Top 10 Family Restaurants in Columbia, MD

Eating out is a little difficult when you are constantly entertaining your demanding guest as they drool adorably down their little bibs. Some restaurants in Columbia have taken note and done something to make food fun for all involved.

The criteria they all had to meet was that they provide quality food at a reasonable price, provide something that even a little child can do, and have the kind of food a particular adult would love to eat. They are in no particular order.

1.Cheeburger, Cheeburger – Now this is a great place to go when you want to get a huge burger. Children can try to eat themselves into oblivion to get onto the wall of fame (a wall that celebrates the consumption of a huge burger). There are many happy faces on that wall and it’s a great way to get the kids to eat. Order your cheesburger or chicken burger with toppings that you decide on.

You can also order your milkshake with any combination of flavors that you like (put all 50 in if you dare). Talk about stimulating creativity over a meal…..your child will sit impatiently waiting for their personal creation to show up and commence to devour it once it is received. The portions are large enough for two meals and the ambiance is 50’s diner style. It’s also a great place to go and sit at the malt bar sipping on a milkshake. A definite hit with my child.

2. Fuddruckers – Want to make your hamburger your way? This sure beats Burger King. You can put the condiments you want in the amounts that you would like on your burger. Free refills on the drinks helps wash it all down. Parents can wash it down with a beer if they so choose, while the kids have a choice of sodas, root beer floats, water, shakes, and malts. Do you love the Krispie squares? Indulge the nostalgia with their Krispie marshmallow squares. There are also several types of cookies and brownies to satisfy any sweetooth cravings.

3. Rocky Run Tap & Grill – You have the opportunity to discover your inner-artist here as you doodle with the crayons on the brown paper tablecloths. Play word games, draw picture charades, play tic-tac-toe…..the possiblities are endless. The food is great and the selection of handcrafted beers is outstanding. The children’s menu offers healthy choices. Music is fun too and, men, you might even be tempted to prove your manhood by tring the hottest/spiciest hot sauce they have sitting, tempting you from the shelves around you. My suggestion–order two glasses of water!

4. Mongolian Grill – This buffet style restaurant is a great place for your child to put together their own meal without getting burnt. They can choose the meat and vegetables, add the sauces they think will taste good, and top it off with spices, salt ,and pepper. They might also like to watch the chefs toss it and cook it on the large cooking ranges and then race to the table to gobble it up. Adults might join them in this. It is a lot of fun and everyone gets food seasoned to their liking. You can keep going back to try again until you find your perfect combination. There are some fishtanks with very active fish that the very little ones might enjoy watching.

5. Greene Turtle – This works on so many levels. There are several television screens all over the restaurant and they are all on. The booths have individual tv screens that you can control and watch while you are waiting for your food. Kids can watch their shows, dad and mom can watch the sports, and all can enjoy the live performances that are provided. The food is very good and the menu extensive.

6. Red Robin – Great hamburgers, fun atmosphere, and those endless balloons……who on earth blows up all those balloons??? Children love the food and the adults love the variety. The bottomless beverages are a hit too ( and, might I add, the bathrooms are clean). Adults have their variety of drinks to choose from too.

7. Cyberden Cafe – After you eat you can go play on the x-box, psp, computer, or whatever gaming toy suits your fancy. Yes, they are a gaming cafe and offer several play stations, x-boxes and computers for your children to get their game on. Parents can get some work down by accessing the free wi-fi internet that is offered. Sigh…all is well in the world for all. It works better for older children as there are a large number of teens in there, but little ones might enjoy picking away at a computer while they wait for their food.

8. Mimi’s Cafe – My child is not easily impressed but she loved the ambiance (her new big word…she is her momma’s daughter) of the place and was extremely impressed with the helpings. The food is very good and the atmosphere is almost like a large country diningroom with every relative you’ve ever had in one room. The music is easy to listen to and there is a positive atmosphere for conversation. Interesting tidbit….it is owned by the Bob Evans Restaurant chain. Prices are extremely affordable but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the food and the portions. Caution: come starving or bring a large suitcase to lug the extra food home. No! You can’t pour every single drop of salad dressing into your to-go box. Leave something behind….it’s only polite.

9. Great Eggspectation – Coffee, juice bar, wine bar, liquor. Well, that’s got the drink department covered–now on to the food. The food portions are delicious and varied. The desserts will leave you salivating and, for those who are health conscious (or don’t want a child who is spazzing on sugar), there are several choices of yogurt to pick from.

10. On the Border- For all your mexican food lovers, this place offers great meals at a great price. The decor is wonderful and the fajitas worth taking a second trip for. The children’s menu is good and there is a lot of great variety on the menu for everyone. Children will love putting their fajitas together.

All these places take a hands-on approach to food and offer an atmosphere where the whole family can enjoy laughter and conversation in comfort. Mom, you may never want to cook again. Eat, drink ,nd enjoy!