We're heading to S.F. for a short visit and are looking for good, casual restaurants that are kid friendly. We're hoping to find some places that aren't chains and have interesting menus for mom and dad. Any ideas out there?

Nancy,
What area will you be at? And is there any cuisine(s) you are looking for?

Ada: We're down in Union Square, but we're planning to get out into the residential areas, so small neighborhood places are definitely something we'd like to hear about. Our one structured thing will be to take the Ferry over to Sausalito for lunch one afternoon. Thanks for the help!

I don't live there but we visited twice in the last 4 years or so. Loved breakfast at Dottie's True Blue Cafe near Union Square although others go with Sears. We went to Macarthur Park for lunch once - there's a little grassy park across the street where we spent some time after lunch. Fog City Diner, Park Chow in the Sunset area, Mandalay (Burmese) in Richmond, Ton Kiang (Chinese), Japanese noodles in Japantown. The second time, at age 5, we also ate at Greens and Chez Panisse Cafe in Berkeley.

I love Khan Toke Thai House on Geary. It's way out in the Richmond, but worth the ride. It's one of those places where you take of your shoes and eat on cushions, the food is great and it is very reasonably priced. I don't know about young kids... but you'd all be sitting on the floor so maybe that would work?

Others all have good suggestions!
Japanese Town center is nice because it's not too far from downtown, and there are many restaurants there- good for kids, lots of food models to look at!
Khan Toke is great, but I'm not sure about the sitting on the ground w/ kid... maybe you should call ahead. You can catch a taxi or take 38 bus from Union Square.
Another place I like also on Geary but not as far away is Straits Cafe (Singaporean). Great food!

the best advice i have for people with children, is try to eat early. most places are very kid friendly if they are not incredibly busy. i take my nieces to all of my favorite restaurants, but i do it at off hours (i.e. the first dinner seating, or a late lunch).

Nancy,

There is no way in the world you go "dinning" with a 14 month old. You are lucky to get out of MacDonalds without mopping the floor.

Get real