Restaurants shouldn't let kids disturb other diners

By MARC GRAUER
Published on: 07/25/05

Perhaps there is a misconception in Atlanta as to what a "family-friendly" restaurant truly means.

After a less than enjoyable evening at a restaurant in Virginia-Highland, I felt compelled to comment.

We planned a nice quiet Tuesday evening to celebrate our 20th anniversary. As we live in-town, we decided to visit a casual restaurant with some charm that we have enjoyed in the past. We wanted to be outside on a nice summer evening. Other diners, including some with small children, continued to fill the patio over the next hour.

After ordering our dinner, we sat back to enjoy the atmosphere and the evening, as it was still only around 8:00. This is about the time the festivities began and the patio area became a playground.

Apparently, the five children who descended upon the patio had finished their dinners inside and were sent outside to play with their newly made paper airplanes. Of course, their parents wanted to enjoy a few minutes of quiet alone, and it was perfectly acceptable to them to send their children outside to disturb other diners.

My wife and I looked at each other and uttered the same words, "Chuck E. Cheese?" (We've never been there but have a general idea.) We commented to our waitperson about this, and she explained that ever since the restaurant was given the "family-friendly" designation by local papers, it gets many families and children. We said that doesn't mean that children should run around and throw paper airplanes inside or outside the restaurant.

The father of one or all of the kids came outside to join in, and was actually encouraging the kids and showing them how to throw the planes really far.

When my wife asked him if he had ever heard of Chuck E. Cheese, he replied, "No." He went on to inform us that this was a "family-friendly" place and we should come after it's dark if we want to enjoy it without kids.

He further ranted that we obviously hated children and were unhappy people (we don't hate children and we are very happy). I asked him to go inside and throw the airplanes and see if those guests enjoyed the experience. He gathered his flock and told them they had to go inside because of the "unhappy" people.

We did stop by the host desk on the way out and expressed our disappointment. Other outside diners thanked us for saying something, as they were also annoyed by the kids, the planes and the father.

There are many restaurants that do cater to children and offer special menus, highchairs and booster seats, games and other distractions to keep kids occupied. Some even offer free food for young children. The ones that offer enclosed playgrounds and video games are just perfect, and the rest of us don't go there because we prefer not to dine in this atmosphere.

"Family-friendly" at an intown restaurant does not mean that kids should be able to run around, get in the way of servers and disturb other diners. Even though you think your kids are cute and perfect, everyone does not agree.

Perhaps these restaurants would be good training grounds for learning to hold a knife and fork properly and to learn some basic public dining skills. As children, we joined our parents at very nice restaurants not typically frequented by children. We sat at the table with our parents and our families and behaved. This is not an old-fashioned scenario, and there are many parents who have taught their children well.

So, "family-friendly" dad with the airplanes, we are not from the Upper East Side as you said, although we would love to live there. We enjoy dining before it gets dark and will not be inconvenienced by a 4- or 40-year-old. We are very happy and you were wrong.

Bon appétit.

• Marc Grauer lives in Atlanta.

Restaurants shouldn't let kids disturb other diners

By MARC GRAUER
Published on: 07/25/05

Perhaps there is a misconception in Atlanta as to what a "family-friendly" restaurant truly means.

After a less than enjoyable evening at a restaurant in Virginia-Highland, I felt compelled to comment.

We planned a nice quiet Tuesday evening to celebrate our 20th anniversary. As we live in-town, we decided to visit a casual restaurant with some charm that we have enjoyed in the past. We wanted to be outside on a nice summer evening. Other diners, including some with small children, continued to fill the patio over the next hour.

After ordering our dinner, we sat back to enjoy the atmosphere and the evening, as it was still only around 8:00. This is about the time the festivities began and the patio area became a playground.

Apparently, the five children who descended upon the patio had finished their dinners inside and were sent outside to play with their newly made paper airplanes. Of course, their parents wanted to enjoy a few minutes of quiet alone, and it was perfectly acceptable to them to send their children outside to disturb other diners.

