List of Baby Friendly East Bay Spots

[The Dive]

I know there have been quite a few posts like this lately, but I am trying to create a single list of baby-friendly East Bay (Alameda/Oakland/Berkeley/Albany) restaurants (sit-down places, rather than order at counter spots) where one would feel comfortable about bringing a child under 2 (without raising the ire of other guests and staff). What I am looking for are those spots that are confirmed baby-accommodating – actual babies identified at the restaurant, high chairs spotted, maybe even a changing table. Here’s a start:

Barclay's (Oakland) – adequate bar food, good beer selection, usually lots of young kids during the early dinner hour, weekends (high chairs)
Ben & Nick’s (Oakland) – subpar bar food, good beer selection, may spot a kid or two during early dinner/weekend (high chairs, changing table)
Il Porcellino (Oakland) – adequate Italian, often children at dinner, very accommodating (high chairs)
El Agavero (Oakland) – meh food, okay drinks, lots of children, very accommodating, kid’s menu (high chairs)
Chai Thai Noodles (Oakland) – super excellent thai food, no other kids spotted, but very accommodating for babies although somewhat tight fit (cannot confirm high chairs)
Triple Rock (Berkeley) – adequate bar food, good house-brewed and guest beers, have seen kids during lunch/afternoon hours on weekend (cannot confirm high chairs)
T-Rex (Berkeley) – good sides and vegetables, nice wine/drink/beer list, have seen lots of kids at lunch/early dinner hour (high chairs)
Bobby G's (Berkeley) - okay pizza, small, but good beer list, usually a kid or two (high chairs)
China Village (Albany) – best Chinese around, lots of children of all ages, very accommodating (high chairs)
Kensington Circus (Kensington) - good fish and chips, beer okay, almost too kid-friendly (high chairs)
Sea Salt (Berkeley) – good seafood, drinks, seen lots of babies in strollers outside during brunch/lunch (cannot confirm high chairs)
McGee’s (Alameda) – basic bar and beer list, lots of children of all ages, very accommodating (high chairs)
Tomatina’s (Alameda) – adequate pizza, salads, wine (chain), lots of children of all ages, very accommodating (high chairs)

Here are a few spots that worked to bring a baby, but with caveats:

Wood Tavern (Oakland) – everyone knows it is great, tight fit for babies, but have seen them on a rare occasions on the early side during off days – would not bring babies at peak times (high chairs)
Pacific Coast Brewery (Berkeley) – adequate bar food, good guest beer list, seen an occasional kid (no high chairs)
Ajanta (Berkeley) – excellent Indian, no other children identified, but not uncomfortable at lunch time on weekend (cannot confirm high chairs)
Angeline’s (Berkeley) – tasty Cajun, super loud and crowded during dinner, kids work okay during lull between lunch and dinner when not as tight (cannot confirm high chairs)

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China Village
1335 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706

T-Rex Barbeque
1300 10th St, Berkeley, CA 94710

Sea Salt
2512 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702

Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen
2261 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

Bobby G's Pizzeria
2074 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

Wood Tavern
6317 College Ave., Oakland, CA 94618

Ajanta Restaurant
1888 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707

Pacific Coast Brewing Co
906 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607

Kensington Circus
389 Colusa Ave, Kensington, CA 94707

Barclay's Restaurant & Pub
5940 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

McGee's Bar & Grill
1645 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501

Triple Rock Brewery
1920 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA

Chai Thai Noodles
545 B International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94606

Ben & Nick's Bar & Grill
5612 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

Il Porcellino
6111 La Salle Ave, Oakland, CA 94611

Tomatina
1338 Park, Alameda, CA 94501

El Agavero Restaurant
2071 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611

[JasmineG]

I've definitely seen babies at Pizzaiolo early in the night, and it's loud enough in there that it doesn't make much difference. They have noodles and cheese for kids. I've also seen babies at Lanesplitter on Telegraph, and I am pretty sure (though not positive) that they had high chairs.

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Pizzaiolo
5008 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

[The Dive]

That's true -- I should have added Pizzaiola -- tight for some tables, but accomodating and loud (cannot confirm high chairs).

[Cicely]

I can confirm high chairs at Pizzaiolo - took my kid there a few weeks ago for a very early dinner.

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Pizzaiolo
5008 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

[ML8000]

The two places I always see lots of kids are at Pyramid Alehouse and Picante. The food is okay (nothing special but you can get something okay) at both but it seems the convenience of parking is a big plus.

