487243 Thu Feb 07 09:40:37 -0800 2008 10 9 New Orleans 0 3373614 We'll be staying at the Monteleone Mar 17-23 and I don't know that area well. From mapquest, I see that we're near some of the greats -- Galatoire's, Arnaud's, K-Paul, Palace Grill. We will have a savvy, grown-up 10-year-old with us, but I can't expect her to sit for a long time and be quiet for hours on end. So I"m asking you New Orleanians and frequent travelers: Within a mile or so walk of the Monteleone, what is great and reasonably family-friendly (somewhat casual, no expensive upholstery to ruin, flexible menu, comfy chairs, expedited service)? Thu Feb 07 09:40:37 -0800 2008 51616 fluffernutter 1 3374582 i always direct people with kids to places like mena's palace and johnny's poboys and fiorella's. mena's and johnny's both close after lunch, but they're good for things like fried shrimp and grilled cheeses, which i think kids like. they're all very, very casual. also, kids like pizza, so i might suggest mona lisa. also, kids absolutely love to go to cafe du monde for beignets and chocolate milk. but i don't think you need to limit yourself to these type places, as even the most high-end restaurants in the french quarter are fairly laid back and fun lovin'. it sounds like your daughter would be fine anywhere. (all of the places mentioned above are in the french quarter within walking distance of hotel monteleone.) Thu Feb 07 13:43:56 -0800 2008 3373614 106108 Shiloh 1 3376785 It's the Palace Cafe, not Grill and that would be a good place to go. Fri Feb 08 08:07:16 -0800 2008 3373614 66022 bronwen 1 3378670 G.W. Fins might be an option as well, if you're in the mood for seafood. Avoid Arnaud's - the food is not great. Fri Feb 08 14:57:52 -0800 2008 3373614 164399 N.O.Food 1 3379770 You might want to check out Acme Oyster House. Its very close to the Monteleone and is casual and fun. All I have eaten there is the chargrilled oysters, but they were excellent. For yoiur daughter, they have fried shrimp, grilled chicken and hamburgers, in case the more traditional Louisiana dishes don't appeal to her. Sat Feb 09 04:42:52 -0800 2008 3373614 25751 carolinadawg 1 3380558 Go right across the street to Mr. B's Bistro. It's one of the Brennan family of restaurants and one of our favorite spots for our weekly Friday lunches. The atmosphere is high-energy and the staff has lots of experience dealing with savvy, grown-up 10-year-olds. We were having lunch at the bar last week when a parade came right off Royal street, weaved through the restaurant throwing beads before exiting out the back door. It's also a great place to spot celebrities. Sat Feb 09 11:45:18 -0800 2008 3373614 48588 Absinthe Minded 2 3388212 I second Absinthe Minded. Mon Feb 11 20:25:38 -0800 2008 3380558 113202 calliope 1 3382778 Take her to the Napoleon House---while it is mostly a bar, it is also a restaurant, and the atmosphere will definitely make her feel grown-up. Dark, atmospheric, on nice nights the french doors are open to the street life. Sun Feb 10 10:31:32 -0800 2008 3373614 12023 Hungry Celeste 2 3382791 These are great suggestions. Husband and I went to Napoleon house pre-kids, about 1991 and it's just about my favorite bar anywhere. I loved the sign in the bathroom below the "Employees must wash hands." It said, "Well I waited and waited and finally just washed them myself." Keep 'em coming! Sun Feb 10 10:37:53 -0800 2008 3382778 51616 fluffernutter 3 3383174 Sit at the little table in the nook on the back wall opposite the door....very cool, even for non-10-year-olds. Sun Feb 10 13:00:06 -0800 2008 3382791 12023 Hungry Celeste 3 3383562 Just be aware that the Napolean House is currently closing at 5:30 every day. Sun Feb 10 15:46:14 -0800 2008 3382791 25751 carolinadawg