Questions about Shula's

[POOHDRMR]

My dh is a huge Dolphins fan so for his b-day I wanted to take him to Shula's.We actually got a babysitter because I had heard it was not that kid friendly-I have a 20 month old and a 10 year old.It was dh,myself and my parents and we ate at 6:45.We walked in and were seated next to a family with a 18 month old(I know because I was playing peek a boo with him and started talking to his mom!)He was seated in a highchair and I should have asked his mom if there was a kids menu but I didn't.We talked abit and the waiter heard me say I left my kids with a sitter because I wasn't sure about bringing them and he said kids are welcomed.It was very dark in there though-my mom had trouble reading the menu and the waiter gave her a small flashlight to see it!My father wanted to eat there and my mother(very picky,only likes filet mignon)was not thrilled to go.They have previously eaten at Yachtsmen and thought it was only a little better than a Outback.Well it was excellent.Everyone loved it-DH and I had the new york strip and shared the potato pancake and mushrooms,My mom had the filet with a cognac peppercorn sauce that comes with a different steak(it comes with a bernaise but she doesn't like)she loved it.My dad had the cowboy steak I believe with the lobster mashed potato and grilled onions-he loved every bit of it.My mother has added it to her list for next trip.The total bill was a bit pricey but not for what you get-comparable to a good steak restaurant not someplace like an Outback.I would definetly go back and it was really nice to have a meal without the kids and wouldn't hesitate to use Kids night out babysitting service again-my dd loved the sitter.I would recommend Shula's.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Thank you everyone for all the great info!

For taking the boys out for steak, we will go to Yachtsman. If DH and I decide to do dinner alone one night, we will consider Shula's, or maybe try Blue Zoo. They are so convenient to BWV, it would make sense. We were going to go to California Grill for a date night, but then we decided that we would take the kids there with us too. The boys are used to eating out a minimum of once a week, and sometimes in fancy places. A few weeks ago we went on a 7-night cruise and we ate with them in the main dining room every night, for 2 hour and longer dinners, and they were fine every night. A couple of times we even took them to one of the fancier restaurants on the ship, but for lunch one time and once for a jazz brunch...they were very well-behaved and we got compliments everywhere we went, from passengers and from crew members. So, I know they would be able to handle Yachtsman and Cali Grill.

As far as the prices at Shula's, they are not shocking to me...I have eaten in expensive steakhouses here in NYC, so to me it is not higher than I am used to paying.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

"Shula's projects an adult environment that may not appeal to children. It has a children's menu but you must ask for it. It provides 2 hours of child care for those who choose not to take their children there. All of this is true."

Thanks for proving my point. Why would a restaurant do all this if they want families with children to dine there?

Arguing with me over semantics is silly. Jumping on narrow or literal interpretations of my language does not prove your point.

I stand by my opinion (yes opinion) that Shula's is a not a kid-friendly restaurant.

"I believe in my observation, the staff has always gone out of the way to treat the families with little ones a little better (maybe a little more attentive, a little quicker)."

I think this points to them wanting to get the kids out as quick as possible.

When I think of a restaurant being kid-friendly to me it means that it is not uncommon to see multiple tables with children. It means that other diners expect to see children there or at the very least are not surprised at their presence. It means the restaurant caters to children with child specific menus with child pleasing special menu items/table activites/drinking vessels etc. It means that the restaurant wants children to dine there. It has nothing to with the staff of a restaurant being nice to families with children.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

"I believe in my observation, the staff has always gone out of the way to treat the families with little ones a little better (maybe a little more attentive, a little quicker)."

I think this points to them wanting to get the kids out as quick as possible.

The wait staff has always seemed to love the families I've seen and their getting these families out a little quicker is a negative how exactly? Families generally want speedier service and Shula's gives it. Again, how is that a negative.

But we all get our opinion around here and mine is based on over a dozen visits at this restaurant, having grown up with kids at WDW, having one kid whom we could always take anywhere and one whom we couldn't.

Lastly, to the OP, as I said earlier (although not to you), if you're looking for a great steak dinner why go to a restaurant just as expensive that serves an inferior grade steak? Just makes no sense to me ... Even though the ambiance at Yachtsman's is nice.

 

[JimmyV]

I stand by my opinion (yes opinion) that Shula's is a not a kid-friendly restaurant.

That is not the opinion that I called you out on. My comments have been limited to your statement that Shula's frowns on children dining there. That is very, very different from not being kid-friendly. Had you started out with that opinion, or revised your original statement to this latter position, I would have agreed with you.

I think this points to them wanting to get the kids out as quick as possible.

I think your position has now officially jumped the shark.