Are You Offended?

I think it's great. I would definitely go there for a date night. Who wants to hear whining on date night?

Doesn't offend me in the least bit... in fact if there isn't a children's menu I wouldn't take my child there AND would be annoyed if we went out for a nice dinner and there were little ones running around or crying b/c there was only salmon and scallops on the menu.

Not having a children's menu and a primarily "bar" and "expensive" atmosphere SHOULD send the message that children aren't welcome. Apparently folks aren't getting that message!

I think it is a great idea. I think there are places that should be kid free. Vegas come to mind, too.
For the record, I have a child with excellent manners (she has even been to ettiquette classes) and I can take her anywhere now at age 8. But I didn't take her to non family places as a toddler, ever.

I am not offended at all. His business, he decides what to do. I would just eat there without my children (think great excuse here moms!). There are plenty of other restaurants to which I could bring my kids. If I am bringing the kids with us to eat, I want to go to someplace the kids will enjoy. Even without the "ban", I doubt we'd frequent this type of establishment with kids in tow.

Are you kidding? That would be my new favorite restaurant! Love kids but I don't feel they belong in an upscare restaurant esp in the evening when they should be in bed!

I live in Pittsburgh. This place is in a surrounding community. A community with about a zillion other places to eat. I'm not offended by it. If your kids are well behaved, you can take them to ANY other place to eat. If your kids are not behaved...I think he made his point.

Oh--just an aside--this is NOT a 'swanky' place or anything like that.

At first I was a bit offended, but that's because I have well behaved kids!! Then, as I read the article I can totally see where he is coming from. He was gracious enough not even to say anything bad about the kids...but about the PARENTING of the children! He is right on. I think that if there were a bunch of well behaved children at his restaurant he wouldn't have cared, but he was getting kids that were running around and misbehaving. Too bad that those parents ruined it for the rest of the people. I know that even when I hit restaurants that are child friendly I still get annoyed when I see kids that just can't behave and parents that just don't care.
L.

I say hooray! (And I've had as many as 3 under-6'ers at a time. Two, currently.)

Good for him!
If I lived in that area, I'd make a point of going there to enjoy a meal in peace and quiet.
I have never understood some parents insistence on inflicting their kids on the general public.
Before the age of 4 1/2 we never took our son to out to eat - it was all take out, or cook and eat at home.
For a year or two we stuck to fast food / kid friendly places and then we could take him almost anywhere because he could act like a civilized human being through an entire meal.
There are more places banning kids because of a tendency for some parents to allow them to run amok.
I read an article a few days ago "Permissive Parents: Curb your Brats" and I knew exactly what the writer was talking about.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/07/05/granderson.bratty.k...

I love children, my daughter is 16 now, and I substitute elementary children..........HOWEVER, when I go out and I am at an upscale restaurant or any place for that matter, but especially at a high end location spending a nice $$, I don't want to hear screaming, loud kids.

Our country club has family nights on Friday nights which involves a clown, movies and activities for children. HOWEVER, they have a completely separate area for families in the families with children room, family room (older children) and adult area. You choose your area.

In some instances, you can't prevent it, as on an airplane but most of us have been there done that as far as air travel. I don't complain or move, I try to remember that I was there once as well and hope the little one sleeps.

Last time I flew, there was a toddler behind me as a lap child and a dog under the seat. It was so annoying because everytime the parents gave the child a treat to shu her up, the dog barked and the dog owner said the dog wanted treats. Overall, the flight was so annoying for everyone it was funny because we were all laughing at the eccentric dog owner.

I am not offended, I would certainly go to the restaurant knowing I could get a quiet meal.

I am not the least bit offended. There are plenty of other places to take my kiddo. This might hurt his business (parents may boycott his joint) or help his business (no kids at this restaurant?? Peace and quiet? Let's go!)

I have three kids who were all toddlers at one time. They were mostly well behaved at restaurants because I didn't accept anything less from them. And on those few occasions where they were monsters, I packed up, paid the bill and left so as not to disturb the other diners. Having just recently suffered through a dining experience with a screaming child at the next table, honestly, I think it's a great policy. Sure there are well behaved kids, but there are just as many little terrors out there whose parents think the sun and moon rise and set by their children and let their kids behave atrociously in public. Since those parents won't discipline their kids, all the others' dining experiences are ruined. Which makes this policy pretty awesome, IMO. Those who are offended can go to other family friendly restaurants. I'm betting this restaurant will do just fine without the under 6 set. And if I lived near it, I would go eat there.

