I sidestepped a fallen Elmo toy on the way to my table, but no one seemed to notice. Maybe because the Chancery Family Pub and Restaurant is the kind of place where little tykes and their toys are a regular part of the atmosphere, and where one of the house rules is “never cry over spilled milk; just be thankful it wasn't beer.”
With several area locations, the Chancery has been serving up affordable family-friendly fare for more than three decades. The recently updated menu has added a few new items to tempt taste buds, but it still offers the staples: Hamburgers, chicken, pasta, stir-fry, and – of course – the always-available fish fry.
I myself opted for the pick-your-own pasta plate with olives, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese tossed with penne pasta. Frankly, I was almost too tired to decide on the ingredients. Last week we cleared out the attic and basement clutter and spent half of Saturday holding a garage (or, in local parlance – rummage) sale, but it was so chilly that after four hours we packed up everything and donated it to Teen Challenge.
Exhausted (How did I ever manage to collect all that STUFF??), we crashed on the couch for a couple of hours and then dragged ourselves down to the neighborhood Chancery where I encountered the aforementioned Elmo toy and somehow managed to construct what turned out to be a very decent plate of pasta.
Meanwhile, Scott savored some smokin’ hot fajitas and our waitress cheerfully tended to the family at a nearby table; their little girl couldn’t decide what color popsicle she wanted for desert. Orange? Purple? Red? She “reeeealllly” liked all those colors so the waitress offered to bring them all out for her to see and make a selection.
What great service is that?!?! I decided then and there that should I ever find myself with little ones, I’d definitely feel comfortable bringing them to Chancery. I also started to wonder, not having any kids myself, what some of the other family-friendly places were around town. So I’m asking for your input.
What are the best Milwaukee-area restaurants for family dining? Let us know in the comments. I’ll put together a list of the suggestions and post them later.
My kids looooove Noodles & Co.
Posted by: Shannon P. | May 10, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Believe it or not, my grandchildren (ages 3 and 6) had a great time at the Water Street Brewery downtown. The Machine Shed out near I-94 in Pewaukee is also very family friendly.
Posted by: Mary Vigdor | May 10, 2007 at 11:53 AM
The best place for families with children? Any place I am not currently eating at!
Actually I think that Famous Daves would be good as well as some of the Mexican places around 5th and National.
Posted by: Jeff | May 11, 2007 at 09:42 AM
We've had good luck with Buca de Beppo.
Posted by: Linda | May 11, 2007 at 04:32 PM
Isn't Hooters a family restaurant? Yup, I think it is.
Posted by: MKE LVR | May 14, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Yeah right, MKE LVR.
And beauty pageants are really all about the scholarships...
Posted by: Jenna | May 14, 2007 at 05:44 PM
Note to future self: Don't let kids go to dinner with MKE LVR!
Posted by: Audra | May 14, 2007 at 05:45 PM