Where are the Best Places to Take Kids Out to Eat?

Everyone is hungry and you are not in the mood to cook. There are tons of great restaurants in the area but not all are appropriate or welcoming to a family that may or may not be making noise or tossing bread across the room.  

For as much as we try, our children have minds of their own and you cannot always control them. It can be intimidating to bring kids into any restaurant due to fears of dirty looks and tsk-tsks from other patrons. Some parents will not even think about taking their children to a restaurant because they fear how their kids might act.

Why not give children the opportunity to learn how to behave in a public place without the "Romper Room" feel? Maybe mom and dad could have a glass of wine and enjoy dinner too. 

For those who have braved the less-safe, "Chuck E. Cheese" free eateries: which area restaurants are realistically the most kid-friendly? Where can hesitant parents dip their toes into family-friendly waters?

We all want to break out of the old routine and try something new sometimes. To the doubtful parents: What is the worst that could happen? If one of your kids tries their magic tablecloth trick, just leave an extra generous tip and don't forget to laugh. 

Okay Moms, we need your expert advice! Where are the best places to take kids out to eat? Feel free to share your insight and maybe a funny story or two. We know you have them!