Chuck E. Cheese's050

Although parents might cringe when Chuck E. Cheese's comes up as a dinner suggestion, many kids we know just love visiting here (hmmm, could it be the crazy kiddie casino atmosphere, with tokens, tickets and prizes? The Chuck E. Cheese show? The rides?)

The food is passable, as fast food goes. Mainly pizza, with a small salute to salads, a short assortment of subs, and desserts like cotton candy and brownies. In short, it's all one big kids' menu.

The main attraction here is the Chuck E. Cheese birthday party, which does take a large portion of the agony out of party planning. Included in the package are a decorated table for 90 minutes, two slices of pizza with one topping per child, soft drink refills, a birthday cake (though you might prefer to bring your own), sixteen tokens for each child, a birthday show performed by Chuck E. Cheese (for the uninitiated, Chuck is a giant mouse) and his musical friends, a personal visit from Chuck E. Cheese, a host or hostess to personally serve you and your guests and assist with the party, and a Chuck E. Cheese souvenir cup, a special balloon, a birthday crown, and a bag of cotton candy for the birthday child. Prices vary by location; call for details and reservations.

Before heading out to the restaurant, check the website for coupons and specials. Also, birthday parties held during the week (Mon-Thu) receive unlimited party table time and extra game tokens for each guest.