Is It Okay to Bring Your Toddler to a Fancy Restaurant?

Top 5

26 Votes

If it's a very high dollar place, I say no. People are going out of their way to have a quiet, romantic or business dinner w/ no distractions, not even a cute, quiet toddler.There are plenty of restaurants for families.Let there be some haven w/o kids!

Sharon P added this item on March 18, 2010

Brandy R commented on March 18, 2010 - I agree, but as a parent with children who CAN behave out in public, I don't want to have to go to a "family restaurant" because I have children. I don't have bad children, I don't want want to be around others who do.

Anette M voted on March 18, 2010

Lindsey S commented on March 19, 2010 - I agree Brandy! We have 2 children and they behave wonderfully, they enjoy going out (they're almost 4 and 1). Why should I go to a "family" restaurant and deal with the other children that scream? I want a nice steak too & to enjoy it with my family!

Love2Read K voted on March 19, 2010

Love2Read K commented on March 19, 2010 - My husband and I were recently at a nice restaurant, looking for the quiet dinner. On the menu it asked people not to use their cell phone. BUT there was a couple with a screaming baby AND bored toddler. Even the best behaved child will have it's moment

Bely R voted on March 24, 2010

OurFamilyStone commented on March 24, 2010 - My parents took us to very expensive places growing up and we behaved well, if we didn't we knew the consequence was leaving & punishment. If parents respond to (-) behavior properly there is no reason kids can't be good and eat in a fancy restuarant to

Mommy B commented on April 7, 2010 - "Not even a cute, quiet toddler"...what is the distraction there? Are you offended by SEEING one? hahaha...You are nuts! However parents, in ANY restaurant, if your kid is misbehaving, take them outside.

Megan S commented on April 8, 2010 - We have 2 teenagers as well as a 9 month old (surprise!). For most restaurants we bring our baby along, however, there are some restaurants where it is not appropriate. Our rule: if men are required to wear a jacket it's a no kid zone.

Megan S voted on April 8, 2010

B voted on April 9, 2010

B commented on April 9, 2010 - I've been to some nice places and had to endure someones little 'darling' screaming, crying, wandering (even into the kitchen), crawling under tables. Some people are too cheap to hire a sitter so everyone has to suffer. Wait till they are 10 yrs old.

Hell on Heels voted on April 13, 2010

Hell on Heels commented on April 13, 2010 - We take our well-behaved 7 year old to nicer restaurants, but we wouldn't dream of taking her to a jacket-required place. She needs something to look forward to as an adult! People taking their young kids EVERYWHERE is obnoxious and overbearing.

Riley H voted on April 21, 2010

Martha R commented on April 22, 2010 - I agree. It would be insensitive to everyone else to bring a toddler to a very fancy restaruant. When we splurge on a babysitter, I don't want to see other kids either. It is not like they have a good time, so it is just selfish all the way around.

Jeanne W voted on April 24, 2010

Karen J commented on April 28, 2010 - We've taken our kids to very fancy restaurants. Just because they're toddlers does not necessarily mean that they can't behave. Ours don't bother anyone.

D K voted on May 11, 2010

Alison F voted on May 20, 2010

Cheryl N voted on June 22, 2010

Cecelia P voted on June 24, 2010

Julie M voted on June 29, 2010

Kaye S voted on July 6, 2010

Nicole P voted on July 17, 2010

Mama commented on July 20, 2010 - LOL this makes me think... some adults are worse then children.

Kate A voted on July 24, 2010

Ritee R voted on July 30, 2010

Jill O voted on August 1, 2010

Betty O voted on August 12, 2010

Jen voted on August 17, 2010

Sammy L. voted on August 19, 2010

Tina F commented on August 20, 2010 - NO

Faye W voted on August 25, 2010

chicagoMama voted on September 14, 2010

Laynie H voted on December 9, 2010

Jillian M voted on January 19, 2011

Suzanne H voted on November 18, 2011

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Is It Okay to Bring Your Toddler to a Fancy Restaurant?