My wife and I looked at each other and uttered the same words, "Chuck E. Cheese?" (We've never been there but have a general idea.) We commented to our waitperson about this, and she explained that ever since the restaurant was given the "family-friendly" designation by local papers, it gets many families and children. We said that doesn't mean that children should run around and throw paper airplanes inside or outside the restaurant.

The father of one or all of the kids came outside to join in, and was actually encouraging the kids and showing them how to throw the planes really far.

When my wife asked him if he had ever heard of Chuck E. Cheese, he replied, "No." He went on to inform us that this was a "family-friendly" place and we should come after it's dark if we want to enjoy it without kids.

He further ranted that we obviously hated children and were unhappy people (we don't hate children and we are very happy). I asked him to go inside and throw the airplanes and see if those guests enjoyed the experience. He gathered his flock and told them they had to go inside because of the "unhappy" people.

We did stop by the host desk on the way out and expressed our disappointment. Other outside diners thanked us for saying something, as they were also annoyed by the kids, the planes and the father.

There are many restaurants that do cater to children and offer special menus, highchairs and booster seats, games and other distractions to keep kids occupied. Some even offer free food for young children. The ones that offer enclosed playgrounds and video games are just perfect, and the rest of us don't go there because we prefer not to dine in this atmosphere.

"Family-friendly" at an intown restaurant does not mean that kids should be able to run around, get in the way of servers and disturb other diners. Even though you think your kids are cute and perfect, everyone does not agree.

Perhaps these restaurants would be good training grounds for learning to hold a knife and fork properly and to learn some basic public dining skills. As children, we joined our parents at very nice restaurants not typically frequented by children. We sat at the table with our parents and our families and behaved. This is not an old-fashioned scenario, and there are many parents who have taught their children well.

So, "family-friendly" dad with the airplanes, we are not from the Upper East Side as you said, although we would love to live there. We enjoy dining before it gets dark and will not be inconvenienced by a 4- or 40-year-old. We are very happy and you were wrong.

Bon appétit.

• Marc Grauer lives in Atlanta.
:sleep2: :sleep2: :sleep2: :sleep2:

I couldn't vote because my answer would be: No, as long as they are well behaved or the parents have control and not the child.

We have taken the babies in our families to restaurants all of our lives. We are always complimented as to how peaceful they are and as children how well behaved they are.

Our babies never cried on planes either. That's my bigger peeve, sitting next two in front of or behind a screaming child on a plane. :crybaby:

The beauty of living in New York City is that if you want to, (with careful planning) you can happily drink, dine and go about your life without having to deal with children.

;)

Notice the Chuck E. Cheese plug too... :wave:

Notice the Chuck E. Cheese plug too... :wave:

Watch your back, they're gunning for you...

;)

As long as I'm in control of my child's behavior I don't see why not I can have dinner or lunch with them in a restaurant.
I know the time of day my children are prone to be tired or restless so we try not to go out during that time, if we go out and they start getting tired or restless then we leave.

I don't care about restaurants. I hate it when people bring their babies to movies though. Get a babysitter, and if you can't, stay home.

I couldn't vote because my answer would be: No, as
long as they are well behaved or the parents have control and not the child.


:yeahthat

well now that Chuck E. Cheese have 3 headed people cutting off their head and gay guys peeing in pizza I guess we just need to leave them at home... lock the doors, they'll be aiight

I don't have a problem with it as long as the parents keep them under control. When I have my baby we will probably bring him out to a lot of restaurants so I really cant object to others doing the same. I just hope my kid isn't a big crier. I've seen some babies out in public who cry and cry and the parents can't figure out what the kid wants. If my son is like that I will try not to bring him out unless it's neccesary. I understand how a crying baby can disturb others. My friend has a 6 month old son who never cries. As long as his tummy is full and he has a fresh diaper he is happy and they can take him anywhere without causing a disturbance.
What irks me the most though is when people bring their kids into restaurants with no shoes on, hair not combed etc. I was in a restaurant a few years ago where this couple brought in a little girl about 4 or 5 and she was in her pajamas. If you bring your kid to a public place at least make them look presentable. Maybe this makes me a clean freak or something but I will never bring my child out in public without fresh clothes on.

They don't bother me unless they're like, screaming and acting up.

