NTR: Does this annoy you?

Amrice78

DH and I went out for my birthday on Sat.  We went to an upscale restaurant for dinner.  We got a sitter for DS and our reservation was for 7.  We were seated next to a family with a three year old and a six year old.  This annoyed me. I feel if you're going to take your kids to an upscale place you should go early and I think the restaurant shouldn't seat couples by families.  What do you think?

TimingisEverything

I don't ever really notice other people when I am out. Even if they have kids. So, no, it wouldn't annoy me.

Gina418

7 isn't exactly late - I wouldn't have been annoyed. Were the kids acting up or were they relatively well-behaved?

Judah'sMommy

1.) I think 7 is a reasonably early time for them to be there, especially since they were already there when you arrived.  We usually go out to dinner around 6:30 and stay until 8 or so.

2.) They shouldn't have seated you guys next to the family.

MegGary

No this wouldn't annoy me.

LynnJones

This has happened to us a few times and I do think it's sort of annoying when you are in a fancier restaurant and there are kids whining next to you.  But things like that don't really bug me, I usually think 'well that's annoying' but then go on with my dinner:)

citygirl_

No.  7 isn't late, especially for a 3 and 6 year old.  As long as they were acting appropriately, I wouldn't think twice about it.  And re: the couples/family seating thing - as a former hospitality employee - it's impossible to know who a reservation is for unless the person says "I am bringing my kids."  Usually the reservations are mapped out prior to the evening beginning.

emiliemadison

You're not entitled to a child free environment in a restaurant. As long as they're paying, they can be there. And unless the kids were being rude or obnoxious, then really, I dont see the issue.

And not being snarky, but I think some people's definition of "upscale" is different than others.

betsnup

Eh, not really.  For one, 7 isn't all that late.  If you were that bothered by sitting next to a family, you could have requested a different table.

brideatbeach

I agree. We would never take dd to an upscale restaurant because I don't want her to ruin anyone elses dinner that they are trying to enjoy and that they are paying for. Especially an upscale one where you are probably paying for some sort of ambiance as well. This is why we really don't go out to dinner at all. I agree with going to dinner a little earlier than normal. While I was pg with dd we went to dinner one night at like 8:30 and there was a two year old just throwing a fit as a group of adults were just talking and hanging out after thier meal. I was peeved.

Garnetbaby09

Honestly, unless they were screaming their heads off and throwing breadsticks at the back of my head, I probably wouldn't have noticed.

Amrice78

LynnJones:

This has happened to us a few times and I do think it's sort of annoying when you are in a fancier restaurant and there are kids whining next to you.  But things like that don't really bug me, I usually think 'well that's annoying' but then go on with my dinner:)

that's what I did and they were pretty well behaved - I just think fancier (and more expensive restaurants) shouldn't be free for all family restaurants, kwim? IDK, if I'm shelling out a couple hundred dollars for dinner and a babysitter on top of that, I don't want to eat with kids

Jessibell

Unless they were being bad, I probably would not notice/care.

Amrice78

emiliemadison:

You're not entitled to a child free environment in a restaurant. As long as they're paying, they can be there. And unless the kids were being rude or obnoxious, then really, I dont see the issue.

And not being snarky, but I think some people's definition of "upscale" is different than others.

I understand what you mean, but it's the top rated steak house in Boston - definitely upscale

mel41g

I think it depends on your definition of upscale.  If you mean Olive Garden or Red Lobster, then no this would not annoy me.  If you mean a fancy bistro with $50 entrees that don't include any sides or a salad and the only water they serve is San Pelligrino then yes, this would annoy me.  If it is something in-between then I think you should have asked for another table.

Amrice78

lol - apparently I'm weird about this, then

lisaroo

I guess it depends on how they were behaved. That said, I refuse to take DD to any restaurant considered upscale, expensive, etc. regardless of the time. People have the right to a peaceful, adult dinner out without having to listen to someone else's kid right next to them.

MegGary

Where they well behaved? I know I wouldn't take DD to an upscale restuarant at this age. At 3 or 7 yes I would. By than I hope that she has learned some manners to sit through a dinner.

