Going out to dinner with young kids is not the most relaxing experience in the world. First, there is the anxiety: Are they going to behave? Are they going to scream and run around? What will the other diners think of you as a parent? Then, there's the actual experience: Uh oh, they don't have chicken nuggets even though chicken nuggets were promised and little Brayden is now writhing on the floor.
I've avoided chain restaurants for years, but I've become more familiar with them since my teenagers started requesting to visit spots like Chili's and Applebee's. My 17-year-old son and his girlfriend often hit their favorite ones on date nights, and have long been singing their praises for BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse - a chain my husband and I had yet to visit.
On average, 67% of consumers either dine in or order out from restaurants at least once a week. However, for couples with kids, that number jumps to 80%, Technomic found.Conversely, adults living with a spouse and no children, or those living alone, report below-average weekly restaurant visits, at 65% and 63%, respectively. The increased reliance on restaurants suggests that dining out is more than a luxury for busy families with children; it is instead a "routine coping mechanism," according to Technomic.
Going out to dinner as a family of four can cost more money than you might think. Since prices are consistently rising, too, knowing which chain restaurants can be relied upon for a meal that's tasty and affordable is helpful. After all, many chains offer family meals, kids menus, and discounts for older people (among potential deals). Other chains have generally lower prices when it comes to full meals, reducing the likely cost for a family dining experience.
The past decade has seen Atlanta grow into a dynamic dining city, with restaurants garnering James Beard Awards and Michelin stars. But it's not just the great food that makes this a parent-friendly place - it's the warm hospitality. Unless a restaurant explicitly says otherwise, most welcome kids in their dining rooms and put parents at ease. Children are part of the fabric of Atlanta's culinary scene.
My husband and I have never been big on chain restaurants, but our teenagers love visiting them, so we've tried quite a few in recent years. Luckily, plenty have pleasantly surprised us, from upscale steakhouses like Ruth's Chris to surprisingly affordable spots like Waffle House. Now, we sometimes even look forward to checking out different chains - especially on double dates with our son and his girlfriend. The four of us regularly go to see a movie and get dinner at a restaurant near the theater.
Mystic Fish Camp combines laid-back family dining with bold culinary innovation, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and New England traditions.
The mini cheeseburgers from Texas Roadhouse received criticism for their flavorless patties and overpowering cheese, contrasting with the more favorable Andy's Steak Ranger Meal.