They don't bother me unless they're like, screaming and acting up.
:yeahthat

I was in a restaurant a few years ago where this couple brought in a little girl about 4 or 5 and she was in her pajamas. If you bring your kid to a public place at least make them look presentable. Maybe this makes me a clean freak or something but I will never bring my child out in public without fresh clothes on.
Amen! Some might not agree, but I don't think little girls should be allowed to go out in public with out a shirt on...I've seen so many parents just bring their kids in with diapers, and that's cute for a picture, but in the big scheme of things, put some clothes on 'em.

They don't bother me as long as the parents are making them behave

I'd object to a rowdy drunk crowd and/or smoking before I objected to babies.

I was at a Ruby Tuesday the other night and some Omish came in and brought about 9 kids in with them and the kids just went crazy and started jumping on the tables and throwing food. I think I will go with smokers and rowdy drunks to eat with instead of wild children.

I was at a Ruby Tuesday the other night and some Omish came in and brought about 9 kids in with them and the kids just went crazy and started jumping on the tables and throwing food. I think I will go with smokers and rowdy drunks to eat with instead of wild children.
you expect us to believe that an AMISH family came into Ruby Tuesdays and suddenly their kids threw caution to the wind, went against what they had been raised to believe, and all 9 children jumped on the tables and started throwing food?


:rolleyes:

you expect us to believe that an AMISH family came into Ruby Tuesdays and suddenly their kids threw caution to the wind, went against what they had been raised to believe, and all 9 children jumped on the tables and started throwing food?


:rolleyes:
:lol:

They don't bother me unless they're being total brats and making a scene.

you expect us to believe that an AMISH family came into Ruby Tuesdays and suddenly their kids threw caution to the wind, went against what they had been raised to believe, and all 9 children jumped on the tables and started throwing food?


:rolleyes:
Yea it doesn't make sense. Their are a lot of Amish up here in PA and their kids are usually very well behaved.

Yea it doesn't make sense. Their are a lot of Amish up here in PA and their kids are usually very well behaved.
This is a very generalized statement and I realize that: but most of the time, that is all they know. I had a family come in one night when I use to work at a grocery store and they all wore green polo shirts, and the children all lined up, 2 by 2, over at the side and didn't say a word.

Plus, Miss Golden is a pathalogical liar. So it makes sence.

I was at a Ruby Tuesday the other night and some Omish came in and brought about 9 kids in with them and the kids just went crazy and started jumping on the tables and throwing food. I think I will go with smokers and rowdy drunks to eat with instead of wild children.
:rolleyes:

:rolleyes:

Rowdy Amish kids. :eek: I don't believe it. :rolleyes:

When did they start going into restaurants. Where did they park their horse and buggy :lol:

I didn't even think Amish people went into restaurants. I've always heard that they want as little to do with the outside world as possible and that they mainly keep to themselves.

I didn't even think Amish people went into restaurants. I've always heard that they want as little to do with the outside world as possible and that they mainly keep to themselves.
I don't know about restaurants. I have seen them in stores and out on the road before.

I don't know about restaurants. I have seen them in stores and out on the road before.

I've seen them out on the road too in their buggies while visiting by brother in Pennsylvania. He told me that none of them own cars of their own but they will except a ride in a car if some sort of emergency comes up. I certainly can't picture them in restaurants or any other place for that matter getting out of control and throwing things around. In fact I've heard that the parents are strict disciplinarians and will use the paddle if need be. Very interesting way to live. I wouldn't mind trying it for a week or two.

Today the Amish live like most of us, I seldom see Amish anymore that still travel on a horse with a wagon, most drive modest cars and even eat at restaurant chains like Ruby Tuesday. Some still eat at the Wal-Mart snack bar, so I guess these were the Higher-class Amish at Ruby Tuesday.

Today the Amish live like most of us, I seldom see Amish anymore that still travel on a horse with a wagon, most drive modest cars and even eat at restaurant chains like Ruby Tuesday. Some still eat at the Wal-Mart snack bar, so I guess these were the Higher-class Amish at Ruby Tuesday.
Here in PA I see quite a lot of them in their horse and buggy. I have seen some at Walmart but its mostly the adults. I don't see the kids to much. They pretty much keep to themselves. But even if they eat at restaurants, it is their right. This is America afterall.

