Kid-tested, mother approved: Try these when dining with children
(From left) Jordan Cambell and Danny Warner munch on some burgers at Smash Burger in Orem, Thursday, April 1, 2010. With In-N-Out, Five Guys, Smash Burger, along with a slew of other burger joints, Orem is quickly becoming a slider mecca in the valley. PATRICK SMITH/Daily Herald
The Beehive Burger at Smash Burger in Orem, Thursday, April 1, 2010. With In-N-Out, Five Guys, Smash Burger, along with a slew of other burger joints, Orem is quickly becoming a slider mecca in the valley. PATRICK SMITH/Daily Herald
Summer’s last sun-drenched days are upon us, and in just a few weeks school will start again. If you want to take your kids on one last summer lunch date, August is the perfect time to do so. Although one well-behaved child can probably dine anywhere, taking a brood of hoodlums out to eat requires some skill and planning. Luckily, there are a number of kid-friendly restaurants in Utah. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Café Zupas
If you want your children to like salad, this is the place to get them hooked. Zupas has a good selection of fruit-topped, gourmet greens. Our favorite salad is the Nuts About Berries (www.zupas.com/nuts-about-berries), made with raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, cinnamon almonds, romaine lettuce and poppyseed dressing. For picky palates, there are also plenty of mild soups and sandwiches. Pairing the Tomato Basil with Orzo Pasta soup with the Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwich (a blend of cheddar and Muenster cheeses, with tomatoes and a pesto spread) might make for the ultimate comfort meal. Soups and salads come in half sizes for pint-sized appetites, and one of the restaurant’s signature chocolate-dipped strawberries makes for a lovely mini dessert.
55 S. State St., Orem, (801) 221-7648, and other Utah locations, www.zupas.com
Chili’s
Chili’s is a sit-down restaurant that’s ideal for noisy children because of its already-noisy atmosphere. Kids will have to shout fairly loud to be heard over the clanking of dishes and the blaring music. (We’re not saying kids can’t make a scene at Chili’s — they certainly can — we are just noting that extra volume is needed.) Chili’s Pepper Pals Kid’s Menu has nearly a dozen entrees, with items such as chicken crispers, quesadillas, macaroni and cheese, corn dogs, burgers and cheese pizza. Little ones can also nibble on appetizers like Loaded Potato Skins or Bottomless Chips and Salsa, then dig into a Molten Chocolate Cake for dessert. Just make sure they share with you.
765 W. State Road, American Fork, (801) 756-7581, and other Utah locations, www.chilis.com
Costa Vida
The Costa Vida location adjoining Fat Cats bowling alley in Provo is one of the valley’s most kid-friendly casual restaurants because of the small, enclosed play area adjacent to the restaurant. You can order your food at the counter, then eat at the tables inside the toy area while your kids play. Costa Vida has a kids’ menu featuring a few popular menu items served with beans, rice and a drink. Adults don’t need to compromise on flavor, either, with a large assortment of made-to-order Mexican fare. We love the Grilled Chicken Tacos, served on handmade tortillas with lettuce and pico de gallo. Paired with cilantro lime rice and black beans, this meal is a little slice of culinary heaven.
1200 N. University Ave., Provo, (801) 373-1876, and other Utah locations, www.costavida.net
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Although not the healthiest eating option in Utah County, Five Guys is certainly one of the tastiest. The menu is simple — fries, a few sandwiches, and hot dogs and burgers — and the atmosphere is casual. Your little ones can help themselves to the buckets of peanuts in the dining room while waiting for their order to be prepared. And although the menu is limited, the fries, kosher hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches are mild enough for even the pickiest eaters. For adults, the hamburgers come with an impressive choice of fixin’s, such as hot sauce, jalapeño peppers, grilled onions and mushrooms, and steak and barbecue sauce.
1051 S. 750 East, Orem, (801) 765-7556, and other Utah locations, www.fiveguys.com