I personally am ok with it. I have 3 kids myself and know how hard it can be with kids that young in restaurants. Don't get me wrong we always took our kids out at that age but we took them to places that were kid friendly. We always have made them sit and behave, we would never get up with them and walk around, they needed to learn how to handle themselves at a restaurant and now that they are 10 (twins) and 18 we have been able to take them to very nice restaurants and they know how to handle themselves.

With all that said, I'm ok with that also because there are times now that my husband and I like to go out just the two of us and honestly if I'm actually getting that time away from my kids I like to have a peaceful dinner that we can actually talk and relax and not have small children walking around, crying and causing all kinds of commotion around us because there are alot of parents who take their kids to nicer restaurants who have absolutely no business being there. There are plenty of kid friendly restaurants out there so take them there.

I hate to say this, but I found myself at an upscale restaurant with my husband for our anniversary dinner, only to be seated next to a table with two VERY small and VERY loud children. We asked to be reseated. I love my children more than anything, but when I want an adult night out and I'm going to spend a ton of money on dinner, the last thing I want is to have to talk over screaming children. So, no, I'm not offended by this. I don't take my kids to upscale places if I can possibly help it (I'm trying to think of any occasion where I might have done this and can't, but there are always exceptions). There are plenty of other places people can go to eat, so if it does offend, then he just won't have that clientele. It's a gamble for sure, but it's the owner's decision to make. I guess if this were my favorite restaurant and I had always taken my kids there and this rule were suddenly implemented, I might take offense thinking it were BECAUSE of my kids, but on the outside looking in to this situation, it really doesn't bother me.

hee hee! No not offended. With 3 small kids, I tend to go to places that cater to kids. He might as well be straightforward about his point of view rather than "allowing kids" but not really treating them well. Anyone can choose to go or not go. And as Jubee said, I also HATE going on a date night, and sitting near noisy kids. I know it's nuts, because I'm a mom but I guess because we don't have alot of money and we rarely go on dates, so when we do, I want a break from kids and noise etc. Anyways, my view is it's a private establishment, he is allowed.

Nope. I think it's a great idea.

One of my biggest complaints when my husband and I go out for date night are little kids in restaurants. Nothing kills romantic ambiance more than some brat running around or screaming babies.

After many years of working in restaurants I used to want a restaurant that banned children or if I couldn't do that I wanted have the children leashed to their parents. Nothing better then bringing out a huge tray of sizzling hot fajitas and having some ones child running around. The best was when that child would run into a waiter the parents would get pissed at the waiter not the child.

could care less

upscale dining and small children have never gone hand in hand

I agree with the owner. It is his restaurant after all. I have two kids (10 mos and almost 5). While I would never take my kids to a place like this in the first place, some people would. And let their kids scream, act all crazy, and make huge messes (which ruins it for everyone else). This would be a place I would go on date night- when I wanted a break from kids. There should be more places like this!!

Not offended. Private restaurants/clubs can limit anyone. I worked at a bar/restaurant in college that would not allow anyone under 21 after 9 PM. It was just easier to card at the door to help prevent anyone underage being served. I love my son more than anything in the world. That does not mean I believe his attendance should be welcome everywhere. I do take him out to eat and if he misbehaves, we leave. I've been in many places and worked in many years ago where so many parents somehow became deaf to their screaming child and blind to the fact they were climbing all over their seats and trying to run through the restaurant, crashing into servers with trays. It is ridiculous. This is disturbing to other paying patrons. It is a restaurant not a playground. It seems to me that this owner is just trying to limit that type of behavior so all of his guests can enjoy their meal.

It's not offensive. There are some very upscale, ritzy restaurants that don't allow children/minors at all. Upscale clubs don't allow minors. Many, many bars, even the ones attached to restaurants, don't allow minors at all let alone small children.

It's his business and he's entitled to limit his clientele in this manner. There are plenty of other restaurants that are family friendly. Why choose to be offended by this one place where the owner is exerting his right to do business with the clientele of his choice based on the majority of his customers preferences? It's a fricking bar. They come a dime a dozen.

EDIT: My children are very, very well behaved in restaurants. They enjoy the privilege of going and we're always, always complimented on their behavior. Every single time.

The fact is that not everyone "loves children" and not everyone feels that they should be forced to "accept and embrace them" when they're out to eat or out having a drink in an adult establishment. A bar. This place in the article isn't upscale. It's a bar. That happens to serve food restaurant style.

No big deal to me. If I want to eat out with my kids there are plenty of other kid friendly restaurants available. And if I'm looking for a "kid free" atmosphere it's nice to at least have an option available.

