Dining out with unplugged kids
We don’t go out to eat too often. It’s can be expensive and crazy. But, we also want to raise children that know how to behave in various social settings. It’s never even close to perfect, but we like to try.
It’s never been outright stated, but we have an unplugged at the table rule. Both at home and at restaurants. We want to interact with one another and enjoy each other’s company. Honestly, I don’t think our kids have even thought to ask for one of our phones on which to play. (Notice I said think. I don’t want to come across and high and mighty. Everybody does their parenting thing their own way. And, I know that I have screw ups daily!)
Now that that’s out of the way.
Tips for Dining Out with Unplugged Kids
1. Establish and set the expectations
We discuss the behavior, voices and attitudes we expect to see when in a restaurant and we hold them to them. We also understand that they are kids and they will still do kid things, so we remind them a lot.
2. Go early
We tend to go in much earlier than we would normally eat dinner. We aim for 5:00-5:30 at the latest while we normally eat closer to 6 at home. This helps catch them before they are so hungry that they want their food right away and their patience is close to 0. We usually don’t have to wait when going in this early and it decreases the number of adult only tables that might get upset my seeing kids. (And, I’m not even talking about fancy restaurants. Some people just don’t seem to like kids!) We often eat with the older crowd and that’s totally fine with us!
3. Call ahead seating or reservations
Even though you are going early, you never know if they have an even or something filling the place up. Call and see if they take reservations or call ahead seating. It’s no fun waiting in a tiny area with kids that are hungry and want to eat.
4. Let them be proactive in their ordering
Allow them to read the kids menu (if applicable) and decide what they’d like to eat (sometimes we give them choices, sometimes they get to pick completely). Then, they get to give the server their order. They practice their manners and also take responsibility for what they order.
5. Make sure of the activity pages
They might be “too old” for the activities on the page, but you would be surprised if you do it with them how much fun everybody has. We usually get in several good matches of tic-tac-toe which not only passes the time, but also has us interacting with one another instead of with our faces in a screen!
6. Dessert
I’m not above a bribe. It usually actually isn’t necessary and most often is a surprise for them. They never really know if we will get one or not, but they know how to behave and know that it’s a good possibility there will be a dessert to share. Of course, this also makes mom and dad happy!
We were recently invited out to Longhorn Steakhouse (where they do call ahead seating) to try out their new Fall into Flavor Menu and practice what we preach! Although, we were guilty of getting our phones out, it was only to take pictures of our yummy food! My salad (hold the cheese please) was fabulous. I did have some strawberry, grape and orange scavengers, but I’m good about sharing!
Mr. Serious tried the Apple cider Baby Back ribs with the new potato and leek au gratin. The ribs were really good and truly fell off the bone. And it was very filling as well. He actually did’t finish his meal!
This fall, the menu celebrates freshness and hearty fall flavors. Check out all of these fabulous features.
- Brew Pub Pretzel Sticks (appetizer) – Warm pretzel breadsticks served with Sam Adams beer cheese and bacon honey mustard.
- New Potato & Leek Au Gratin (side) – Layered with aged white cheddar & bacon, topped with Parmesan breadcrumbs.
- Mushroom Truffle Bisque (soup) – Smooth, Creamy, Rich-flavored soup with an earthy mushroom flavor and a sour cream drizzle.
- Bleu Ridge Wedge Salad – Crisp heart of romaine topped with ripe tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon, crumbled bleu cheese, red onions and bleu cheese dressing.
- Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake – Warm pumpkin spice cake, cream cheese icing, Maker’s Mark bourbon caramel sauce and candied pecans.
- Harvest Mushroom Filet – Our most tender center-cut filet topped with shiitake, oyster and cremini mushrooms in a hearty red wine bordelaise.
- Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs – Fall-off-the-bone ribs coated with a housemade sweet & savory hard cider BBQ glaze.
The Giveaway:
Longhorn Steakhouse would like to give one lucky reader a $25 Longhorn Steakhouse Gift Card to try out something yummy on their menu!
*Thank you to Longhorn Steakhouse for hosting us and for the giveaway. All thoughts are my own.
I like to take a collapsible Tupperware container with me for leftovers. No need for styrofoam that lets the food dry out in the fridge!
