Where to eat w/well mannered toddler that is NOT a chain?

We are new to the area and stay away from chains. (We just moved here two weeks ago.) We have a tot who does really well at restaurants and who is adventurous with foods. Where can we go that will not offend other diners?

Thanks for your help!

Define "really well".

Anyways, I'd say that Ditto's is an excellent place to take such a kid.

Gina,
Welcome to the Louisville area. I invite you to dine at the Westport General Store. We are a short drive through some of the most beautiful horse country in the state. About 20-25min from the Summit. We serve upscale Southern food in a casual setting and children of all ages are welcome.

Please introduce yourself when you come in.

Thanks for the info!

My daughter keeps her food on the table, eats what you put in front of her and as long as you can get in and out in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, she does not throw any crying fits or create a scene.

She puts on a good show in public ... at home is another story.

thanks for the recs - keep them coming!

I guess I'd better specify where Ditto's is. It is just south of the corner of Bardstown Rd. and Grinstead on Bardstown Rd (US-31E/US-150)

Be warned: Bardstown Rd. has a system for which lanes go which way that can confuse new people.

Gina - welcome to the ville. I highly recommend Liangs since it's in your part of town. We take our 3 year old there every week who is also an adventurous eater. If you do go order off of the House Specialties menu. The Imperial Shrimp and Mo Shu Pork are our favorites, and their Hot & Sour soup is the best I've had in town.

We eat out regularly with a three year old, and now we have an infant as well. They're quiet and well-behaved, and quite a bit less disruptive than adults who've had a couple of cocktails (our three-year-old remarked at Mojito one night about someone who had one too many, "Mommy, that woman is LOUD.") Restaurants in Louisville are almost always receptive and friendly.

Both Havana Rumba and Mojito are great, and the Havana Rumba child's menu offers real food, not just chicken fingers and other fried junk.

Grape Leaf on Frankfort is very child-friendly, and the food is good, solid Middle Eastern. The food at Shiraz is even better, and since it has a fast food atmosphere (but better quality) children should feel comfortable there.

Melillo's is super-friendly towards children, and since most children like pasta, it's easy for most parents. I'm not as fond of their food as some on the forum, but many people really like it.

Most of the ethnic places in town are child friendly as well. I'd recommend Vietnam Kitchen and Sari Sari as a co uple of favorites. Since my child will be happy anywhere that has rice, theseplaces are great for her.

I would suggest:
Meridian Cafe (St. Matthews)
Ramsi's (Highlands)
Havana Rumba (St. Matthews)
Fat Jimmy's (several area locations)

All offer great food in a laid-back atmosphere.

my friend Bryan's children LOVE Sapporo (also on Bardstown Road) and it is pretty bustling with people watching too so she won't get bored.

Sushi, Japanese entrees, good stuff.

I'va also seen a lot of kids at Irish Rover and Ray Parella's (sp) on Frankfort Avenue and they've fit right in.

Hi Gina and welcome to Louisville. Come to Melillo's Italian Restaurant on East Market Street. We are a family operated, family owned place where all ages are always welcome. We pride ourselves on our New Jersey Italian family recipes. Hope to see you soon and if you stop in, please let us know you're there so we can introduce ourselves.

I have had excellent experiences with our 2 1/2 year old at Melillo's, Baxter Station, Cafe Emilie, Limestone, Kobe Japanese.

I forgot to add Mike Linnigs, they have outdoor dining and a playground. It may be a diferent style of food than those previously mentioned but worth the drive if you are in the mood for some fried seafood or fried vegetables.

Mike Linning's is a FAB place for kids! No place like it ANYWHERE, that's for sure!

I have to second Melillo's. I've dined there w/ my two sons. Some may understand that can be a testy experience w/ boys.

They love the restaurant. The food and how receptive the enitre staff is w/ kids.

Which reminds me, they've been bugging us to go back soon for dinner & Bocce.

Welcome to Louisville Gina,
You might want to check out the BBC in St. Mathews. We have a stage with childrens toys free root beer floats for children, and .99 cent kids meals on Sundays. Best of luck in Louisville, you will love it here.