Amrice78

mel41g:

I think it depends on your definition of upscale.  If you mean Olive Garden or Red Lobster, then no this would not annoy me.  If you mean a fancy bistro with $50 entrees that don't include any sides or a salad and the only water they serve is San Pelligrino then yes, this would annoy me.  If it is something in-between then I think you should have asked for another table.

the second type of restaurant

Olive Garden or Red Lobster in no way qualify as upscale, IMO.

Parks2Be

I wouldn't be annoyed.  I rarely notice other families or kids and if they're screaming and being brats then I pity them.  H and I laugh that it seems like anytime we go to a restaurant were shuffled to the back of the restaurant with all of the other kids.

GeoffreytheGiraffe

Ruth Chris?  Smith and Wolensky?  Where'd you go?

 

 Happy bday agian, and it's tomorrow for Anthony, right????

erbear

7:00 is hardly late. So no, I wouldn't be annoyed and I don't think any restaurant would/should purposely seat adults away from families.

KhloesMom

When we head in town for a nice dinner, there's no way in hellll I'd bring K. A: out of respect for other diners and B: If I'm spending that much on dinner, I want a peaceful, kidfree night myself! My IL's INSISTED we bring K with us when we went to Fleming's not last year, but the year before for our Birthday dinner. She was 8mos at the time. It was a massive PITA, even though she was very well behaved and I vowed never to do it again.

SO, where did you go???? 

brideatbeach

Amrice78:

lol - apparently I'm weird about this, then

I am agreeing with you. Your not alone on this one!

KhloesMom

GeoffreytheGiraffe:

Ruth Chris?  Smith and Wolensky?  Where'd you go?

 

 Happy bday agian, and it's tomorrow for Anthony, right????

Davio's, Grille 23, MOO, Morton's, Met Club???? Inquiring minds are dying to know.....and how was it? 

emiliemadison

Amrice78:

emiliemadison:

You're not entitled to a child free environment in a restaurant. As long as they're paying, they can be there. And unless the kids were being rude or obnoxious, then really, I dont see the issue.

And not being snarky, but I think some people's definition of "upscale" is different than others.

I understand what you mean, but it's the top rated steak house in Boston - definitely upscale

::shrug:: If it had been a 9pm dinner, or if the kids had been misbehaving, etc, then yeah, be annoyed. But it sounds like you're out of sorts because you feel that when you pay for nice steaks and a babysitter, you are entitled to have a child-free dinner. And believe me, if I was at a nice steak house for a date and there were kids at another table ruining everyone's dinner by being loud or rude, I would be b!tching to the ma?tre d? faster than you can snap your fingers. But it sounds like the kids were fine. And, maybe not everyone will agree, but 7pm on a weeknight for dinner , even at a nice steakhouse, still doesnt scream "upscale" to me.

Dont get me wrong- I think there are definitely inappropriate times and places for children and I do not bring my kids with me everywhere or expect them to be welcome wherever I am. But in *this* instance? You're waaaaaay overreacting. 

Amrice78

MegGary:

Where they well behaved? I know I wouldn't take DD to an upscale restuarant at this age. At 3 or 7 yes I would. By than I hope that she has learned some manners to sit through a dinner.

the three year old was well-behaved for a three year old, but did get up a couple of times to run around the table/scream

Like I said, it annoyed me, but I didn't let it ruin my night

swedish-fish

Were the kids well-behaved?  The presence of children alone doesn't bug me unless they are disruptive.  We bring DD to upscale restaurants, but like you mentioned, we tend to go on the early side.  But, even if we start our meal at 5:30 or 6, we'll probably still be there at 7. As far as it being an upscale place, I don't think kids should be relegated to McDonalds and Friendly's (unless they're loud or bothering other patrons).

Amrice78

KhloesMom:

GeoffreytheGiraffe:

Ruth Chris?  Smith and Wolensky?  Where'd you go?

 

 Happy bday agian, and it's tomorrow for Anthony, right????

Davio's, Grille 23, MOO, Morton's, Met Club???? Inquiring minds are dying to know.....and how was it? 

Smith and Wolensky

and Anthony next Tuesday

Amrice78

emiliemadison:

Amrice78:

emiliemadison:

You're not entitled to a child free environment in a restaurant. As long as they're paying, they can be there. And unless the kids were being rude or obnoxious, then really, I dont see the issue.

And not being snarky, but I think some people's definition of "upscale" is different than others.

