So for what it's worth, we wound up going to Keens last night and had a great time. Not a single staff member made our daughter feel anything but welcome, and we actually were one of many families.

The food was great, though we wound up splitting a T-Bone to save room for dessert. The hot fudge sundae was solid, and they even gave us extra cherries on top for our cherry-obsessed girl.

Thanks so much for making it a memorable meal, chowhounds!

Otto does look great and has a good reputation, but I think I may have the only four year old in America who doesn't like pizza. (I mean, really?)

Hmm. As of last night I'd settled on Kefi as they get good reviews and have a kid's menu, followed by a milkshake from Shake Shack. However I do love a good steak and Keen's looks amazing.

Now I"m thinking an early (6pm-ish) Keen's dinner may be just what the doctor ordered.

-----
Kefi
505 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10024

Shake Shack
366 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

These suggestions look great, but what concerns me is that according to another restaurant review site which shall not be named here, Modern Bar Room, Keens, Craft, Balthazar and Maialino are all listed as "not good for kids".

Would you two feel comfortable bringing a well behaved four year old girl to any of these places? I'm pretty sensitive about these kinds of things and wouldn't dream of bringing my daughter to some of Seattle's finer restaurants.

-----
Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010

I'll be in Manhattan this upcoming Sunday with my wife and four year old, and recently read an article touting Serendipity 3 (and their desserts) as a great end to a busy day.

However after doing some more digging, it seems this place is somewhat of a tourist trap with huge lines and so-so food.

Is there anything like this in the midtown area with excellent desserts and dinner that's better than average? We're willing to travel a bit and not constrained by budget.

-----
Serendipity 3
225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022

I'm late to the party, but I gotta disagree with you here. I've yet to be let down by the quality of the food here, and not only do they tolerate kids here, they're really sweet and patient with them and have a great kids menu to boot.

You guys rock - thanks for all of the suggestions. We had a great time and ate very well. We particularly enjoyed Santouka - it was delicious despite the food court setting and really hit the spot.

Pann's was a kick and had some pretty great fried chicken.

We also popped into Every Picture Tells a Story and picked up a few books. Sweet Lady Jane's had some great carrot cake but mediocre sandwiches.

Another place we found was Sauce on Hampton in Venice Beach. Super fresh, tasty sandwiches and wraps.

-----
Pann's Restaurant & Coffee Shop
6710 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Santouka
3760 S Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90066

My wife and I will be staying in the Venice beach area for six nights just after Christmas, and we're looking for restaurants in the general area that we would feel comfortable bringing our daughter to. For the record, she's a good, quiet kid that knows what acceptable restaurant behavior is.

All three of us enjoy a wide range of cuisine, and price isn't a huge barrier for this trip.

We'll have a car as well and are willing to venture out of the Venice/Santa Monica area.

What should we not miss?

I'll be dining solo in San Francisco this weekend, and on a previous visit had a really great meal and show by sitting at the kitchen counter at Boulevard.

I'd like to have a similar seat but in a different venue. I'm very flexible on cuisine but prefer to be in a livelier place than a dead one. :)

Any places I shouldn't miss where I can watch the kitchen hard at work?