babies in higher end restaurants (Atlanta, Forest Park: neighborhoods, food, dinner)

[Go Blue 99]

We have friends flying down to Atlanta to visit us in a few weeks. They are foodies and we would like to do a nicer restaurant for dinner. They have a 1 year old baby, as do we. When we go out to nice restaurants, we normally leave our baby with grandparents, but that won’t be an option that weekend.

What is the general rule regarding babies and nicer restaurants in Atlanta? Frowned upon? Or okay if you are doing an early dinner (we are thinking 6 pm)? I’m not talking very high end like Bacchanalia, but more in the $$ range. Or in other words, a well-reviewed restaurant that isn’t a national chain.

[ericsonga]

Originally Posted by Go Blue 99

We have friends flying down to Atlanta to visit us in a few weeks. They are foodies and we would like to do a nicer restaurant for dinner. They have a 1 year old baby, as do we. When we go out to nice restaurants, we normally leave our baby with grandparents, but that won’t be an option that weekend.

What is the general rule regarding babies and nicer restaurants in Atlanta? Frowned upon? Or okay if you are doing an early dinner (we are thinking 6 pm)? I’m not talking very high end like Bacchanalia, but more in the $$ range. Or in other words, a well-reviewed restaurant that isn’t a national chain.

I think that you will be fine with the time that you are going. It seems that you may be going to more moderate restaurants, which will be more open to receiving families. Have a great time!

[convextech]

Hire a babysitter. Don't do that to your fellow diners, who are also paying high dollar for a meal.

[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.

[Clayton white guy]

OuiOui is very correct. If your children are as "energetic" as my young children, I would suggest maybe a nice lunch in the same establishment. Have a wonderful time either way!

[JPD]

Just go to Virginia-Highland or Decatur. Those places are crawling with babies and kids, so yours will barely even be noticed.

[Go Blue 99]

Originally Posted by JPD

Just go to Virginia-Highland or Decatur. Those places are crawling with babies and kids, so yours will barely even be noticed.

We may end up doing Iberian Pig in Decatur.

[bigstick]

Originally Posted by Go Blue 99

We have friends flying down to Atlanta to visit us in a few weeks. They are foodies and we would like to do a nicer restaurant for dinner. They have a 1 year old baby, as do we. When we go out to nice restaurants, we normally leave our baby with grandparents, but that won’t be an option that weekend.

What is the general rule regarding babies and nicer restaurants in Atlanta? Frowned upon? Or okay if you are doing an early dinner (we are thinking 6 pm)? I’m not talking very high end like Bacchanalia, but more in the $$ range. Or in other words, a well-reviewed restaurant that isn’t a national chain.

Very much frowned upon, sorry. Some restaurants in certain "millennial" neighborhoods have actually quit serving dinner because of screaming children.

[Pemgin]

Please don't.

[Clayton white guy]

Not serving dinner? Does that make them like Anne and Bill's in downtown Forest Park? I love meat and three lunch places!