Family seeks kid-friendly eateries

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04:15 PM in Galveston

By Laura Elder | Share | Permalink | Comments (19)

In this blog, we’ve had long and interesting discussions about children at restaurants. Remember this one about a Pittsburgh-area eatery banning kids?

Well, after receiving an email this afternoon from a family soon to visit the island for a vacation, I thought we would turn the tables.

Here’s an excerpt from the email: “We are coming down March 31-April 4. Wanted to know if there was one special place to eat that is kid-friendly? We have eaten at Rainforest before, and we will probabley eat there, but some place special on the island?"

So, I thought we would show some island hospitality and help the family out.

Where are the best places for small fries to eat on the island and why?

Comments

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Mario's on the Seawall!

— By Dr. Donna Sanders (donnasanders) on Feb. 2, 2012 at 4:48 PM - Review

Yaga's is a great family restaurant. Good kids food selections, amazing prices and you'll get good food and good service and a fun atmosphere. It's not uncommon to see the owner in there with his own kids.

The Spot. Kids even get a cookie with their meals (when orderedon the kids menu). Excellent burgers and spectacular view.

Sonny's Place. Mind you it also doubles as a bar, but you won't find a more kid-friendly bar and grill anywhere. Friday is gumbo day and while I don't eat seafood, I hear the gumbo is divine. Known for burgers and hot dogs and shrimp/oyster poboys and muffalettos, but I'm partial to the spaghetti dinner. The owners are not shy about telling people to watch their language and keep people in line. Be mindful though - only cash, no credit is accepted.

ShyKatz Deli. They love families there and even have toys for kids to play with while waiting on the food. And the food - from good ol' comfort foods to great sandwiches and wraps and burgers, there is definitely something for everyone. Plus they serve breakfast.

Any of our Italian places are great for families - Gino's, Mario's Seawall or Dibella's will welcome families. Kids can get dough to play with at Gino's.

You can't beat a pizza parlor for family eating and Papa's on the Seawall is a great place to eat pizza (and some other foods too, but I always forget about the lasagna and spaghetti and order the pizza). And right next door is Ben and Jerry's for dessert - can't beat that.

Salsa's and Mi Abuelitas are great for Mexican food and kids are most definitely welcome at both. Either will bring tortillas by early for your kiddos, too.

All are great family-owned and family-friendly restaurants.

— By Heidi Lutz (MsHeidi) on Feb. 2, 2012 at 4:55 PM - Review

Thanks Heidi!

— By Laura Elder (lauraelder) on Feb. 2, 2012 at 4:57 PM - Review

A better question might be which places are NOT kid-friendly. Some of the more interesting places on the Seawall for families with kids include Joe's Crab Shack (nice setting, decent food, outdoor play area), Casey's (friendly atmosphere, good food), Benno's (informal, clean, good seafood), Marios (pizza !). Non-Seawall places that come to mind are Queens BBQ (informal, clean, great BBQ) and Leo's Cajun (informal, clean, good Cajun). A bit pricey, but kids (and adults) seem to enjoy the Galvez Sunday brunch.

— By Bernard Galvez (AvenueP) on Feb. 2, 2012 at 4:59 PM - Review

My nieces and nephews visited recently and really liked Benno's.

— By Laura Elder (lauraelder) on Feb. 2, 2012 at 5:04 PM - Review

Without a doubt Star Drug Store for breakfast

— By Gerald Vimont (Gerald_Vimont) on Feb. 3, 2012 at 12:31 AM - Review

A ditto for Sonny's - a real neighborhood place. And if you've never been to Sonny's before, be sure to let them know it's your first time there, especially if you have kids.

And Sunflower Cafe for breakfast. Their big breakfast can be divided among the kids, and their cinammon rolls (as breakfast appetizers) are killers.

— By Susan Syler (syler) on Feb. 3, 2012 at 7:04 AM - Review

I have taken my pooch to The Spot where they have a canine water fountain on the lower deck. Any other pet friendly restaurants?

http://www.bringfido.com lists a few.