Some still eat at the Wal-Mart snack bar, so I guess these were the Higher-class Amish at Ruby Tuesday.

Of course, they're Higher-class, that explains everything! I bet they think they own the whole damn town.

They don't bother me :)

nasty little buggers are always stealing food offn mah plate :cuss:

*gets out can of RAID*

I was at a Ruby Tuesday the other night and some Omish came in and brought about 9 kids in with them and the kids just went crazy and started jumping on the tables and throwing food. I think I will go with smokers and rowdy drunks to eat with instead of wild children.

Riiiiight. Somebody needs to lay off the OxyContins.

Riiiiight. Somebody needs to lay off the OxyContins.

:rotflmao:

I don't mind kids eating in restaurants unless they're out of control and bothering people in other tables.

I have a baby so it doesnt bother me at all. I dont care what other people think, shes a baby, if shes gonna cry shes gonna cry.

I voted for the first, but only when the parents AREN'T keeping them in check. If a parent will let their kids run around and yell, then yes I do have a problem with it, but if the kids are on good behavior, that's a different thing altogether.

It depends on the childs behavior.

I have a baby so it doesnt bother me at all. I dont care what other people think, shes a baby, if shes gonna cry shes gonna cry.

well, there's a difference between a screaming baby and a precocious 3 year old who is running around and disturbing other people at their tables.

Riiiiight. Somebody needs to lay off the OxyContins.
:brent

If the kid is loud and obnoxious, I object. If they behave, I have no problem.

I couldn't vote because my answer would be: No, as long as they are well behaved or the parents have control and not the child.
I second this!

I am not usually bothered by children AS LONG AS the parent(s) have them under control. If they teach their children good manners while they are in public, then it is really good. I've seen too many wild and "running around" kids, and the parents don't say a word! Sheesh! :rolleyes:

As for babies, then they are different. Babies will always be crying because they cannot help it. That is their only mode of communication. I don't mind when babies cry.

I was at a Ruby Tuesday the other night and some Omish came in and brought about 9 kids in with them and the kids just went crazy and started jumping on the tables and throwing food. I think I will go with smokers and rowdy drunks to eat with instead of wild children.
Oh my Miss Golden, that's an interesting dream you had! Tell me...Did you get down 'n dirty with the father afterwards in the playroom at Chuck E. Cheese? :confused:

The beauty of living in New York City is that if you want to, (with careful planning) you can happily drink, dine and go about your life without having to deal with children.

;)


Ah........ paradise! :lol:

Oh my Miss Golden, that's an interesting dream you had! Tell me...Did you get down 'n dirty with the father afterwards in the playroom at Chuck E. Cheese? :confused:
:rofl:

Oh my Miss Golden, that's an interesting dream you had! Tell me...Did you get down 'n dirty with the father afterwards in the playroom at Chuck E. Cheese? :confused:
:brent

Oh my Miss Golden, that's an interesting dream you had! Tell me...Did you get down 'n dirty with the father afterwards in the playroom at Chuck E. Cheese? :confused:

:brent :brent :brent

That's the funniest thing I've read all week. :lol:

:brent :brent :brent

That's the funniest thing I've read all week. :lol:
:rotflmao: Just hope no one got hurt there...

Oh my Miss Golden, that's an interesting dream you had! Tell me...Did you get down 'n dirty with the father afterwards in the playroom at Chuck E. Cheese? :confused:


HE does come up with some dillys doesn't he? As Rob says, I think somebody doubled their prescription! ;)

Oh my Miss Golden, that's an interesting dream you had! Tell me...Did you get down 'n dirty with the father afterwards in the playroom at Chuck E. Cheese? :confused:


:brent

:D Thank you! You guys are a great crowd! *takes bow* I'll be here all of next week! :cool:

I don't mind Children's/Baby Restaurants just as long as the tables and chairs aren't built for their height. It's a b*tch getting in and out of those wittle chairs........:cuss:

:D Thank you! You guys are a great crowd! *takes bow* I'll be here all of next week! :cool:

:lol:

:D Thank you! You guys are a great crowd! *takes bow* I'll be here all of next week! :cool:
We have to try to get on our wild side. :lol:

I just noticed this poll will close on 10-20-2020 :lol:

I just noticed this poll will close on 10-20-2020 :lol:


Get yer votes in NOW folks - avoid the last minute rush!!!

