Kid-friendly in Cambridge/B.U. area?

[craigasaurus]

My sister is visiting in a few weeks with her one-year-old in tow. I don't really dine out with kids, so I don't have much experience in this area. Can anyone recommend a dinner location in Cambridge or near B.U. (they're staying at the DoubleTree on Soldier's Field Road)? Cuisine preferences are: Italian, American, Greek, and seafood. Thanks!

[Stride]

Christopher's in Porter Square is very kid-friendly. Casual American with some seafood options on the dinner menu.

[ced9]

What about Border Cafe or Friendly Toast? You could Cambridge I too...I think you will have more luck in Cambridge.

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The Friendly Toast
1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA

[Blumie]

If you're interested in takeout (or eating at one of their handful of bistro tables), Basta Pasta has great, affordable pasta and is very close to the DoubleTree. For dining in, East Coast Grill, in Central Square, is popular among adults and casual enough that bringing young children is not an issue.

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East Coast Grill and Raw Bar
1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Basta Pasta
150 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02171

[CookieLee]

The Basta Pasta Blumie is referencing is on Western Ave in Cambridge.

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Basta Pasta
319 Western Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

[Splendid Spatula]

We've been taking kids to East Coast Grill for years now. Go early, to avoid the wait. Ask to be seated in the Volcano room and the wee ones are entertained with the periodic eruptions. Good food too!

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East Coast Grill and Raw Bar
1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[greenzebra]

Places I've been since my now 2-month-old was born that are definitely kid-friendly (with the usual caveats that going early, avoiding weekends, and calling ahead all help a lot, and not all of these places would be good at 7:30 pm on a Saturday): Posto (Davis Square, Italian, pizza-focused; I've also been here with my 18 month old cousin), Legal Seafood (many locations, not spectacular food but easy with kids), Highland Kitchen (Somerville, gastropubby American), Russell House Tavern (Harvard Square, also American).

You might also check out the following recent threads:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/655832
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/694386
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/717611

I'll also add in regards to Full Moon: there are plenty of other places that are quite accommodating of children, and while I haven't been to Full Moon and can't speak to the quality of their food, I think that especially with only one kid in tow, you don't necessarily need to seek out a place like Full Moon that caters specifically to children.

[scratchie]

We took our kids to Oleana when they were (IIRC) around one. The staff was very friendly and accommodating to them. Of course, any "kid-friendly" recommendations need to be weighed against how "restaurant-friendly" the kid in question is.

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Oleana
134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139

[gansu girl]

I agree with greenzebra - most anywhere can be "kid friendly" so long as you go early. We took our daughter everywhere with us at that age. Also, the OP's niece/nephew might be a little young for Full Moon - not a great place for kids who aren't walking or who might be wobbly (dunno, of course, if this is the situation). The food there is OK, but not stellar, and the prices are high. Since the child is so young, I'd stick with places that *you* like, plan on eating early, and call ahead to make sure they have high chairs.

GG
http://www.semisweetonline.com

[CookieLee]

Greek Corner in Cambridge is v. kid friendly.
Eastern Standard in Kenmore Sq, American food, you can check if they have high chairs.
Legal Sea Foods in Kendall Sq is also kid friendly.

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Greek Corner Restaurant
2366 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Eastern Standard
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

[frond]

Greek Corner has really good fried calamari and baked lamb.

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Greek Corner Restaurant
2366 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

[dulce de leche]

If you have a car, then this is a good one for Full Moon restaurant in Huron Village neighborhood in Cambridge. It's meant for people to have a reasonably nice dinner while bringing their small kids. There's a play area for children, wine on the menu.

FWIW, it's not really suited for older kids; the kids' menu is pretty limited and portions are small, basically aimed at toddlers up to ages 6-7, but the other option is to order them a $20 plate of pasta which also doesn't appeal!

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Full Moon
344 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138