Offended? Heck no. Can I leave my 7 year old at home too? LOL!!

I'm thinking maybe, being as it's a seafood joint, that just maaaaybe he's thinking about kids seafood allergies? Or, being as there's a bar, is smoking an issue? That's a long shot, but whatever.

There's this tavern right down the road where we pick up a pizza or sandwiches pretty often. (Love bar food, LOL!) After 6pm, no kids allowed, because IT'S A TAVERN! I would never sit down and eat there with the kids, it's all dart boards and pool tables. BUT, even if I go pick up food before 6pm, there's a packed bar... and yeah, sometimes I bring the kids in there with me to grab the food. OH the stares I get! I line the kids up on the bar stools while I pay, LOL. The people who work there know me by now, and always 'serve' up some candy or something. It's cute and funny, because 2 little girls sitting at the bar among all these 40 and up crowd hanging out... it's cute. I did have to explain that they will never, EVER see the inside of a place like this until they're over 21 ;)

My point is, you know which places are child appropriate and which are not. This restaurant owner is clearly looking to serve the over 21 crowd and probably figures if people have kids the same ages as mine (1, 5, and 7) that we wouldn't bother eating there at all. I don't blame him. To each their own! You want to eat out WITH the kids, go to a family friendly place. No big deal :)

I wish I lived near so I could go! When my kids were younger we went to family oriented restaurants. What is wrong with having an adult oriented restaurant? Don't have a problem with it in the least. I was at a restaurant a few weeks ago and these kids were running around tables! The mom's were just sitting there talking not doing anything. I was there for a business lunch. Its a good thing they didn't run around our table. I would have said something.

I think it's a great idea and I have 2 under 4! When my husband and I go out without the kids, the last thing we want to hear is crying and screaming. It's nice to have kid free zones!

Nope. I think it is no big deal to be able to go to a place that allows older children. Some of us with older children might even appreciate a toddler/baby free meal. Even well behaved toddlers have off days. I think it was gracious o even allow 6 year olds. We take our kids everywhere and although we rarely go out to eat we sill frequent places that have coloring menus and balloons. They are only that little for a little while anyway. I cam almost see the light at the end o the tunnel where everyones manners are good enough to allow for a quiet hassle free meal.

I enjoy grown up time. If I want to hire a babysitter, get dressed up and go out to enjoy a meal that is quiet, mellow, romantic even, then why in the world would I want to sit next to a table of kids climbing around and being loud.

I would absolutely go to a place like this for a date night with hubby or girls night out.

I think it's great. I have two kids (older, but I've been through those ages) and I really hate having a nice meal ruined because there were fussy, unruly kids at the next table. Good for him!

I say ok.

If you cant find a place to eat and you are lugging your under six around because that is the only place to eat....I may be annoyed....I get it though.

Kids out to eat can be very annoying to other people. My kids are those kids that are peeking over the back of our booth and throwing french fries over their shoulder.

We have left places because they have been to bouncing off the walls. I never know how they will behave.

So, I say if there is place that doesnt want to serve the monkey's I get it. and understand fully why they would do it!

I'm not offended or bothered by that. I never took ill behaved kids to a nice restaurant, but others did.

Not offended. I think it's fine to have adult only restaurants. When my kids were young, I did not take them to upscale restaurants where they did not have kid menus or highchairs. I didn't want to be eating a fancy, expensive dinner and have to cut someone's food or leave the table to change their diaper. I didn't enjoy paying for a babysitter and dressing up to find that a toddler was at the next table. I think it's great to take young kids out to casual restaurants - my kids had plenty of exposure to Friendlys and Applebees and the diner when they were small, but we held off on fine dining til they were an appropriate age.

I'm not offended at all. Sometimes it's nice to go to resturants with out kids and be able to relax. It's very rare that I get to go on dates with my husband because of his work schedule and finding a babysitter, so when we do go out, it's nice to not have a screaming kid in the table behind us when we are trying to talk. We don't take our kids to fancy resturants. When we are all out as a family, we go to family resturaunts.