— By Gulf Coaster (GulfCoaster) on Feb. 3, 2012 at 8:21 AM - Review

There some great suggestions here but they don't address a couple of important factors. Does the eatery serve milk? It's surprising the number of restaurants that call themselves "family friendly" that expect kids to drink nothing but juice or soft drinks. Is there something more than nuggets and pizza on the kids' menu? Are the waiters savvy enough to bring out appetizers or bread pronto to appease the kids' while waiting? Are there activities for the kids (like coloring or drawing) to do? Do they clear out the tables in a timely manner to keep off curious hands from playing with dirty plates/utensils? These may seem like minor details but they can make the difference between a pleasant dining experience and a frustrating one.

— By Real Housewife (RealHousewifeofGC) on Feb. 3, 2012 at 8:27 AM - Review

It's not on the island, but the trip there is a big part of the fun... Stingaree's on Bolivar! Take the (free) ferry. Kid's menu, crayons, milk and a basket of bread.

— By Ellen Morrison (confusedemmy) on Feb. 3, 2012 at 8:45 AM - Review

Very likely any place not kid friendly has already gone out of business. Kids are the 'dinning out directors' of every family. If they don't like a place it's on the 'no go' list.

— By Gary Miller (IHOG) on Feb. 4, 2012 at 9:54 AM - Review

I can think of only two places my kids ( 5 kids, 9 grands, 19 great grands ) all approve. Topwater in Bay Cliff and Ryans, west side of COM. The Great grands still on bottles really don't care.

— By Gary Miller (IHOG) on Feb. 4, 2012 at 10:00 AM - Review

I can think of only two places my kids ( 5 kids, 9 grands, 19 great grands ) all approve. Topwater in Bay Cliff and Ryans, west side of COM. The Great grands still on bottles really don't care.

— By Gary Miller (IHOG) on Feb. 4, 2012 at 10:01 AM - Review

Strand Emporium on The Strand. Lots of great things to see. Great food and lots of sweet things!!!

— By Omg nowwhat (saddayhere) on Feb. 4, 2012 at 12:16 PM - Review

The Spot is for older people after 5PM. Most parents work so you are going there after that time. The Strand you gotta pay for parking and hope you get the right spot cause $17.00 ticket is not nice. Mario's 61st street has ample parking and is the most Family Friendly place I have ever seen. Try it once with your little people. My opinion but it is the best.

— By Betsy Barham (bebarham) on Feb. 5, 2012 at 11:07 AM - Review

There some great suggestions here but they don't address a couple of important factors. Does the eatery serve milk? Mario's 61st does. Is there something more than nuggets and pizza on the kids' menu? Yes you need to see their menu. Are the waiters savvy enough to bring out appetizers or bread pronto to appease the kids' while waiting? Pronto what you have to order firstand pronto what? Do not knock what you have no idea until you have tried it. Are there activities for the kids (like coloring or drawing) to do? Oh you want them to run around screaming must be spoiled brats to where you cannot take them out. Yes they will help you learn to socalise. Do they clear out the tables in a timely manner to keep off curious hands from playing with dirty plates/utensils? These may seem like minor details but they can make the difference between a pleasant dining experience and a frustrating one. I bet you do not eat out much with your kids. Thank GOD I never waited on you. What a sorry excuse as to where you have all these questions. Hope you stay home and cook for your kids because you need it. No restaurant would ever be good enough for you. What a sham.

Read more...

By Real Housewife on Feb. 3, 2012 at 8:27 AM

— By Betsy Barham (bebarham) on Feb. 5, 2012 at 11:24 AM - Review

A good parent brings snacks, activities and cleans up after their kids. Just sayin.

— By J. G. (jkgonzalez) on Feb. 6, 2012 at 1:22 PM - Review

A good parent brings snacks, activities and cleans up after their kids. Just sayin.

— By J. G. (jkgonzalez) on Feb. 6, 2012 at 1:22 PM - Review

Mosquito on 14th St. has a patio that is dog-friendly (also birds for the children to watch.) Their children's menu includes some "real" food - and they don't have a fryer in the kitchen.

— By Elizabeth Godbehere (islandgrl) on Feb. 15, 2012 at 1:00 PM - Review

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About Laura Elder

Laura Elder has covered business for The Daily News since 2001 and writes Biz Buzz, a twice-weekly column.

She grew up in Houston and graduated from the University of Houston with a communications degree in 1992. She worked for six years at the Houston Business Journal covering the retail and restaurant industries.

She lives in Galveston with her husband Michael Smith, also a journalist.

Read Laura's Biz Buzz column each Tuesday and Thursday.

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