babies in higher end restaurants (Atlanta, Decatur: movies, deed, shop)

[Iconographer]

Get a sitter.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by OuiOui

It depends on the temperament of the baby. When my son first turned 1, we had no problem taking him with us to nice restaurants. His presence didn't disturb the other diners at all. He was very quiet and observant. We would bring separate snacks/drink for him to munch on until the food came out, and he did just fine.

Now, as an almost 2-yr old, it's a completely different story. You know your child better than anyone, so how do you think your baby will behave? Same goes for your friend's baby. That should answer your question. Don't worry too much about what's "frowned upon". If your baby can sit quietly throughout the meal, then go ahead and bring him/her. If any other diners are somehow bothered by the sight of a sweet child, who cares.

If your baby is a little ball of energy, to put it kindly, then try to eat at the earliest possible dinner time, before it gets crowded.

Depends on your kids. There was a time we couldn't take ours out-we couldn't enjoy it-around the time they were 2. You aren't going to Baccanahlia, you're going to a middle price restaurant, so don't worry about the other diners. Some of them will frown if you bring 12 year olds or dress up too much or too little. As long as they aren't throwing food or kicking the neighbors chairs...

[jeoff]

Go early on a nice day. Be prepared to eat in shifts. If the baby is fussy, one sits outside with the baby, the other eats.

[Tarzanman]

It depends on the kid and it depends on the atmosphere of the place and it can also depend on the time of day.

If you're eating at a nice, but noisy place then a table in a corner where a kids shouts are unlikely to add much to the din will probably be just fine.

However, a place with close quarters and a very vocal tyke might not be considerate to the other diners.

All things considered, this is a nice problem to have. Many of us with kids can't afford such nice places on the regular ;-)

[OuiOui]

Originally Posted by bu2

Depends on your kids. There was a time we couldn't take ours out-we couldn't enjoy it-around the time they were 2. You aren't going to Baccanahlia, you're going to a middle price restaurant, so don't worry about the other diners. Some of them will frown if you bring 12 year olds or dress up too much or too little. As long as they aren't throwing food or kicking the neighbors chairs...

That age 2 is just the best AND the worst age!

Good luck to the OP and to your friends from out of town. Let us know where you decide to go! Maybe I'll take mine out with me to a nice place in another 2 years...

[vince217]

i would personally hire a sitter.

however, if thats absolutely not an option... you can call up the restaurant and ask if they have high chairs for children. Generally if they have high chairs on hand, then they are welcoming to kids.

[AtlJan]

I don't see why you'd do this to yourself when you don't get to see these friends very often. With two babies, you'll get no time to visit and will be totally distracted the entire time. I'm sure you could find a cool taco or burger place that is full of kids, that's not the issue so much. . .but Iberian Pig is nice enough where you are going to be distracting others and/or totally worrying if you are about to distract them. Find a sitter and everyone will have a better time.

[Clayton white guy]

Or, as I suggested, go to the restaurant of your choice for lunch. Same food, more family friendly: win-win.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

Get a sitter.

This.

You'll be doing yourself and others a favor.

[Tryska]

Originally Posted by bu2

Depends on your kids. There was a time we couldn't take ours out-we couldn't enjoy it-around the time they were 2. You aren't going to Baccanahlia, you're going to a middle price restaurant, so don't worry about the other diners. Some of them will frown if you bring 12 year olds or dress up too much or too little. As long as they aren't throwing food or kicking the neighbors chairs...

or running up and down the aisles - like at my recent lunch at an upper middle "soccer moms who lunch" restaurant in Cobb.