Child friendly restaurants

I am at my wits end with going out! My husband and I are the proud parents of a very sweet 1 yr. old boy. We would love to go out more often, but have found out there are quite a few places that would rather not have children there. Today was my last straw when for the 4th time at different places we were sat in the very back of the restaurant as far away from humanity as possible. I know it really is up to me to "complain" and asked to move. But really it just puts me off so instantly, that the rest of my dining experience is tainted. We can't always afford to get a sitter, and if we had to have one, we'd probably never go out! Just a sitter alone for a couple hours is already over $20!! And I realize there are places I'd never take my child.
So my question is, can someone give me some good suggestions, that are non chain, and are pretty friendly with children? He really is well behaved, and doesn't take up much space! I want to sit with everyone else and not off in some far off alcove! (and I dont' want to be banished to Applebees or Red Robin.)

Clifton's (Pizza & Calzones) is pretty kid-friendly, as are most local pizza places. The "upstairs" can get kind of loud when a band is playing, but you can sit in the lower level or back room if you want something quieter.

Bazo's (Mexican) has always been kid-friendly and has kid's meals. Shiraz (Middle Eastern) also has a kid-friendly atmosphere, but doesn't really seem to have any menu items geared towards children... though they might be willing to make something if you ask.

For breakfast, Lynn's Paradise Café is probably a good place to try.

There were a few more I was going to mention, but my mind went blank all of a sudden. I'll post more when I think of them.

We always enjoyed dining at these locations - and felt like we weren't stuck on the usual fare when DD was smaller...

Bluegrass Brewing Company on Shelbyville Road
Toast
Wild Eggs
Tony Boombozz on Hurstbourne - the other sit down locs would be good as well
Irish Rover
Yang Kee Noodle
Bristol Downtown or on Hurstbourne (the 2 I have experience with...)

Lynn's was always very accomdating as well...

Don't stay home if you don't want to! Hope this helps..

After reading another thread...I forgot another great choice...Cafe Lou Lou!
I think that means it's time for us to go back

You are always welcome at Melillo's. Many days you will see my 20 month old granddaughter walking through the restaurant. We love little people as well as big people. We have a childrens menu, booster seats, high chairs and servers who love to have fun with the little ones. We can't even put you in a corner, because we don't have one. Hope to see you soon!

I Today was my last straw when for the 4th time at different places we were sat in the very back of the restaurant as far away from humanity as possible.

I have a 2 yr old and a one month old and we went to North End on Saturday morning (the second weeked in a row) and when they sat us in the bar area where there was only one other couple I was actually happy about it. The gentleman that sat us was very friendly with us and made an effort to talk to my shy 2 yr old. Since the newborn we haven't eaten out as much but we also have had good experiences at Cafe Lou Lou, Havana Rumba and Baxter Station.

Since the newborn we haven't eaten out as much but we also have had good experiences at Cafe Lou Lou, Havana Rumba and Baxter Station.

We love kids - Clay's son is 1.5 years old, just now starting to run - he's there almost every day. Apples, mandarin orange sections, pita bread, cheezy noodles and grilled cheese...what's not to love?

Disclaimer: All unattended children will be given a free puppy and a double shot of espresso

Megan,
My kids have grown-up eating good food ( not fast food) at restaurants and here are some of our favorites with kids:

Cafe Lou Lou
Mellilos
Lynn's
Ditto's (but haven't been there in a long time)
Clifton's
Seviche (Goose Creek)
Come Back Inn

Deb

In addition to the above, my boys (age 4 and 1) love eating at Chinese restaurants. I'm not a big fan of the buffet dining, so we tend to stick to the nicer dine-in places. We went to Liang's in Springhurst this weekend and it was so, so good. I think my one-year old son ate his weight in beef fried rice! It does tend to be quiet inside, but with a few exceptions, the kids are well-behaved and always welcomed in return.

Disclaimer: All unattended children will be given a free puppy and a double shot of espresso

that will probably encourage as well as discourage children to be left unattended!

I second most of the places already mentioned.

-We ate lunch last week at the new Napa River location. They were more than helpful with our 2 year old. (Offer to put her drink in her sippy cup, gave us 10 things they could cook for her, bread right away) We will be back there for this reason alone.

-We have a 2-year old who like sushi (well, California Rolls) All Japanese places we frequent are very helpful. (Fuji, Hiko-a-Mon, Sakura)

-Seviche (GC location) Probably the "nicest" place I'm very comfortable taking her.

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I was trying to say, through my frustration/exhaustion, that I was looking for places that children were treated well and not like the plague! And you all came through..I can't wait to start going to so many more places! Would it be bad if I let Ben run free so I could have the puppy and the double shot??

Bistro 301 downtown is a good place, my kids have always loved it.
Cafe Lou Lou is their Fav
Mellillo's is a great option
Lynn's Paradise Cafe
The Bristol

All have been great choices through the years.

We have "open seating" at Meridian Cafe, and we have a few items on the menu especially for kids.
Mike and I each have children, (my teenagers, and his little) so I went through it, and he is going through it.
Children are most welcome at Meridian, we just engage them, and sweep up after! No biggie.

Hope to see you soon!

We always get seated in the back away from other diners, but I actually appreciate this. It keeps us away from diners who don't want to be around children, and, even though my children are well behaved, it does let me feel less stressed out about watching for every little sound they make.

There have been great suggestions so far. We also love Japanese places. Children love rice, noodles, and gyoza. Mine also love seaweed salad. hiko a man had lots of children when we visited.