It's been a long day, and you don't feel like cooking tonight. But the kids need to be fed, and you know that cardboard pizza in the freezer isn't going to cut it.
If you're of the same mind as parents who are members of FLORIDA TODAY's Facebook group, 321 Flavor: Where Brevard Eats, you'll head to casual restaurants like Long Doggers, Grills or Pizza Gallery & Grill, good for families because of "good food, good variety and good prices," in the words of Timothy Cave.
Long Doggers, which received the most nods, is kid-friendly because of "easygoing surroundings and attitudes," Linda Lohne Crumbaugh said. That it offers children things to do while they and their families dine, helps.
Children love the gigantic fish tank and play area at Pizza Gallery at the Avenue Viera, too, and they adore the puzzles on the tables and toys in the gift shops at Cracker Barrel restaurants, which placed fourth in the poll, just ahead of Cantina dos Amigos.
Darci Kropp, owner of Darci's Bacon Blues and a parent, also has a kids' area and activities in her Cape Canaveral restaurant.
"We really work on having fun with them," said Steve Mardis, who with his wife, Kelly, owns Merritt Island Pancake House. "We continue to expand our menu for kids. We found we had to buy more high chairs and boosters than in the beginning; it surprises me how few high chairs are available in some restaurants.
Some "child-friendly" restaurants show up in unexpected places, like a brewery.
"They have tons of games to play, and if you sit outside, the kids can run around and play with what's out there, like Jenga," said Heather Miconi, who takes her family to Playalinda Brewing Co. Brix Project in Titusville. There's also a children's menu.
But does kid-friendly always equal a kids' menu, and what should be on it? Kids do eat out, often.
According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, children 2 to 19 years old obtained 67 percent of their daily calories at home and the remaining 33 percent from fast-food and other restaurants, school and additional away-from-home sources.
Group members voiced strong opinions there too. What has come to be regarded as the norm in that respect — packaged chicken pieces, hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, etc. — is not what many parents want for their children.
"I typically just end up sharing if it's just a frozen chicken tenders/grilled cheese kids' menu," Kayla Ellis wrote.
That brings smiles to the faces of chefs like Katherine Fridl of Cocoa, who formerly owned restaurants, has won prizes for her dishes and now is a consultant for restaurant owners and chefs. Fridl is well-known as a campaigner for less waste in kitchens and better food for children.
"We prefer to consult with the parent and child, and custom-design a fun and healthy meal for our wee diners," read one of Fridl's menus, and she sticks by the notion.
"Respect" is mentioned by chefs too.
"Treat (a child) with as much respect as a grownup, and keep kids' prices reasonable," Kropp said.
While play areas and special menus can be nice, some parents see dinnertime as family time, intended for conversation and perhaps a bit of learning. The believe children, too, can enjoy fine dining, and in these cases, good behavior is a must.
"My husband and I love taking our girls out to eat, and not just to our usuals (Gator's, Long Doggers, Burger 21 and Fiesta Azteca), but to Cafe Margaux, Crush XI, the Melting Pot and many others, not only in Brevard, but anywhere we travel," Molly Doroban said.
Jim Neil's grandchildren also know how to dine well.
Sometimes grownups need to remember: Kids are people, too.