Top 5

If it's a very high dollar place, I say no. People are going out of their way to have a quiet, romantic or business dinner w/ no distractions, not even a cute, quiet toddler.There are plenty of restaurants for families.Let there be some haven w/o kids!

If they know how to act. You need to teach your children how to behave in public and to do that you need to take them out. I'm sure every child is different as far as what can be expected of them & when...but it is a lesson that needs to be taught.

I say no. Not to a high dollar restaurant.High dollar restaurants aren't places for children. They are for adults, no matter how well behaved your child is. If you wanna take them out, pick something nice, but still family friendly.

Absolutely! It's a public place and it's your choice. When it was just us and our first born, we used to take him with us all the time. But, after my 2nd was born, I chose not to only because I didn't think it would be enjoyable for us.

I take my kids everywhere with me, but mine don't act up when we are out cause it's a treat. But also, we don't have the $$$ to go to a super high end place & if it's a place that my kids can't go - I wouldn't want to be around the "snobs" anyways!!!

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No, please no. I actually get upset when this happens. My husband and I work very hard to afford to go and have a rare romantic evening. This is why there are family restaurants. I love children, i have four of my own. You still need adult nights!

As a veteran server/bartender/manager of high end dining yes you can BUT bring your own entertainment, do not expect them to have much kid friendly food or juice, be considerate of other diners! remove your child promptly during a meltdown. :)

I would not take my child to a fancy restaurant. Family restaurant YES.. Fine dining no. Just imagine..your husband taking you out for your anniversary..You finally have a babysitter..It's your time together.. You've been craving quiet..romantic.

That depends. I work at a fancy restaurant, and we all enjoy a cute, well-behaved toddler. If your toddler can not stay in a high chair or will have a fit, then for everyone's sake, stay home.

If you are willing to pay for a fancy dinner then you don't want to hear a toddler arguing his their parents or fuss about the food. However if the restaurant provides highchairs then they are trying to cater to families and it's fair game.

Public place has nothing to do with it! A bar is a public place, would you take your kid there? No matter how well behaved the toddler is - NO. Parents that go to a high end restaurant sent the kid(s) to a babysitter for a reason, not to have kids around!

Just ask yourself, if you and your sweetie were on a quiet romantic date, would you want to have a family with small children at the table next to YOU?

It depends on your child. I say yes, but... go early enough they won't be overtired or over hungry, bring a snack, bring quiet activities like coloring, set up very specific rules before hand like use your "restaurant voice", no getting up from the table

Yes&No. Yes, to teach them how to behave in that setting. No, If you're @ a high end place ($100+ for a 2ppl meal), I don't want a toddler near to me babbling, crying and dropping food on the floor.

Yes, as long as the parents are willing to take turns taking the child out of the dining area when she or he is unable to sit while waiting for the food. But, that's our family policy no matter the price range of the restaurant!

As long as they are well-behaved, I don't have a problem with it. If your kid is acting like a brat, even at McDonald's, you need to take him/her home.

We enjoy eating out with our kids. But we always make sure that the places we go & the lessons they are learning are fair. It's ok to take a kid to a fancy restaurant just be sure the menu has something they'll eat and enjoy. Why set them up for upset?

Yes, if they are well-behaved. My children are invariably better behaved at a mellow adult-oriented restaurant than at a wild "kids" restaurant. Go during one of their quieter times and be prepared to promptly depart if your child is having a bad day.

It's not right to take your toddler to a fancy restaurant. It's not fun for your child, and it's designed to be adults only. If you want to have dinner out with your kids - as we often do - go to a family friendly place - there are MANY!

Wait a minute...people can have a toddler AND enough disposable income for a high-end restaurant? I didn't know that was possible!

Yes, But early 5:00-5:30

People have different definitions of "fancy". We will take our kids to a few, because they have a separate bar area for adults and they have a section thats a little more family friendly. But if its really a date night place, no way.