I could care less, there are TONS of other restaurants that I can go eat with Mikey at................. He's not a fan of sea food anyways ;-)

Nah, not offended, and I have very good boys. In England, we'd take our little guys to a pub for a bite any time, with no thought. But once there was a sign outside one of the pubs that said "this is not a child friendly pub" and we just kinda laughed when we saw the sign and kept walking to the next place. Not that big a deal. I get offended or aggravated when we have to jump through hoops, pay $13/hour for a sitter to come so we can get a precious hour for dinner, uninterrupted adult time to try to reconnect (SO RARE for us), and then someone ELSE'S child pops up. Nothing we can do about it, but when we go to a "date restaurant" we'd so like to have a date with no children. There's TONS of family restaurants around. Take them to Chilis or something, where it's loud anyway, like we did when ours were little! Similar issue with bars....I don't mind my children going to a pub to eat, but it absolutely matters where and when, and what's going on. Don't bring your child to a pub during game night or fight night. The drinks are flowing and so is the language. But because common sense is well, quite uncommon, I don't mind if a restaurant gives an age limit. It's not like they said no children. It said no babies/toddlers. School age children, being the age where they go to school and no how to sit down for a 45 minute class, may come to the restaurant and sit down for dinner. Babies and toddlers, preschoolers.....well, to me it says more about SOCIETY than it does about the owner of a restaurant. Too many people aren't raising, disciplining, or teaching their children so the owner of the establishment is saying that if you won't get a sitter for a child who will cry through dinner, won't pick your child up off the floor, won't keep them from whining, dropping food everywhere, spilling water everywhere, or throwing things in a tantrum, please don't come until they can handle themselves. I'm ok with that. The previously mentioned article "Permissive Parents, Curb Your Brats" was pretty right on. When we eat out, we look at the day and time before choosing a place to eat. If we have our boys with us, we eat at delis, cafes, family friendly joints, or eat at an off hour. They are learning the rules and how to handle themselves in a restaurant (even if other children around don't), but it doesn't have to be at the expense of those around us. It's not a state wide law that no children are allowed to eat anywhere. It's a private establishment saying what they want.....no different than going somewhere where a tie or jacket is required. Noone freaks out on a country club, and they are privately owned and have rules on who can come in and what you can wear. My favorite latin restaurant in TX said on their website what the dress code was for Friday and Saturday nights---it was supposed to be more upscale, with dancing. Noone threw a fit there either.

I think it's fine. It's good to know that if I want a night out without my kids (or anyone else's kids) then this is the place to go. And if I want a meal with my family, this is the place to NOT go. No need for every restaurant to cater to every customer.

Nope... Not the least bit offended. There are plenty of times that I don't have my kids when hubs and I go out to eat... I don't want to deal with other's kids at that time either.

Also, there are many other seafood places that do let kids in. People can always go to one of those places if they have the kids in tow.

I'm fine with it. I had plans to go to the most expensive restraunt of my life on Monday and was really looking forward to an adult, glamorous evening. Then my sil invited herself and her 2 yr old. I immediately wanted to change our plans to somewhere like Olive Garden or Chilis. Kids are not always appropriate in every setting. Nor, would they be happy in a place that doesn't make special consideration for them. A restraunt thats more bar than restraunt, doesn't sound kid friendly to me, so, I wouldn't want to take my kids there. They wouldn't enjoy it and neither would I.
However, I think a "ban" is too harsh. Especially if my whole family planned to go there and when I showed up with my kids we were turned away. Now, you'd have 20 pissed off people on your hands! I would post a sign, saying "we strongly discourage bringing young children, as we do not have a childrens menu and feel this is a relaxed adult atmoshphere." That way, we could come in and be seated, but I would know not to bring my kids back the next time.

I think it's illegal. But I feel owners/proprietors should have rights on who to serve and who not to, it's unfortunate that it's one of the freedoms that has been removed from the land of the free.
I don't think he can actually ban kids, he will put up a sign that "suggests" kids under 6 are not allowed and will hope that people will follow the suggestion most likely.
If I had the choice to go to a noisy, family restaurant or a cozy, kids free one, I'm sure I'd pick the kids free one. It's hard to have dinner conversation with hubby and friends when kids are screaming and running around.

When my husband and I have date night we tend to go more upscale to avoid children. When we take my daughter with us, we go to more family friendly restaurants. For 2, I think my daughter is very well behaved and could probably handle an upscale restaurant, but that's not the place for her. I also think time of day matters. If I go to dinner before 8, I expect kids, if I go after 8, I expect less kids.

Not offended but if I lived in the area I'd be a little annoyed, our two year old is the most behaved kid in a restaurant we've never had any issues so it sucks that parents brought their screaming kids in enough that the owner felt he needed to protect his business from them. I say kudos to the owner for doing what it takes to make his business pleasant and shame on the parents who inflicted their screaming kids on the upscale restaurant.