Harvest Mushroom Filet? Yes, please!
Go to expensive restaurants during lunch when kids are in school and its cheaper.
Mushroom bisque
Your daughters are precious! When we go out we unplug. We leave the phones in the car so there are no distractions!
I would like to try their new potato au gratin.
We have a bag we take whenever we go out. One of the things in it is twist-up crayons and a spiral notebook. We bring our own crayons because it’s more fun to have lots of colors. We bring a spiral notebook instead of a coloring book because it’s more flexible. We can practice reading/writing/math or draw.
Mmmm, the potato and leek au gratin sounds good to me.
For dining without kids, I always have to talk to HUBS about being unplugged. Owning your own business means you’re always on the clock – even when eating. So, I try to get a certain amount of screen-free time from him at meals!
I think I would like to try the apple cider ribs – I love cider and this is the perfect season to add it to foods!
Good tips! I think my kids are a bit older now but really useful for when I have grand kids.
Take your time annd dont be in a rush
I agree with going early since you don’t know how long it’ll take to order & prepare the food. We also take some extra pens/crayons/little notepads to doodle on in case the restaurant doesn’t have them.
Avoid taking the kids if at all possible and try to get a table where your husband can’t watch a sports game on TV the whole time.
Never be afraid to ask for crayons for the adults. Adults can have fun too.
The pumpkin spice lava cake sounds delicious.
I like to take something sweet like a lollipop to get my son to eat all his food. Even at home I have a hard time getting him to stay sitting until he’s done eating.
IF THEY MISBEHAVE, LEAVE THE RESTAURANT
THE APPLE CIDER BABY BACK RIBS SOUNDS REALLY GOOD
with kids is fun, if you have kids…if not I’d rather they were left at home 🙂
I always make sure to get an appetizer or bread right away when my kids go with us
Go early before the regular dinner rush. You will not have to wait with kids while they get impatient
Don’t let the kids fill up on soda.
My tip is to talk to the kids beforehand about what they are allowed to order. It can avoid a tantrum in public.
I think the Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs sound delicious.
With twins, go early and see if they can bring their meal earlier than others.
I bring toys with me.
Bleu Ridge Wedge Salad
We bring along simple activities for the kids, such as books and crayons,.
I am excited to see the fall menu items, especially Bleu Ridge Wedge Salad.
You have to dine out with kids to teach them how to dine out, but I think parents should always be prepared to remove the kids from the restaurant if the behavior is too disruptive just out of courtesy to the other patrons. I spent many meals out with the family sitting in the car with whomever decided to throw a fit. Now, they are more polite than far too many adults.
Don’t fill up on the appetizers.
If its possible get a table outside or near a window. My son is always better behaved when he has something to look at.
I’d love to try the Brew Pub Pretzel Sticks.
When dining with kids, I make sure to bring something to keep them entertained. For the adults, no cell phones, it’s a time to enjoy each others company.
Enjoy yourself, don’t forget that you are there to have a good time.
I always allow my kids to select and order their own meals. Since going out to eat is such a rare occasion for them, I don’t mind them ordering “chicken and fries” every time. It keeps the complaining to a minimum.
My tip for dining out with kids, is to have their entrees brought to the table when the adults appetizers or salad are brought out.
I would like to try Longhorn Steakhouse’s Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs.
i wanna try the Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs
i like to use coupons if i can
My best tip with kids is keep the kids in mind when choosing a restaurant and also don’t go when it is real busy.
I usually bring coloring books with me to dinner
For me the best tips for dining out is without kids. They usually get more time eating out then we do so once in a while not with them.
sounds best to me is the Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs.
I always make sure they take a nap before going out. I also bring things to do for them so they don’t bored.
Drinks at home so you don’t spend too much on drinks.
My best tip for dining out with kids since I have a 6 year old when we are deciding where to eat we usually let him pick the place as long as it’s a place we can all agree on and usually it we have no problem with his choice of places.
ooo I’m most excited about trying the Brew Pub Pretzel Sticks!
ALWAYS bring a sweater no matter the season! It’s unfortunate that some restaurants keep the temperature for their employees and not their guests comfort!