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Picante
1328 6th St, Berkeley, CA 94710

[The Dive]

I'm not a fan of Pyramid's food or beer, but wanted to confirm high chairs.

[artemis78]

Here are some we've been to with friends and their babies/toddlers, in addition to what's on the list above:

- Marzano (Oakland, Glenview location, but Rockridge is probably kid-friendly too)
- Sahn Maru (Oakland, Temescal---even has cute toddler plates and meal!)
- Pho 84 (Oakland, Uptown)
- Drunken Fish (Oakland, Upper Broadway)
- Trattoria La Siciliana (Berkeley Elmwood, happy to do simple pasta for kids)
- Rick and Ann's (Berkeley Elmwood, open for dinner)
- Bellanico (Oakland Glenview)

I've seen lots of babies at Barlata in Oakland's Temescal District, though it's loud and crowded so I'm not sure I'd try it....but people seem to think it works! And Digs Bistro in West Berkeley has a kids' night, so I assume they're baby-friendly too. Those are what come immediately to mind....

(Edit: Okay, I'm new to Chowhound---that is pretty amazing how it fills in all the links with addresses! Wow! :))

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Pho 84
354 17th St, Oakland, CA 94612

Digs Bistro
1453 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94702

Bellanico
4238 Park Blvd, Oakland, CA 94602

Drunken Fish
3314 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611

Marzano
4214 Park Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94602

Barlata
4901 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

[The Dive]

Went to Barlata recently for brunch -- worked well. High chairs confirmed.

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Barlata
4901 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

[myst]

Since I have an under two this is nice to know. La Pinata, Hob Nob, Otaez, and India Palace in Alameda are also great with plenty of high chairs. La Pinata has really nice high chairs! East Ocean, Tu Thai, and Mint Leaf (Vietnamese) are other asian food places that accomadate. China Gourmet in South Shore is also good. Super quiet (empty) for weekend dimsum and my son loves their porridge (jook).

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Otaez
1619 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501

China Gourmet
2210 S Shore Ctr Ste H, Alameda, CA 94501

[Ruth Lafler]

Also in Alameda, Pappo is pretty kid friendly. I believe they have highchairs, since I know we had dinner there with my niece right before her first birthday. Really, almost everywhere in Alameda is kid friendly. We've also eaten with my niece at Havana and Angela's. Finally, you should see my comments about a recent dinner at Lalime's.

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Pappo
2320 Central Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501

[The Dive]

I forgot about the Hob Nob -- high chairs are confirmed!

[The Dive]

Just as a follow-up, Hob Nob is great with kids -- games, high chairs and changing table, plus a varied menu of smaller plates.

[Allfrog68]

Lanesplitter's is a definite yes, one of my favorites.
Jupiter was a favorite w/ the first babe.
Tacubaya - I love the food & location. Roasted sweet potatoes are great for kids.
Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - food is prety good, great decor & atmosphere for kids.

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Tacubaya
1788 4th St, Berkeley, CA 94710

[The Dive]

I wanted to add Fonda on Solano Avenue -- high chairs confirmed, good food options for the kiddos (at brunch at least).

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Fonda
1501 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94707

[macadam]

Il Porcellino in Montclair is now closed.

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Il Porcellino
6111 La Salle Ave, Oakland, CA 94611

[lucymom]

I'd add Dopo and Adesso. Dopo has high chairs but recommend going when they open otherwise you'll wait a long time for a table. The last time I went to Adesso I saw kids and babies but again it was on the early end,

Also want to add that most Korean restaurants are baby/ kid friendly so should add Oghane and Sura to this list.

I've also taken my 3 year old to Tachibana and they have high chairs.

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Dopo
4293 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611

Adesso
4395 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA

Tachibana
5812 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

[The Dive]

I just saw some babies at Adesso's 5-6 happy hour the other day -- kind of surprised, but it seemed to work.

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Adesso
4395 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA

[kleine mocha]

The New Zealander was very kid-friendly when I used to live on Alameda (corner of Central/Webster); I think the owners have kidlets of their own; there's even a little corner with a small table, some games, and a bookshelf, if I recall correctly.

