up pasta, chicken, and other Italian dishes that are quite good, the real prize is in their delicious, brick-oven pizzas and the unending supply of freshly baked rolls that the kids (and you) will love. Their kids menu has plenty of choices and includes a bottomless drink and ice cream for $5.25. Bertucci’s is located, well, basically everywhere.
2. New England Seafood – Legal Sea Foods. This is a great family restaurant because a) they’re everywhere (19 locations in Ma.) when your kids are hungry and b) they have wonderful children’s selections that are both yummy and healthy. Forget greasy burgers, Legal serves up the world’s best chowder (just ask my 5 year old), great fresh cod fish sticks and even small lobsters for the more adventurous eater. If you have a finicky eater, their chicken fingers are outstanding (for real!), cheese pizza and mac ‘n cheese will hit the spot too. Kids get crayons and an activity mat to take the edge off while waiting for food. The service is fast, pleasant and you’ll enjoy it too.  Insiders tip: Legal offers a gluten-free menu! Visit here for locations.
3. Sushi – Fugakyu. If you love sushi (who doesn’t), then you’ll need to make your favorite haunt a kid-friendly spot that also serves up food for little fingers. Fugakyu not only has inventive and super-fresh sushi for mom & dad, but their HUGE menu will have something for any kid. Miso soup, rice, chicken Katsu (aka deep fried chicken cutlets) are all good bets.  If you have an adventurer, order some veggie sushi and see how they do. If all else fails, kids will get a kick out of the beautiful koi pond at the entry and the pretend sushi making rounds on the sushi bar is a novel site. 1280 Beacon Street, Brookline.
4. Japanese Steak House – Kikuyama.  Looking for dinner and a show, family-style?  Check out Kikuyama in Dedham.  It’s Tepanyaki at its best and it’s FULL of families.  In fact, it’s likely you will end up sharing a table with another family. Chefs prepare food at your table providing both fun entertainment and delicious food.  Their children’s menu includes a full dinner including soup, white rice and a choice of chicken, shrimp or steak. Regular meals include LOTS of food and are affordable as well.  350 Washington Street, Dedham.
5. Brunch - ’50s Diner.  Don’t live in Dedham?  Make the trip anyways!  This place will take you back in time; it really is a diner complete with 50′s memorabilia on the walls but minus the fake sparkly pink vinyl booths and jukebox on every table.  It’s laid-back and quick, inexpensive and so delicious.  The diner serves breakfast and lunch, don’t be put off by the quick moving line.  The plates are HUGE and the choices are endless. Kids will love the pancakes and waffles, and overflowing milk-shakes. The children’s menu offers smaller versions of the huge plates.  Insiders tip: This place is CASH only! 900 Providence Hwy, Dedham.

Related posts:

1. Restaurant Week in Hartford Starting Monday
2. East Haven Restaurant Vows to Reopen after Irene
3. Boston-based, UFood, To Bring Its Healthy Fast Food Brand To Global Market
4. The Top 10 Dive Bars to Meet Singles in Boston
5. The Best of Boston’s Facebook Freebies: See Which Businesses Reward Their Facebook Fans

Short URL: http://www.newenglandpost.com/?p=3943