Taking kids out for dinner is never simple, whether you’re picking up take-out or celebrating a special day. But many intrepid parents can – and do – enjoy dining out with kids, especially at family-friendly restaurants.
Luckily for local families, all the restaurants at Grand Ridge Plaza in Issaquah Highlands welcome kids. The new shopping center includes more than a dozen dining options, many with children’s menus that combine tasty options with good nutrition. In the first article in a series about dining out with kids at Grand Ridge Plaza, we’re focusing on three restaurants that offer full-service in a casual, sit-down environment.
Bai Tong Thai: Co-owned by sisters Chadillada (Noi) Lapangkura and Noina Champayom, Bai Tong Thai offers a genuine taste of Thailand. At Bai Tong, we recommend eating family style. Kids love all the noodle dishes, not just the Pad Thai. You can’t go wrong with wide rice noodles like Pad Khi Mao and Pad See-Iew. Another family favorite is the Crispy Garlic Chicken, which is the most requested dish on the menu. When ordering, ask for only one star of spiciness and let your server know the dish is for young children. If you love spice and heat, we suggest splitting your choices between the kids and adults (noodles for them, curries for you.) Try their brown jasmine rice for the unique flavor and texture – and don’t be shy about asking for recommendations. Bai Tong Thai is located at 1520 Highlands Drive NE.
Noina Champayom, Bai Tong Thai is the perfect place to eat family style.
Agave Cocina & Tequilas: Agave is a perennial favorite of local families, and not just because it offers 2 For 1 adult brunch entrées from 10 a.m. to noon on weekends. You’ll be surprised at how eagerly kids gobble down Agave’s bean sides – and everyone loves shareable dishes like fajitas. Items on the kids menu are priced at $5 and include enchiladas, tacos and quesadillas, plus a grilled cheese sandwich for non-adventurous eaters. Agave has built a loyal following over the years by using no preservatives, trans fats or lard. Most of their menu items are gluten-free with the main exception being the flour tortillas. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options. On Sunday nights, kids eat for $2.99. Agave is located at 1048 Park Drive NE.
Even picky eaters will love their garlic spinach.
The RAM Restaurant & Brewery: Mini cheeseburgers, flat bread pizza and salads are just a few of the kids menu choices at The RAM. Known best as a sports bar and brewery, The RAM is a fun place to dine out as a family. Most items on the kids menu are priced at $6.49 and include carrots with ranch dressing and a side of applesauce, fresh fruit, RAM chips, fries or salad. People flock to The RAM for their classic burgers, steaks and beer, but there are many entrée salad options and lower-fat/lower-calorie options as well. The RAM currently offers eight gluten-free choices, including Roasted Mediterranean Chicken. (Like most restaurants, it’s not a gluten-free environment. Check their website for info.) We recommend dinner at The RAM on Monday nights when kids eat for just $1 with the order of an adult entrée. The RAM is located at 965 Park Drive NE.
Next in the series, we’ll visit three more family-friendly restaurants at Grand Ridge Plaza: The Big Fish Grill, Chinoise Café and AJI Sushi & Grill.
Directions and Parking at Grand Ridge Plaza: From I-90, take Exit 18 and follow E Sunset Way/Highlands Drive toward Issaquah Highlands. Continue on Highlands Drive for about half a mile to arrive at Grand Ridge Plaza. The shopping center offers plenty of free parking.
Other articles in the Grand Ridge series:
- Got Parental Controls? - TD Curran Store
- The Services You Love, Without the Drive - NaturoMedica, Sorella Salon and barre3
