Looking for kid friendly restaurants in YYC, help!

[Major_9000]

I've got friends coming into town, they have an 8 year old and a 2 year old...I don't have kids.

Can you folks help me with suggestions for some good restaurants that I can take the kids? Obviously I want the kids to be happy but also its my understanding the 2 year old can be 'less than cooperative' at times.

I really want to take my friends for a great steak dinner and was hoping to go to The Ranche but I'm not sure if this is a good idea. Does anyone have experience taking kids to The Ranche...or any other great Calgary restaurants?

[Major_9000]

Lots of great suggestions..definately adding Open Range since I want them to experience Alberta beef AND Open Range is on my wishlist too!

[cdn]

We've always had good luck at
Bumpies
Pulcinellas
Tommys burger bar,
any Asian lunch buffet.
Im also thinking Holy Smokes might be a cool place to go too, although we havent been yet.
And we have taken our 2 under two to Open Range for dinner...during the dinner rush....and the staff was G-R-E-A-T!

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Pulcinella
1147 Kensington Crescent NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1X7, CA

[sharonanne]

Dim sum is good with kids. I like Central Grand but have also had good food at T Pot though we always have to stand in line at T Pot. Lines are not good with a 2 year old. You could put your name in and send the rest of the crew to T&T to be retrieved by cellphone.

I often suggest Sushi Boat with kids but a 2 year old might want to splash.

[fotze]

Brava Bistro was good with our kids. They sat us near the kitchen and even had a box of toys for the kids to play with. Its really loud in the restaurant so it drowns out and child screams.

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Brava Bistro
723 17th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B6, CA

[beggsy]

I know Earl's may not be your top choice but they are very kid friendly. They happily split plates, serve orange pop and will even bring you a small bowl of pasta with butter for picky eaters. We even had a waitress who took our (somewhat older) children to the kitchen to make their own s'mores.

[Major_9000]

Thats a pretty cool story about the s'mores beggsy.

We'll certainly do places like Earl's but I was hoping to take them to some unique Calgary spots as well.

So far on my list I have:

Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus
Diner Deluxe
Bison Bistro (Banff)
River Cafe (late lunch/early dinner)

Any more???

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Diner Deluxe
804 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3J6, CA

Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus
2439 54 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3E 1M4, CA

[kayahead]

I would definitely recommend The Ranche, for brunch at least, with kids. We've been therre with a baby and a toddler, no problems. Plus there were a few other families with kids there as well. Even if you can't make it for a steak dinner, I think it's a must for out of town guests.

We've also done sushi a few times at Sushi Bar Zipang with kids, but pre-7 pm dinner rush.

Finally, our go to place is dim sum at Forbidden City. Lots of people, quite often families with kids, and the general cacophony of the place can drown out the general noise that usually accompanies children.

You can also possibly try The Cactus Club, as per ugonnaeatthat.com

Hope this helps

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Cactus Club Cafe
7010 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0L3, CA

Forbidden City
999 36 St NE, Calgary, AB T2A 7X6, CA

Sushi Bar Zipang
1010 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7W7, CA

[lovesfetacheese]

Open Range on Edmonton Trail. Same company as Diner Deluxe, great menu, lots of space, very good with kids.

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Diner Deluxe
804 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3J6, CA

[Gobstopper]

River Cafe would be good pre 6pm reservation - also have a park nearby with swings etc if they need a proper break - believe me this is a big improvement over walking around a parking lot.

We have a very easy time at Diner Deluxe with our 18 month old - but sounds like you want an upgrade (and their food is in a downward spiral)
Divino would be a no, not sure if the rest of the CRMR family would be the same.

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Diner Deluxe
804 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3J6, CA