Restaurant experiences with multiples?

FloF9

So my kids just turned 18 months and every month or so we all go out to a restaurant.  My DH and I try to go to "family" or "casual" restaurants like Ale House, Roadhouse grill, Bucca di Beppo, etc... 

I will tell you I was more stressed about how other people would react to our babies, than how they would behave.  I know a lot of people out there dread being around children when they're dining, which is why we go to family friendly places only. 

I have to say that their attention span is obviously short - we were there max of 45 minutes.  However we fed them what we were eating, and I think it was pretty much a good experience.   Should I worry so much?  Please feel free to share your experiences.

 

Mrs. Destructo

My guys are younger than your 2, but we take them out to eat at least once a week. We only go out to breakfast or lunch, because people are less upset about babies during the day. My guys are great in restaurants. Sure they leave a huge mess, but they are always thrilled to be out and we have never had a problem with them crying. We always leave a HUGE tip and try to clean up a bit, because I always feel terrible about the mess they make.

ancjph

We take the triplets out every so offen with us. Its so hard for us to find someone to watch them. We went to Bob Evans last month for brunch and they were great. We get comments any where we go but we don't want that to stop us.

FloF9

MrsDestructo - funny you mentioned the tip - we made our server bring us extra napkins, juice, etc.... he did work.  I'm sure at first he thought "oh boy these people" but we left him a BIG tip - he was great.  My husband said he looked surprised and was very thankful.

Anc - Wow at 5 months you would think people would be more sympathetic.

cands

We take the girls out a lot.  They enjoy new places, and DH and I like getting out of the house.  We try to go to louder type restaurants, for some reason my girls feel the need to achieve a certain level of noise, and if there isn't enough ambient noise they will make up for it. 

MNheidi

Our boys are MUCH younger and the only reason I ever hesitate to take them out - if they're BOTH crabby, neither my dh or I get to eat in peace.  Family places expect kids...

bunny731

The standards for my kids behavior should not be higher, just because they are multiples; it is hard not to feel that way because as MOM's our kids get a ton of attention-so it is hard not to feel like you are in a glass house.

We do not go to fine dining where the noise level is suitably lower. All other places I don't care if the kids babble, or occasionally cry-they are kids-they have their moments and hey! I have listened to many kids for many years without complaint.

 

 

Temp159135562506975

We have been dining with DS since he was 5 days old... it started really easy- but lately he's been really hard - we have to go VERY early for dinner (like 5pm) and we have a "bag of fun" we bring with us- that has tons of stuff to keep him busy- otherwise it doesn't work out. He's at that age where he wants to run and doens't understand sitting still for any period of time.

I don't picture it being easy with two, that is for sure!  I'm hoping we can get out now and then with the 3 of them b/c we really do enjoy dining out.... I know my boss (who has twins and a toddler) goes to noisey, family friendly places with the 3 and does pretty well.

as long as you are always ready to get your food to go and leave if things go really bad- i think you'll be fine. Know what to expect at what time of the day, etc.