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New Zealander
1400 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501

[Cassia]

Our kids are now 4.5 and 3...so from personal recent experience, our two favorites in the Grand/Lakeshore area:
- Spettro: they take great care of kids - crayons and paper, drinks with covers and straws, special kids menu, high chairs and boosters, very nice and accomodating staff. delicious warm soft rosemary bread (perfect for making dough balls!) comes right away. my kids love the booths or the table by the fountain, plus the eclectic menu has something for everyone.
- Mijori: good sushi, super friendly staff (when they bring our miso soup, they bring lots of extra tofu cut up in small piece, for my kids, and they are totally nice about the mess of rice all under the table after we eat there), a tree growing inside the restaurant for distraction.

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Spettro
3355 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

[The Dive]

Also, Speisekammer in Alameda -- very family friendly atmosphere and kid's menu.

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Speisekammer
2424 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501

[The Dive]

Cesar Latino (on Piedmont Avenue) works for the kiddos (at least for lunch/brunch). Small kid's menu of quesadilla and bean burrito, plus high chairs. Our daughter was very happy with the pickled vegetables and plantains as well.

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Bar César
4039 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611

[The Dive]

Went to Boot and Shoe Service on Saturday -- great salad, pizza and dessert, and very accomodating for kids. High chairs and crayons provided. Definitely recommend getting there early, though.

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Boot and Shoe Service
3308 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

[achefsbest]

Cactus Taqueria on Solano, and I'm sure on College Ave., always has lots of kids in there. Baby chairs too.

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Cactus Taqueria
5642 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

[The Dive]

Wanted to confirm high chairs at Sea Salt -- really works well with kiddos. Also Dona Tomas has high chairs and some child-sized meals.

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Sea Salt
2512 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702

Dona Tomas
5004 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609

[Jumbo_Jack]

Oh please, god no. Don't put Triple Rock on your kid friendly places.

Unless you want your kids sitting next to a table yelling profanities at the TV's. And allow them to hear to people yelling about vaginas and butt sex.

You may love your kids, but bar patrons generally don't.

[The Dive]

I've been going to Triple Rock for more than ten years (and have brought the kiddo a half dozen times in the last year) and have never experienced any issues with the "bar patrons."

[rich.f]

We've brought our infant to Triple Rock, and found it to be kid friendly. I like the tables in the back, away from the TVs. Also, they have changing tables located in the handicapped stalls in the bathrooms.

[The Dive]

Update on Angelines -- worked well for early dinner. High chairs confirmed.

[jessinEC]

Went to Fellini's on University @ Acton on a Monday night with an infant, two 2-year-olds, a 6 year old and a 10 year old. It was fantastic. Great kids' menu with either "real food" (roast chicken, Caeser's salad) on it or a noodles and cheese option. High chairs available. Reasonable portion size for dessert. And, best of all, a window through which one can watch the cooks at work. Also Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe is a great brunch option. They give kids a small bowl of cheerios while they wait and there's lots of interesting stuff to look at. Nice, uncomplicated food.

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Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe
4081 Hollis St, Emeryville, CA 94608

[Eugene Park]

Wanted to mention a couple more:

Champa Garden - they have high chairs, and are typically plenty busy enough that few will mind a boisterous kid or baby (though if they're screaming, please do take them outside until they calm down). Waitstaff, especially the female servers, like to dote on babies. On one occasion when things weren't too busy, they held my younger son (soon to turn 11 months old) for several minutes.

Han Dae Gam - former Ohgane location in San Leandro. Not sure about high chairs (pretty sure they have them) as I've only taken my older son (3.5 years old now) there. They'll provide a kid's meal of seaweed soup and rice at no charge (full disclosure - my wife & I are Korean, but I'm guessing they''ll do the same for non-Koreans). There's a flat panel TV that's visible for about 2/3 of the tables there, but the sound is typically on mute.

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Ohgane
3915 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611

Champa Garden
2102 8th Ave, Oakland, CA 94606

Han Dae Gam
1292 Davis St, San Leandro, CA 94577-2572

[Glencora]

Lots of kids, including toddlers in highchairs at Zut on 4th street. Also quite noisy. Good place for families, not so good for couples.

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Zut
1820 4th St, Berkeley, CA 94710

[The Dive]

More to add:

Brown Sugar Kitchen - excellent for lunch, highchairs confirmed. No changing area. Fantastic waffles and ribs.
Henry's - high chairs confirmed. Lots of small plates make it a good option for kids.

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Brown Sugar Kitchen
2534 Mandela Pkwy, Oakland, CA 94607