Yes, but be prepared to leave in the middle of the meal if the child is loud - no reason to deny yourself but no reason to annoy other patrons either

Yes, I take mine all the time (my mother belongs to a country club) she calls ahead to let them know we are coming and they just sit us in a separate area - no big deal.

I guess that would depend on the restaurant that you are going to. I can't leave my dd or ds with someone so they will come with. And my son is mild autistic with add. LOL... so I'll just give you a look if you give me one. ;O)

Yes! As long as your child behaves and if there is any issues you remove the child from the restaurant immediately. If there are high chairs that is a good indication you are welcome as long as everyone behaves.

There are places you can take your kids to in order to give them the education they need to behave in public. Expensive fancy restaurants are not training grounds for toddlers. Sizzler, olive garden, fresh choice, chevy's are better choices at first.

YES

If they have been to family friendly & all went well, go for it. Ask to be seated in corner or by kitchen where it is already a bit noisy. Be prepared to pack it up and take it to go if they get loud. We have been very successful & had many GREAT meals!!

I've done both. Depends entirely on the situ. ESPECIALLY out of country, yes I do. In Rome & Hong Kong, for exp, toddlers are *expected* (as are infants-teens). Here in the States, it's 50/50 as to whether or not I would. When I have, it's been marvelous.

I RECOMMEND NORTH SHORE PEDIATRIC THERAPY'S BEHAVIOR 9-1-1 IN THIS AND FUTURE SITUATIONS! My friend is the owner. She has a new program called Behavior 911, which helps kids and parents deal with specific behaviors in specific settings. www.nspt4kids.com

yes..teach them young..my mother always brought us to nice restaurants..i do this with my niece..she always acts like a lady..i want her to experience nice things..she has been to capital grille and rouge in philly.

I take my five year old to really nice restaurants. It teaches her what is expected and the types of restaurants that are out there for her. She loves to dress up for a special night. I also pack a little bag with items for her in case of long service.

Absolutely. We are all part of one family. Old and young. Business and pleasure. In Europe it is a natural thing to have children with the parents at restaurants. Children are most welcome everywhere.

Even if your children are really well behaved at restaurants, it's work to make sure they are eating properly, not bored and not irritating other diners. I would save the really fancy restaurants for date night.

Yes. My in-laws took me out for my birthday and I wanted my son there. He behaved well, and flirted with the singer. The place had high chairs, and they can choose to seat you with the other "groups" rather in the two person table areas.

We don't bring ours to nice restaurants. You'd just be uncomfortable anyways.

I think it's fine as long as you can make the mind! Granted, you never know what's gonna happen when you have small children, but that's part of the fun=) Obviously If my child were to act up or cause a scene, I would take them out, but that's anywhere!

As long as they behave themselves, why not?

Sure -- As long as you leave at the first sign of misbehavior. Skip the warnings and follow thru with the "If you don't behave, we're leaving threat"...So few parents actually follow thru.

If a child is well behaved, I have no problem bringing them. If they are going to run around the restaurant and cause a commotion, better off taking them somewhere else.

Yes definitely! It is fun to get all dressed up in pretty clothes and enjoy a nice meal no matter how old (or young) you are. Recently we spent our anniversary at a $$$$ restaurant with our 1 year old and everyone had a blast!!!

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People have different definitions of "fancy". We will take our kids to a few, because they have a separate bar area for adults and they have a section thats a little more family friendly. But if its really a date night place, no way.

Yes, as long as the parents are willing to take turns taking the child out of the dining area when she or he is unable to sit while waiting for the food. But, that's our family policy no matter the price range of the restaurant!

As long as they behave themselves, why not?

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I've done both. Depends entirely on the situ. ESPECIALLY out of country, yes I do. In Rome & Hong Kong, for exp, toddlers are expected (as are infants-teens). Here in the States, it's 50/50 as to whether or not I would. When I have, it's been marvelous.