Going out to dinner with toddlers is pretty much the equivalent of feeding time at the zoo. You spend the entire time trying to entertain them and keep them from ruining the dinner of the people sitting next to you. You feed them snacks, then they don’t eat their dinner, then they want dessert and somehow you’ve managed to hardly eat a thing (but you did enjoy that margarita!) and ask the waitress for a to-go box and the check – quickly, please. Add in a lack of high chairs, no crayons (gasp!) and cramped spaces and suddenly you’re wishing you had just ordered pizza. Sure, you want to teach your kids how to act in public and they will have to get used to it, but there are times when you just want an enjoyable evening out and for your kids to just be kids.
Luckily, Cincinnati has some great options for a date night with your toddlers. All of these locations have a built-in entertainment factor, a lively atmosphere to match your toddler’s energy level and food choices for both the picky and more adventurous eater. While most Cincinnati restaurants are accommodating to their youngest patrons, these may easily become your child’s new favorites.
Eli’s BBQ – With some of the tastiest BBQ in Cincy, Eli’s has become a local favorite. Most of the seating is outside, so make sure you take your little ones on a nice day. They have high chairs and lots to observe while waiting for your food. Since you’re outside, noise isn’t an issue and my son especially loved the gravel ground covering…which quickly became his own construction site.
Pirate’s Cove – It’s all about the atmosphere at Pirate’s Cove! Right on the river, with a pirate or two roaming around, your toddlers won’t know where to look first. The food is great and so are the drinks for mom and dad. There is also nightly live entertainment and the staff is great with the little ones!
Sky Galley – Or according to my son, the “Plane Restaurant,” Sky Galley combines good food, a historic location and airplanes! Toddlers love airplanes and where they can watch them taxi around, land and take off and also watch for helicopters. We love to combine a trip to Sky Galley with some playtime at the “Land of Make Believe” playground nearby, also at Lunken Airport.
Cabana on the River – Another location that will make you feel like you’re on vacation. Cabana is a westside hotspot and perfect for toddlers. Boaters can dock and walk right up to the restaurant, so there is plenty to observe while waiting for a table or your food. There is live music on the weekends and the loud atmosphere will mask any random screaming or fork banging (or maybe that’s just my kids).
Keystone Bar & Grill – What toddler doesn’t love mac & cheese?! Well, Keystone has the best and that’s not the only reason toddlers will love it. It’s another restaurant that welcomes little ones with open arms. The Hyde Park location especially caters to curious toddlers with an outdoor patio, fountain and the occasional dog visiting with his owner.
Cincinnati is about as kid-friendly as it gets (or so my non-Cincinnati native friends tell me), so you really can’t go wrong when choosing a restaurant for a night out with your young family. But if you feel like kicking back in a fun environment and letting the food and location do the entertaining for you, check out these five local spots and let us know what you think!
