The String Bean…a KID-FRIENDLY restaurant

My husband and I enjoy going out to eat. But going out to a restaurant with our little guy has started to be a little challenging. Keeping him entertained in a highchair and at the table for the length of time it takes to eat and actually enjoy the food at a sit down restaurant can be next to impossible…unless it’s just a really good day.

I know restaurants try really hard with crayons and paper placemats, but after about 2 minutes, my son wants to eat the crayons. So then I pull out the food or something to snack on. Then, one of two things happens. He will fill up on the snacks and refuse dinner. Or if I’ve thought ahead and actually brought his dinner (yes, he’s a picky eater and so I usually end up bringing food with us that I know he’ll actually eat), he’ll eat it. But both of these scenarios involve my son eating while the adults wait on our food. Either way, by the time our food is brought to the table, my little guy is all done. And to him, all done means it’s time to get down and play. To me, it means I’m shoveling my food as fast as I can in hopes that we can eat and get out of there before we have a melt down.

But we have found a restaurant that my whole family can enjoy! Wahoo!

The String Bean has been in business since 1977 and recently moved to their new location in Richardson (at Coit and Campbell). It is the kid-friendliest restaurant I’ve found because it has a PLAYROOM just for the kids! It’s awesome! The kids are entertained and can play while the adults have time to look at the menu, order, wait on the food and actually eat (while it’s hot and without having to inhale as fast as possible). It’s genius!

The playroom has a play kitchen, lots of toys (trucks, puzzles, trains), a few bouncy balls and ride-on toys, bean bags, and a tv with cartoons playing. My little guy loves it! And they’ll happily seat you close so you can keep an eye on them while they play.The String Beans offers a wide variety of options on their menu. We usually skip the appetizers and just enjoy the hot rolls and cornbread that they bring to the table. When ordering, there are lots of options, and plenty of good ol’ home cooking. From salads and quiche to sandwiches, hamburgers and main entrees, there’s something for everyone.

My husband’s favorite is their country fried steak. And I have to admit, it’s definitely one of my favorites too. On their daily specials, there’s always something good. We’ve both had their pecan-crusted tilapia before, and it’s a great choice! And we’ve yet to order a veggie or side dish we didn’t like.

The kids menu has several options and this is one restaurant where my son will actually eat! Bonus for me! He actually loves the veggie plate (although don’t think it’s too healthy)…fried okra, French fries, apple sauce and string beans doesn’t necessarily constitute a well balanced meal.

Make sure to save room for dessert. We love their coconut cream pie! YUM! And they always have fresh baked cobbler with ice cream as well as a chocolate cobbler and banana pudding. If they’re offering bread pudding when you go, it’s a must try as well! It’s my favorite!

So the next time you have a day where you don’t feel like cooking but also don’t feel like wrangling the kids through a sit down meal at a restaurant, give The String Bean a try. The kids can play, you can enjoy a nice conversation with your husband or friends and then everyone can eat and go home happy!

The String Bean-1310 W. Campbell Rd (NE corner shopping center of Coit and Campbell), Richardson, TX 75080, 972-385-EATS, www.thestringbean.com