topic Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu? in Community Chat

Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

house_cat — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 14:46:40 GMT

I'm going to lunch with friends today. I checked the nutrition menu. The portions are ginormous and the calorie counts are even worse. Is it in bad taste, or even not permitted, to order from the kids' menu when you're obviously NOT A KID?

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

Toot1920 — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 14:54:09 GMT

@house_cat , I have. It’s not like they are giving the kids meals away or giving the same amount of food. Now, sometimes the kids prices are pretty cheap and are usually just your normal kids fare. Then I don’t. It depends on the restaurant and what they offer. When I order the adult portion, I automatically figure what I will eat then and what to take in a take out box. The calorie count and portions are usually so much more than we need or can eat. I figure that I can get two meals out of most menu portions.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

OKPrincess — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 14:57:52 GMT

I order from senior or kid menu whenever I can. And it’s not unusual for DH and I to split things.

It’s not about the money but about the portions. Somethings just don’t taste good heated up for the evening meal.

Ive never been turned down when ordering from the kid menu.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

Bri369 — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:02:28 GMT

No, I've never ordered a kids' meal.

I frequenly order something from the appetizer menu. The portion is smaller, for one thing. And sometimes the options are healthier - it just depends.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

house_cat — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:08:07 GMT

Thanks, ladies! Good ideas. I hadn't thought of the appetizer menu - I could get a cup of soup and an appetizer and be okay.

I should have mentioned it's a casual family restaurant and I'm not concerned about the prices, just the portions. I don't want to take half home, because I'd rather make a better choice tomorrow.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

FranandZoe — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:12:42 GMT

I'd ask the waitress. If there's no age indicated on the children's menu then I would.

Hubby and I often order from the seniors' or "smaller portion" menu. Or we'll split an entree.

I often order just an appetizer and cup of soup also - great idea.

Enjoy!

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

software — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:15:07 GMT

Yes usually if there is someone at the table ordering a regular entree, it's ok to order a kid's meal as an adult.

I often just get an appetizer.

If I order a regular entree, I know half will go home for leftovers.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

Allegheny — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:19:16 GMT

I do not have a large appetite and have often wondered about ordering from the kids menu. But many times depending upon the eatery what is on the kids menu is not the same meal, so I end up taking home half my meal.

I think it depends how it is listed. If it is listed as child's portion with no age then I don't think they can stop adults from ordering. If age is listed, like 12 and under then I believe they can refuse.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

x Hedge — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:20:41 GMT

Maybe restaurants have gotten flexible about that. I certainly hope so.

When I used to eat out often they wouldn't serve adults from the kid's menu.

The age range for 'kids' food items would usually be printed right on the menu, and if an adult tried to order from it, they'd hear "sorry, against policy". Servers sometimes got flack from customers because of this policy.

Maybe call ahead of time and ask whether they permit that.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

Trinity11 — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:20:54 GMT

No, I would not order from the kids menu. Waitresses get smaller tips based on kids meals that an adult eats.

If portions were large, I would give myself permission to eat half and leave the rest. No harm in not cleaning your plate...

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

Sooner — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:24:19 GMT

NO. No more than I would ask for a kid's ticket at the amusement park. I'm obviously not a kid and if things are there for kids, that doesn't mean me.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

haddon9 — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:25:12 GMT

It's been a long time since I went to a restaurant that has a kids' menu. From what I can remember most of those offerings tend to be chicken nuggets, hot dogs, grilled cheese, etc. Not something I would ever want to eat out.

I have ordered appetizers, shared entrees or just taken half home. I try to stay away from chain restaurants and look for those that offer a variety of salads and interesting entrees....hopefully organic!

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

house_cat — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:32:15 GMT

@haddon9

This restaurant seems to offer many of the same menu items in kids' portion sizes - like "grilled chicken and vegetables".

I checked the appetizer menu - no calorie savings there!

I guess I'll just go with the usual default - salad with dressing on the side.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

Bri369 — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:34:40 GMT

Most restaurants can accomodate special requests. It doesn't have to be listed on the menu for you to be able to order it.

You can always add fish or chicken to a salad or order a side of grilled vegetables.

You never know until you ask...

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

sunshine 919 — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:56:50 GMT

@house_cat wrote:
I'm going to lunch with friends today. I checked the nutrition menu. The portions are ginormous and the calorie counts are even worse. Is it in bad taste, or even not permitted, to order from the kids' menu when you're obviously NOT A KID?

Good question. I do. I love mexican food. I went to my favorite restaurant and ordered from the kid/senior menu. cheese enchiada rice and beans. Smaller portion and it is cheaper. I just started doing this. Enjoy your lunch.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

tobes — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:18:16 GMT

yes only at dairy cream i order child's size

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

FrostyBabe1 — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:45:51 GMT

No. I've yet to see a kids menu that has things that I'd actually eat. They're mostly chicken nuggets, hot dogs, hamburgers or mac and cheese. Yuck. There are a few places that I go that offer both "light" and "full" portions of entrees, and I do order the smaller portion there. Or, if I'm not that hungry, I order a side salad and an appetizer or cup of soup.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

faeriemoon — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:57:23 GMT

@Bri369 wrote:
Most restaurants can accomodate special requests. It doesn't have to be listed on the menu for you to be able to order it.

You can always add fish or chicken to a salad or order a side of grilled vegetables.

You never know until you ask...

This is my standard out-to-lunch fare; salad topped with either grilled chicken or fish. Fortunately, I really enjoy it. However, I know that kind of lunch does not appeal to many.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

beckyb1012 — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:58:50 GMT

A friend of mine loves Chick-Filet and gets their kid' meal usually twice a week. Chicken strips and a fruit cup. Gives me the toy for my Granddaughter to play with.

Re: Do you ever order from the kids' menu?

libbyannE — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 17:11:09 GMT

No, but I usually bring half home. Or I order an appetizer or something like a cup of soup and a small side salad.