Red Robin050

What started out as a small restaurant perched on a hillside with a view of Seattle's Portage Bay has grown into a nationwide chain, with numerous locations in the Seattle area. This is one of those rare places where diners with opposing restaurant objectives exist happily side-by-side: on any given night, you'll see tables of families with kids in tow seated alongside groups of young drinkers out for a burger and a few Electric Iced Teas. It all works, though, because Red Robin is very busy and very loud. The food is average, and some adults might find the atmosphere rather self-consciously fun, but the whole package makes it a good place to come with children. Strategically-placed TV screens broadcast silent cartoons, and the decor tends toward kitschy stuff that kids love to look at. The toddler set can get restless without attracting attention. Booths are long and roomy. Food and checks come quickly. The mostly young servers tend to be sweet and helpful. The kids' menu features the tried-and-true - look for corndogs, burgers, spaghetti, chicken fingers, and mac'n'cheese. Kids get a covered cup, a menu to color, and a balloon, if you ask. The grownups' large, eclectic menu is heavy on the burgers - which are really very good - but vegetarians can choose from the vegetarian version of the Rice Bowl or a selection of salads. Red Robin's popularity is such that if you visit during the weekend dinner rush, expect to wait with lots of other people. Bring distractions for the kids or plan to dine early.