VIBE: The standard for chophouses in Texas for some time now, this dark wood-paneled and windowless edifice to grilled meats betrays the labyrinth inside, if you try to judge its dimensions based on the exterior. With a wine list that could take a half an hour to read from cover to cover — as well as a menu offering items for those who may not share your enthusiasm towards beef — everyone will leave satisfied and not wanting to eat for days! Tablecloths, good silverware and stemware abound, so keep an eye on the kids.
WHY IT’S TOT-FRIENDLY: Most families don't factor excellent service into judging a restaurant's kid-compatibility rating, but when you have a team of waiters and back waiters at your beck and call, it's a huge advantage when it comes to helping the little ones to expand their palates. Numerous fried appetizers of calamari, oysters, onion rings, shrimp cocktail and the like keep the kids happy and busy while you kill that ribeye.
BE SURE TO TRY: Check out the osso buco (a braised veal shank), the very definition of tender. Also try the turtle soup — but maybe not in front of the kids! And in the “freak your kids out" category, try an order of the steak tartare –- your kids will never look at you the same …
GOOD TO KNOW: A la carte vegetables! What most people think is odd, the practice of not including the veggies in the meal, is a godsend to parents here. Asparagus, creamed corn, angel hair pasta -– are all available as individual dishes. Oh, and don’t forget the punchbowl full of jelly beans — if that isn’t a welcome mat for kids and grown-ups who want to be them, I don’t know what is.
BEST TIME TO GO WITH KIDS: Try going right in the thick of things when the place is jumping. The activity will mask any noise from the kiddos, who will love the people watching — and really, it demystifies the whole idea that you can’t take well-behaved and open-minded kids to nice places.