I understand what you mean, but it's the top rated steak house in Boston - definitely upscale

::shrug:: If it had been a 9pm dinner, or if they kids had been misbehaving, etc, then yeah, be annoyed. But it sounds like you're out of sorts because you feel that when you pay for nice steaks and a babysitter, you are entitled to have a child-free dinner. And believe me, if I was at a nice steak house for a date and there were kids at another table ruining everyone's dinner by being loud or rude, I would be b!tching to the ma?tre d? faster than you can snap your fingers. But it sounds like the kids were fine. And, maybe not everyone will agree, but 7pm on a weeknight for dinner at a nice steakhouse still doesnt scream "upscale" to me.

Dont get me wrong- I think there are definitely inappropriate times and places for children and I do not bring my kids with me everywhere or expect them to be welcome wherever I am. But in *this* instance? You're waaaaaay overreacting. 

meh - I didn't say anything and it didn't ruin my night - I was just wondering what everyone else thought

MegGary

Children deserve to eat in a nice places if they can behave themselves. I grew up eating in upscale restaurants. I hated it but I did it. When I got bored I went to the bathroom usually. My mother & father always joked that I probably knew where the bathroom is in 90% of the restrooms on the east coast.

I wouldn't bring DD to an upscale restuarant right now. She still throws food ont he floor. When she's 3 or 6? Yes I would. By than I hope she will act like a little lady & be behaved enough to sit through dinner. Just because she is a kid doesn't mean she should have to eat at Fridays or The Olive Garden all the time. She deserves a nice meal.

KhloesMom

NOM! Matt's favorite pace, evah.

And no way I'd bring a kid there. Too damn much echo with those crazy high ceilings! 

Quiksilver620

I have to admit that I hate when I get a babysitter, but then need to hear other peoples kids while I'm out

carolinag

Amrice78:

KhloesMom:

GeoffreytheGiraffe:

Ruth Chris?  Smith and Wolensky?  Where'd you go?

 

 Happy bday agian, and it's tomorrow for Anthony, right????

Davio's, Grille 23, MOO, Morton's, Met Club???? Inquiring minds are dying to know.....and how was it? 

Smith and Wolensky

and Anthony next Tuesday

i've seen kids at S&W in nyc plenty of times... next time make your reservation for 8 or so. then you'll have a better shot of a kid free zone. we took timmy out to dinner last night and didn't go til 7. we do it all the time, regardless if it's casual or nice. i actually think it's a good thing for kids. it teaches them how to behave in social settings. i guess i'm different b/c i am an only child, but i always went out to dinner with my parents. we went out about once a week or so. casual and nice places. i love that i can take timmy places, and hope that my future kids will be well mannered enough to do the same. i guess this is what dh and i are used to though. shiit, at age 5 my BIL's favorite meal when dining out was the surf & turf.... he's got good taste  

Amrice78

FWIW - we take Mikey out to dinner all the time.  He is well-behaved (for being 19 months) we just try to be considerate to others who are out and stick to more family style restaurants or go early for dinner

the_mulva

we were at Ruth's Chris a few weeks ago for a child-free dinner, and I would not have been thrilled if there were kids seated next to us.  That said, whatcha gonna do?  Life ain't fair.

johnsoar

no, it doesn't annoy me.  I don't usually pay attention to who is in the next table.  7 really isn't that late.  I was assume by 9 there would be less kids but you can't rely on that.

HisWifeHerMom

Eh, doesn't bother me. I am usually so busy enjoying my night out with DH that I really don't pay much attention to others. Now, if the kids are screaming and running around throwing food and hanging on your dinner table, than that is another thing all together, those families should rethink going out to dinner anywhere. But, unless all that is going down, it wouldn't bother me at all. 

the_mulva

Amrice78:

FWIW - we take Mikey out to dinner all the time.  He is well-behaved (for being 19 months) we just try to be considerate to others who are out and stick to more family style restaurants or go early for dinner

Same here.  I don't care how "good" the kid is, she's freaking 1.5 yrs old.  I don't take her to non-family places. 

AmyCC1980

This would not bother me unless the kids were out of control and the parents were not doing anything about it.  In the future when you make reservations make sure to tell the hostess that this is a special evening and you would like a secluded table, if possible.

*NNO*

No. As long as the kids are well behaved, I would not be annoyed.?