Pumpkin spice lava cakes is a must…I love all things pumpkin but this is the first I’ve heard of this awesome creation!!
My best tip is to go early so as not to have to wait for table.
My tip go when not packed.
Bleu Ridge Wedge Salad sounds very good to me.
I like to bring something to keep the kids busy. And when they provide a couple of crayons and a picture all the better.
The New Potato & Leek Au Gratin sounds good.
I think there should be sections in restaurants for parties with kids and without.
I’d love to try the Mushroom Truffle Bisque.
I don’t know about dining out without kids… since we have not ever had that option (unless we do lunch)
But, I normally try to take crayons to have something for him to do…and when the place only gives you a yellow and a green or something, your options are limited, if I keep a few extra he has more fun
I would say I am eager to try : New Potato & Leek Au Gratin …. the hubby? The ribs, all the way – I know that 🙂
I have found if I bring a small container of playdoh or something to entertain my daughter she is much better.
I bring some toy or an ipad for the kids when we have them with us.
Have your kids take a nap right before you leave for dinner.
We always carry a bag with things to keep them occupied just in case there are long waits.
Go early is definitely the best tip
I love blue cheese dressing so the Bleu Ridge Wedge Salad is definitely making my mouth water.
Good luck everyone
Always bring small toys to play with and a snack just in case the food takes awhile to come.
When mine were smaller I would bring a small container of crayons and an activity book for them.
Thank you!
Don’t got the first week o the month and try to not go on weekends to avoid crowds.
No kids, so my best tip for eating out is to use Groupons or other coupons to save money.
Mushroom Truffle Bisque sounds delicious!
My tip would be, always be nice to your server. If your nice to them, they will treat you the same.
Great tips! We don’t like to have screens at meal time either.
My best tip is make sure the kids aren’t too hungry, and are entertained while waiting. We color, play eye spy, talk about how school is going, and just try to really connect during that time. We also reward with dessert if they behave! 🙂 Also, practicing at home helps. We have a rule now that we sit and wait at the table until everyone is done eating.
My best tip is to use coupons to save money. No kids ever go with me.
The New Potato & Leek Au Gratin sounds amazing to me
Get a sitter and go out with your spouse!
It’s more relaxing and enjoyable without kids, but I like having their company and having them be able to experience a yummy meal too! So either is fine with me!
The Bleu Ridge Wedge Salad sounds really good.
My best tip is to only let them use the ipad at a restaurant. The novelty doesn’t wear off. But best to leave them home if its for an adults only dinner.
The Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs sound amazing!!!
I let the kids order their own food
New Potato & Leek Au Gratin sounds amazing
Go early before the restaurant becomes crowded.
Bring something for the kids to play with during the wait.
mushroom truffle bisque, YUM
We always do call ahead seating, with the kids especially, but most of the time we do it even if we are going out without them.
Their pumpkin spice lava cake just sounds heavenly!!!
I would always bring activity books when we go out to keep my children busy while we waited for our food.
I don’t have any kids but I always bring something to keep myself occupied! It can be very boring waiting for food to arrive. My tip is to always come prepared to wait.
I pack crayons, sketch pads and mad libs!
I would love to try the apple cider baby back ribs!
Go when the kids are rested and before the restaurant gets too crowded
I guess it depends on the purpose because I love spending time with the kids but at the same time it’s nice to have a nice relaxing evening.
Keep them occupied through conversation and fun activities like coloring.
I’ve already had the Brew Pub Pretzel Sticks and they are fantastic!!
Bring quiet toys and have a lot of patience 🙂
The Harvest Mushroom Filet sounds amazing! Makes me hungry just thinking about it!
I pack small toys like cars to keep them occupied and make sure they have had a nap so they are not cranky.
The Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs sound really good
I find that dining out can at times be very stressful. There have been a number of times where we had to ask for it to go. It’s funny, most times we dine out, we are complimented about how well behaved our children are. My husband and I look at one another like, “Are you talking to us?”. Our last resort, and we almost always pull it out of the hat by end of diner is the cellphone. It’s hard for my three-year-old son to sit still for very long but you hand him a game on the table or a cellphone and you wont even know he is in the room. His three-year-old twin sister, she is loud, but she like to be apart of the adult conversation so she very rarely gives much trouble.
