Thanks for starting the new thread.  I have to go back and read my own posts to remember what I said.  I have to tell you though, as you were the second person to say such good things about CAFE BY THE BAY, I finally went there last week and wish I had much earlier.  They gave us Coloring books and crayons before we even got to our table.  They were unheard-of flexible with offering to split portions, or modify them in any way at all.  Plus a toy goodie before we left. 

O.K.: I don't want to stay on-line too long right now, but in no particular order, here's what comes to mind off the top of my head.  The list changes a little as they get older.

I remember recommending the ANTIQUE SANDWICH CO. for it's good food and juices and play-area stage (except open-mike Tuesdays).  But it has been a mainstay for me many years B.K. and I've been able to witness the owners' kids grow up.  Ditto on every Teriyaki place.  And we like WENDY'S II on Tacoma Mall Blvd., and LE LE's.  E-9"s good when we have the right server.  Heck, even the lounge (lower-level) at JOHNNY'S DOCK.  They do have a kids menu, but really, we only go once a month to hear Maia Santell sing Jazz/Swing with her band.  She loves kids, and we love the jazz.  KICKSTAND CAFE is always a good stop for us.  I'm almost afraid to say this, but the JAVA JIVE can have under-age from 8 to 9, and they have Otter Pops.  We have stopped in once or twice in the past when they open, before people actually show up.  CORINA'S BAKERY for an occasional sweet.  PEGGY's CINNAMON ROLLS at Freighthouse Square.

Great list of criteria by the way.  Mine's pretty much the same.  As they've gotten older, some of the criteria drop-off.  By taking them out early and often, I believe it better-developed their maturity for eating out and has made it easier and easier.  I can't think of any criterion to add.  Crayons and coloring gives them extra points though.  Your fav's give me a few months of exploring.

Last edited by Dave L. (2007-01-29 04:51:28)

Geat new addition:  Paddy Coynes has a restaurant area in back - where kids are welcome.
Nice fire place and big screen soccer!

Wow, some good comments on Ed's thread, but oh man, a few completely idiotic ones.  I'm chompin' at the bit, but better not either.  But I did read it and Pacific Grill just got added to the top of my to-do list.  I’ll try Paddy’s, too.  If Wendy is at Wendy's (and she usually is) she's really friendly, and obviously a great business person.  The kids like the stuff in the display cases and the rolling-ball Buddah fontain.  We like to sit by the fountain at Le-Le's, too.

Last edited by Dave L. (2007-01-29 20:41:38)

We need to go back to the Rosewood.  We've only been there without the kids, I think they would really dig the picnic plate.  I liked the Renaissance, the owner was really cool about sharing plates.