I think its great! On occasion hubby and I go out to eat when we don't have the kids and instead of hanging out in the bar (which is not my preference) I would love to go to a restraunt knowing kids would not be there and we could *quietly* enjoy the evening.

Can't blame them. Doesn't bother me. I know lots of people who will love eating there undisturbed. My kids act well in restaurants, but they don't need to be allowed to go to every single one on the planet. The owner should get a say in how he runs his business.

I would NEVER eat there and I would make sure everyone I know doesn't eat there. That is horrible and extremely discriminatory! I hate to think what they would do if someone with disabilites came in! What a horrible way to treat kids---kids should be loved and welcomed in--not banned!

I completely understand yelling and being disruptive, the parents should take the child out until they are calm. But alot of kids are super well-behaved--Are the parents supposed to get a babysitter before they go out to dinner???? Crazy.

M

Doesnt offend me, with 3 kids, we rarely go out to dinner with them anyways. We save it for when they are with their grandparents. And if we do take them, we usually go somewhere VERY kid friendly so WE dont offend anyone.

I say - i wonder how long he'll be in business!!! to each his own....he's the owner...he can make his own rules...

Oh well...they ban smoking...because the smell offends some...they ban kids because the noise offends them....

plenty of businesses have gone under because of the smoking ban...we'll see if his goes under because of the no-kid ban....

You want Mexican? Abc will cater to you. You want Italian? Xyz will cater to you. You want a night out with no children under 6 around? This place will cater to you. He has a demographic he wants to shoot for and that's his perogative. I do think he should go all or nothing though. Make it 18 and up only. This is one restaurant in a whole state. There are PLENTY of other places for people who want to take their kids out for dinner to go!

As I parent of children I do find this offensive. If I take my children to dinner and they act up as a responsible parent I first take my child to the restroom for a talk and attitude adjustment if needed and go back to the table if they still are disruptive I ask the server to cancel my order if it has not been started or for my food to be boxed up and I take my little darling home where we once again talk about actions and consequences.

I didn't look at the responses but my thought is, what is this world coming to restaurants are wanting to band children and fast food joints are wanting to serve alcohol!!!!! WHAT IS GOING ON I'M JUST DUMB FOUNDED BY THE WHOLE THING, BOTH SIDES! What are they trying to do band children from going out all together to eat?

If it's not illegal then it's his business, he can run it how he wants. I'm sure there are plenty of childless people who will go there and enjoy it, and I'm sure there are plenty of parents who would also enjoy a kid free date night!
Though I'm not sure how he will enforce the rule, will the kids be carded? LOL

I am not offended .. Even though I have a child of my own, gotta say, it is tough to eat with a screaming child or one who is allowed to run around the place doing whatever the child pleases.. We have a friend who allowed their kid to crawl under tables and pretty much do whatever he wanted... (the behavior was so obnoxious, but worse was that his parents allowed it)

That isn't how I raised my child and nor do I want to be in a restaurant where another child is acting that way. Of course, not all kids act this way and in most cases, it's the parents fault.. Good manners can be taught and too, at 6 years of age, 30 minutes is long enough to make a child sit down at the table. Therefore, I don't think it's fair to a young kid that parents take him or her to a place where you know you will be for more than an hour... at that age, kids don't care to sit and talk.... I say, work within your child's limits.. if you know they can't sit for more than 20 or 30 min.. then don't make the restaurant the training ground.. use your own home for that... when my son was that young, I knew his limits and we didn't go to places where adults went to have dinner and ambiance, we simply ate at home much of the time. Now that he is older, he does enjoy nice restaurants, but rest assured, he is well behaved....

I think they should allow children before 6pm; just like some movie theaters. If a ban is started on not letting children in...what's next?! Banning people over a certain weight from buffets, banning certain races from other places, performing credit checks before entering an establishment...etc. Yes, I believe everyone has a right to eat in peace and to create a certain kind of atmosphere, but if it becomes so acceptable to start banning we are heading in the wrong direction. I just think the owner should have done it a different way.

It doesnt bother me. There are plenty of other places to take the kids and not be worried if they make a little noise or a mess. We try to teach kids manners and how to behave well, but some of us dont always see our kids the same as others see them. We might not realize that the squeeling wiggly toddler is bothering others because we are so used to tuning the sounds out(self preservation), but others around us are bothered. I love kids and spent many years with a houseful but I do like to go out now and then and enjoy a meal without a 3 yr old standing up on the booth behind me and sticking a fork in my ear. (yes it happend) I also think it will be great incentive for a little kid to know when they reach a certain age and have proven they can be mature at dinner, they will be rewarded with the "grownups restaurant". And maybe they will behave even better in the other family type places.