Dining out is great. We always took the kids. We tried to find kid friendly places, but if we felt the place wasn’t super friendly, we always had entertainment…a new book, crayons, whatever. And if you bring the kids, don’t expect an intimate dinner. They need your attention.
My best tip is to take them to a buffet. That way, they get to try new things, or things they already like.
a buffet is always a fun thing
My best tip with kids would be to go to a buffet and to bring color books and crayons to keep them busy
I think the Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake sounds delicious!!
We tend to go early to catch the “early bird” specials. Maybe not the same ambiance but the savings definitely outweigh candlelight.
I love mushrooms, so the mushroom bisque sounds best to me, yum!!
make sure you have plenty of time so you don’t have to rush.
Call for reservations so you don’t have a long wait.
Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs sound yummo!
Try to go at a time when they are hungry but not so hungry that they can’t wait….or a place that has bread, crackers, or a quick appetizer they will enjoy while waiting.
I would say make sure the kids have something to keep them busy such as coloring or a book.
My son brings his tablet and headphones to entertain himself while we wait for our meals to be served.
The pumpkin spice lava cake sounds fabulous!
Get reservations and leave the kids at home!
I think figuring out what the kids will want (looking at the menu online) is super helpful when the waitress comes to the table the 1st time and it keeps everything moving quickly!
I’d love to try the Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake!
Bring a few little toys for the tiny ones who can’t eat just yet.
Come with age appropriate conversation topics that will enable insightful conversation with your kids, so that they do not turn to entertaining themselves in inappropriate ways. 🙂
The Apple Cider Baby Back Ribs would be amazing!
The fall flavor that has me going mmm is the Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake. Wow! Yum.
Read the menu ahead of time, so it cuts down on the amount of time it takes you to decide on what you want. It also gives you a heads up on what’s available should you have the kids with you!
I always keep a stash of crayons in my purse so that my little guy can color on the place-mats to keep him occupied!
The Brew Pub pretzels sound yummy!
the New Potato & Leek Au Gratin sounds yummy!
bring a tablet for them to play with and headphones… kids hate waiting!
Make sure you have something to keep kids entertained while you are waiting on food to arrive.
Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake sounds wonderful!
i like to make sure to bring crayons and paper when eating out with my kids to keep them occupied while we are waiting for the food
Bring crayons for them to color and play tic-tac-toe!
We usually only take the kids at lunch. There are several reasons for this- lunch menus are typically cheaper than dinner, the kids are more rested and less likely to be cranky, and we don’t have to worry about disturbing other guests because lunch is usually less crowded than later.
My best tip is to go when kids are in a good mood. Don’t go right before nap-time…unless, of course, they fall asleep in the car and stay asleep in their stroller while you eat. A cranky kid is not fun. If they’re a little bit older, something to distract them – my son likes to play on his 3DS and it keeps him from getting antsy if the service is slow/busy.
Without kids at a dit down restaurant.
Drink water not soda or spirits, much overpriced.
Thanks for the contest.
I’d like to try the Mushroom Truffle Bisque (soup).
Always make sure your kids are on their best behavior so you don’t bother or interupt anyone around you
I like to order one meal for my daughter and I to share since she doesn’t eat a lot.
With kids, take their favorite video game or toy to occupy them
My tip for dining out is to find a place that can make everyone happy! Or else you’ll all end up miserable if one isn’t happy 🙂
My 4 year-old has always been well-behaved when we take her out. We tend to go out to eat early so she isn’t starving which could lead to impatience.
My best tip is to not take the kids, especially if you want a date. Great time to relax, sit back and have someone cook your meal for you.
The Mushroom Truffle Bisque sounds good
Try to go before rush hour so you don’t have to wait for a seat forever!
I would like to try the Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake.
Go to a place with a lot of options.
be nice to the servers
My best tip for eating out with kids is to go over the options before you go to the restaurant. This means less time looking over the menu and less time for your kids to wait to eat.
The Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake sounds exciting and delicious!
Go early if with the kids, easier to get a table and food faster.
We take the kids out once per month and each month, one of the kids gets to pick where we go which makes it so much easier.
We make sure that the dinner conversation when we are out is a subject that everyone enjoys.
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