Feeding "kids" at the more expensive restaurants...

[NewbieMouse]

Our twins turned 10 this year, so they have "crossed over" into adult pricing territory. I don't mind for the tickets so much, but I'm considering some sit down restaurants and am loathe to have them order off the adult menus as I know they won't really get their "money's worth", so to speak. I would like to to go Steakhouse 55 but a $30 entree for a 10 year old? Yikes! Any tips for handling this? I guess I could get them to share, but will they charge us extra to do that?

 

[kindakrazy2]

I'm not sure about Steakhouse 55 but many restaurants have a split plate charge (Blue Bayou comes to mind). Another thing to keep in mind about Steakhouse 55 is that you order your meat and sides separately.

I feel your pain though. Kids are expensive little buggers! Love mine to death though!

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

My dd eats like a bird and is over 9 but we still request the kids menu for her. She has never been turned down. Only once have we gotten a werid look from a waiter.

 

[Pucka1378]

We have a very picky 12yo. When we were there last month he still ordered off the kids menu in a few places nobody questioned him on it. He will also just eat an appetizer or side dishes. BUT, he does not eat any meat... unless it is a chicken nugget or beef jerky

 

[707MickeyGirl]

I have also heard that adults can order off the kids menu with no questions. I've done it myself when I wasn't very hungry. I guess that might not work if you were there for Prix Fixe, like for a World of Color seating, though.

 

[Malcon10t]

I have a daughter who will order off the kids menu as an adult. They generally upsize the portion for her.

Steakhouse 55 is actually very accommodating. I took 3 preteens (1-10 and 2-13yos) with healthy appetites there. We ordered kids meals for 2, and a salad for the third, and she shared my ribeye. They we all shared the sides and they got one 24 layer cake to share.

Most of the restaurants are fairly accommodating. The buffets, you will have to pay adult prices, but even if the child orders a kids meal and they upsize it, it is still cheaper than the adult entrees usually.

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

Most places will not charge you (or your children) to "share". They will however charge you to "split". The difference
Share= food comes out on one plate, you are handed an empty plate and you divide up the food
Split= food comes out from the kitchen split equally onto two plates and the server serves both people

 

[algae]

We've ordered off the the kids menus as adults with no problem at the non-buffet places. Of course, we ask if that is ok first. We've never had any problems with that. No dirty looks from the wait staff either.

 

[NewbieMouse]

That's good to hear - thanks, everyone! The chicken dish on the kids menu at Steakhouse 55 would be perfect for them, so I will just confirm that's OK when we order. It seems like such a waste to order all that fancy "adult" food when I know they will neither eat nor really appreciate it!