We're planning on meeting another couple for dinner during our stay in Bethesda. We'll have our seventh month old son with us. We're not interested in fast food, but don't want anything too pricey either. We like all types of food. Any recommendations?

Louisiana Express might be a good fit. It's Cajun, however, and not the fanciest of places. Fairly inexpensive.

Bethesda has tons of restaurants; some of the more family-friendly with decent food are: Cafe Deluxe (basic American food with good burgers, pasta and good drinks, nice atmosphere, VERY kid-friendly); Austin Grill (Mexican); Jaleo (a little more sophisticated than the first two)--this is tapas, very good friend, moderate prices, I assume with the baby you will go early because Jaleo gets crowded but early you will be fine. All have moderate prices.

The great thing about Bethesda is that it is now smoke-free so perfect with a baby.

Hope this helps,

Mary

Bethesda is like, restaurant Nirvana. There are so many places to go, with wonderful food -- choose one of those. EVEN with a baby, there should be plenty to pick from. If the weather is nice, sitting outside would be terrific...enjoy!

When did Bethesda go smoke free? Was this all of Maryland?

Budman--just Montgomery County.

WOW, I remember back in the early to mid 90's they were talking about all of Maryland going smoke free, but it never happened.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I really didn't know what to expect, but now I'm looking forward to sampling some Bethesda cuisine!

A partial list of Bethesda Resaurants can be found at:

http://www.bethesda.org/dining/diningdatabase.asp

I've heard that Parker's is very family friendly. Rio Grande is a good bet too and very family friendly. There is also the famous Gifford's ice cream for dessert afterwards!

BluesBaby--it occured to me to warn you that Bethesda is a very popular place to eat out and gets very crowded. If you are going out on Friday or Saturday night, my strong advice is to make reservations--even on the early side. If your choice, doesn't take reservations, go early. I know my family often eats early at Cafe Deluxe and by six o'clock, the place can be full. Thursday nights are popular, too.

Gifford's is a great suggestion for after dinner--all of that part of Bethesda is easily walkable.

Enjoy,

Mary