Get yer votes in NOW folks - avoid the last minute rush!!!

Tries to avoid the stampede of voters rushing to vote :eek:


:lol:

I just noticed this poll will close on 10-20-2020 :lol:
:rofl:

Thats good. It will give some of these children a chance to grow up and then they can vote in the poll. :lol:

:rofl:

Thats good. It will give some of these children a chance to grow up and then they can vote in the poll. :lol:
:crying: "I remember when...!"

:rofl:

Thats good. It will give some of these children a chance to grow up and then they can vote in the poll. :lol:

:rofl:

Miss Golden, I just noticed (since you made this poll public) that you voted: "Yes, they still disturb me and I have children." How can a 12 year old boy have children?

Will the lies EVER stop?

Miss Golden, I just noticed (since you made this poll public) that you voted: "Yes, they still disturb me and I have children." How can a 12 year old boy have children?

Will the lies EVER stop?


He's lived a 1000 lives?? All not his own of course. ;)

:crying: "I remember when...!"


Don't worry. This won't happen for another 15 years. :(

well im not a fan of babies or even kids for that matter so i prefer not to have them around when i am in restaurants

They don't bother me but I do find it annoying when they scream, cry, etc...
It also bothers me when the parents let them run around and everything.
Overall, they don't prevent me from eating and enjoying my evening one bit.

They never really seem to annoy me. A resturant isn't a place that I need to be perfectly quiet. If the kids are really misbehaved or if it's a fancy place they should stay out.

I hate it when your at a booth and there is a kid at the booth behind you that is staring at you and watching everything you do. I just want to slap them when they do that.

http://www-psych.stanford.edu/~gablab/people/moriahphotos/SF/LakeParty2.JPG

I hate it when your at a booth and there is a kid at the booth behind you that is staring at you and watching everything you do. I just want to slap them when they do that.

http://www-psych.stanford.edu/~gablab/people/moriahphotos/SF/LakeParty2.JPG


'Sup with the pic?? Please don't say you're the Asian gal in the bikini! ;)

'Sup with the pic?? Please don't say you're the Asian gal in the bikini! ;)

Well, I will keep that a secret, but I am not ruling out the possiblity that we are one in the same.

Well, I will keep that a secret, but I am not ruling out the possiblity that we are one in the same.


Nothin' would surprise me! :woohoo:

Nothin' would surprise me! :woohoo:

:rotflmao: Maybe she's everyone in the picture. Although we're missing a black female.

miss golden is actually all six of those people depending upon which day of the week it is.

miss golden is actually all six of those people depending upon which day of the week it is.
i think he's the tent

Kids in fancy restaurants and other public places don't bother me unless they're being loud and obnoxious. I don't really blame the kids for their behavior. It's the PARENTS' responsability to keep their kids under control and teach them proper manners and respect. It's a shame that more and more parents these days can't be bothered to discipline their kids and expect the world to gush over their "perfect little angels".

Like someone else said here, I still prefer the kids over loud, obnoxious adults and smokers :)

You know what really irritates me? People who are constant complainers. Everything is always wrong and they make a loud fuss with the wait staff. I hate dining with them because they're embarrassing. My grandmother is like that and I just want to curl up and die.

What irks me the most though is when people bring their kids into restaurants with no shoes on, hair not combed etc. I was in a restaurant a few years ago where this couple brought in a little girl about 4 or 5 and she was in her pajamas. If you bring your kid to a public place at least make them look presentable. Maybe this makes me a clean freak or something but I will never bring my child out in public without fresh clothes on.

That's not even sanitary.

My mom wouldn't even let me out of the house with sweat pants on (heck, she wouldn't now and I'm 25), so you're not the only one.