A bit. Then again, as a working mom of 2, I don't get to go out to eat very often. There will be some backlash for this. Then again, I know some 8+ year olds and adults that are worst then my 4y.

M.

It's his business, he can say 'No kids" if he wants. It doesn't offend me.

I am. My kids are normally well behaved and we don't take them to supe fancy restaurants. If this is normal type restaurant I think it is insane. My 4 year old acts better than most 7 year olds in a restaurant. I think its BS and I would hope people boycott him for it.

I don't have a problem with it at all. It is a not a restaurant that caters to families or children anyway. Besides that, sometimes it is nice to go out for a nice meal and not hear kids crying, screaming, and demanding things. It is nice to sometimes not have kids running around the restaurant, throwing food, or banging on things.

Sadly all too often parents do nothing about the child's bad behavior, and make no efforts to quiet or remove a crying baby, so the result of places banning children under a certain age is not really a surprise to me.

Edit to add: Also, I don't see a difference between what this owner did, and places that don't allow anyone under 21 years old in, or anyone under 18 years old in. Heck, there is a place close to where I live that does not allow anyone under the age of 13 years old in. Nothing is wrong with any of those age restrictions, but often they make the place and experience more enjoyable for everyone.

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It doesn't offend me...personally I'd rather not take my kids to a restaurant where the owner is intolerant of them. I'd appreciate the heads up and steer clear of the place. Nothing worse than wasting a fun dinner out at a restaurant with the family at a place where the staff would be annoyed with kids being kids.

I'm not offended at all. I am offended when people let their kids act up and disrupt others who are paying money to enjoy a meal out. People don't always use the best judgment regarding what's age appropriate and some don't require their kids to behave at all. The manager was clear that this was more about the parents than about the kids. It's a shame he had to do this.

Offended? Absolutely not. I know there are a ton of people that literally do not go anywhere without their children, but I'm not one of them. There are places for kids, there are places for families, and there are places for adults.

Once a year in August my parents, sister, BIL, DH & I all go to dinner because there are several family birthdays that fall within a few weeks. We go to a fancy-shmancy seafood place on the water in Cape May, NJ. We do not bring our kids. If there were crying babies, whiney kids, sulky tweens there on a regular basis, we would choose another restaurant.

We all deserve a break from kids once in a while, both our own & everyone else's!

It doesn't offend me. It's his restaurant, and if he doesn't want young children in there then that is his decision and should be able to freely make it.

If it's an upscale place then I probably wouldn't bring in my young kids anyways. Those places are for date nights with just the hub and I anyways.

For me, no biggie, there are plenty of other places that will let us in to eat. Its their loss, not ours.

No problem with me, either. When I spend the money to go out, I don't have my kids with me. They are well behaved, but I am spending money to be waited on and relax. If other people have brought their kids along while I am trying to mellow and their kids are loud and crying it makes me NUTS. I'd gladly go to a child free restaurant.

It doesn't sound like a place to take children any how. I'm not offended in the least

It doesn't offend me at all. Why would it. If it is a place where the owner is not catering to children then I would not bring children there. I personally might be inclined to go there when I knew I would not have to listen to "Suzy" scream she wants moreeeeeeee or bobby running and jumping under the waiters feet. It's not a bad thing to have a child free zone. the hubby and I went to red lobster tonight. a family had a new born who screamed the entire time we were there. I would have loved to have taken the baby and rocked it to sleep but the family shoved a pacifier in and ignored it. kid just screamed around it.

I'm not offended. I've had many restaurant meals ruined by babies crying, toddlers screaming & running around & parents seemingly oblivious to what their children are doing. I don't mind kids at casual dining restaurants if their parents are being responsible. Fine restaurants generally have slower paced service because they realize that their patrons are there for a nice experience & good food. This type of service doesn't work well with small kids who have short attentions spans. I am a mother of 2 boys who have blessed me with 4 grandchildren ranging in age from 2 - 10.

I'm not offended. Why would I want to spend my money at a place where they don't want my kids around? That's their perogative... I have mine. Who cares?

i don't feel offended since it's their own restaurant....i wouldn't want anyone telling me how to run my own business

Not offended either. Think about it...you get a night out without your kids, only to go to a restaurant where someone else has a screaming child. I don't blame them, but that may not have been the "quiet evening out" you had been hoping for. If it is truly an upscale restaurant, than I don't see the problem.