If you are looking for something a bit different and your kids are willing to be a little adventerous I suggest these to places
http://www.toirockinthaifood.com/sunset/
Great Toi food, funky artsty inside usually showing some cool 80's movie last time it was Goonies. Fun thing all the servers totally look like actors or are in bands
http://www.mounoftunisrestaurant.com/client/mounoftunis/homepage.htm
Middle Eastern food might sound a bit intimatedating but its lots of roast chicken and other foods you know with a twist. Best part you can eat with your fingers, but don't worry they give you water and a towel to wash your hands first
If you are looking for something simpler
Check out Johnny Rocket's there is one at Hollywood and Highland in the shopping center, but I prefer driving to the one on Melrose so you can sit outside and people watch.
Hard Rock Cafe and other places are up the way at Universal City Walk don't want to drive take the ride line right by H&H complex its a quick trip. Its also a fun place to just hang out, shop and see stuff, its like a more film based version of DTD (Disney actually took the idea from Universal haha!)
Want to eat and have some fun? Check out Lucky Stike. Its also at H&H and its a funky and very cool Bowling Alley that also serves some great food. We went for my birthday and had a great time!
What kinds of food do you like I might be able to come up with a few more things. If you don't mind driving I might have a few more places for you like Pasadenas Old Town is also a cool place to walk around that has a lot of great food.
For Santa Monica I say go to the Third Street Pomande there is alot to chose from there and its another fun walk.
