It was hard enough when we were just a couple of crazy kids trying to decide what sounded good. There were plenty of "I don't care"s and "Whatever you want"s and "Just pick something!"s until we would finally make a choice and jump in the car.
- Entertaining atmosphere
- Quick access to food
- Wide variety of meal choices
Koto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi (301 E. Washington Center Road)
Flanagan's knows how to cater to a wide variety of diners. For the adults, they have hearty meals and great drink choices, but they make my list because they also have a bunch of great meal choices for kids, and they've placed a boatload of random stuff on their walls. From the neon signs, to the toy trains, to the authentic carousel horses, my son is consistently entertained just by looking around. Granted, I sometimes wonder if the multitude of stuff blows his mind, but hey, he's having fun.
While the actual room may not be that exciting, the real reason to bring your young ones to the Window Garden is for the amazing view of Fort Wayne from the 13th floor of the One Summit Square building. They offer inexpensive cafeteria-style dining, but you should probably nab a spot near the window to make sure your kids will stay at the table long enough to eat. Chances are, they'll want to keep checking out the view. The Window Garden Cafe is only open for breakfast and lunch, so plan accordingly, but it's a fun way to start your day!
I really tried to stick with locally owned restaurants on this list, but after taking my son to Quaker Steak and Lube, I can't in good conscience leave this one out. Our kid is a car freak, and any restaurant that has a real NASCAR Sprint Cup car right outside its doors is an obvious favorite. But it doesn't stop outside. The interior of Quaker Steak is covered in pictures of cars and car parts, and if the #3 parked outside wasn't enough, there are more vehicles hanging from the ceiling. Just to send the excitement meter directly into the red, the kids meals are served in a snazzy cardboard car that they can take home (be sure to remove the mac and cheese cup to ensure minimal cheddar smearage, trust me). Be prepared, however. If your son or daughter is a fan of cars, your first Quaker Steak visit may be a little overwhelming...for everyone. Don't worry. It gets easier, and more fun, each time you go back.
The last entry on my list is a little more mellow. Friends is a cozy little place at the end of a small strip at the northwest corner of Lima Road and Dupont Road, tucked behind the Marathon Station. They are locally owned and they serve some of the best Greek food in town, which is something the wife and I really like, but they also have a wide variety of food, so we're always able to find something our son likes as well. Breakfast? Check. Burgers? Yep. French fries? Uh-huh, and good ones at that! Heck, our picky eater has even enjoyed some gyro meat from time to time (well played, Friends!). The service is great and quick so he never has to wait too long for something to munch on. Plus, the name is accurate because there's such a friendly atmosphere that he has a great time just watching the other diners and greeting people as they come in.
