Barcelona chow with pre-schooler?

[Mawrter]

I dug through the old posts some, and was wondering what you could point me to that's authentic & child-friendly. No Spanish version of Chuck E. Cheese (please god) -- just someplace where's it's not a faux pas to be three or the parents of someone who is.

[dee lannon]

Mawrter, can you please report on what you found? We are planning a trip to Barcelona with a 2.5 year old, and will be there such a short time - no crappy pizza or McD's for us. We plan to avoid the ultra trendy (per shiromaguro's advice) and have noted the other suggestions...but I'd love to hear how your experience went!

[shiromaguro]

Just about any place that's authentic (read: not over the top trendy) will accept kids. It's pretty much okay to bring a kid to any restaurant in BCN.

[PVU]

Most of Spain's restaurants have no problems with kids; quite the contrary as long as they do not make too much fuss.

One of my local Barcelona favourites:

Àgora on Calle Sepulveda 76

[ree]

It's also probably not what you had in mind, but I would suggest Maoz, which is a chain of falafel stands. Falafels are served in whole wheat or white pitas, and you garnish your own sandwich from the very colorful buffet of middle eastern sauces and salads. I know, it's not even Spanish cuisine, but I think it could be viewed as a tribute to spain's arab heritage.

[MakingSense]

My apologies. I meant no offense. I'm sure you and your child will have an enjoyable experience. We always did and have wonderful memories.

[Mawrter]

Uh, thanks for sharing your experiences and opinions. I was actually looking for food suggestions, not child-rearing advice. :)

[MakingSense]

Oh, Mom, your child is three! He doesn't have any idea of authentic food and will remember less about this trip than you might imagine. I began dragging my own now-adult daughters around the world when they were toddlers and they were great about eating anything and having terrific restaurant manners. But every now and then, a real kid restaurant - where Chinese parents took their kids to some local variation of McD's or Argentine families ate crappy pizza - was an adventure in itself. They have kids too. I enjoyed watching the families enjoying their children.
Your child gets a chance to decompress a little, maybe play with some local kids for a few minutes. And never discount a clean bathroom at a McDonald's overseas. Always good when traveling with a pre-schooler.
Spaniards adore well-mannered children and you should have no trouble - other than the very late dinner hour. Plan to get baby sitters so you can enjoy yourselves. No child should be expected to endure supper at 10 PM.