After music class, the kids and I decided to take a walk over to the Chocolate Cafe in Grandview. I had been wanting to stop in for quite some time, and was anticipating grabbing a few pieces of candy and maybe a coffee. Pleasantly surprised, I saw they offered a full menu and a children’s menu. We had to eat!
The girl behind the counter was extremely friendly and great with my kids. All the employees were welcoming and acted as if kids were just part of the patronage they wanted to eat there. Taking kids to lunch is a dynamic that can put a mom into a stress frenzy or into a happy-I-didn’t-have-to-cook mood, but it all depends on the customer service. I was definitely getting the feeling I wanted to stay and not cook; and, it was so bright and cheerful in there I wanted sit. We grabbed a table and then I went up and ordered. The menu offered sandwiches, salads, soups, and healthy options for kids’ lunches. I chose turkey and cheese roll-ups for the kids with pretzels (but, I should have gotten the fruit). A gummi worm came on the side, which pleased my daughter tremendously. They served milk, juice, or water in cups with lids. They are large cups, so one drink for two kids would have been plenty. I could have asked for a second cup to split the drink up.
Segue with me for a moment…I have learned that taking kids out to eat can be a huge waste of money, unless what you order can be taken home for a snack later or the next day’s lunch. I should put the following things in my brain’s “lessons learned” folder (this works for me because I generally get them both the same thing – lowers the chances for fighting over who gets what): 1.) Order one entree with an extra plate and let the kids share. 2.) If they are still hungry, order more. That’s it. That simple. Oh, and as I mentioned above, share a drink. I ordered them both an apple juice, and if I would have let them, the 2 – 3 servings in that cup would have given the kids a sugar high that lasted the rest of the day. Another option, ask the server to fill half the glass with water and half with juice. Chocolate milk, same thing – half chocolate milk and half regular milk in their cups. I feel so sneaky sometimes.
On Mondays kids eat all day for just $1.99 with an adult entree purchase! You can pick anything from the kids’ menu (listed below) for $1.99 and it comes with either a bowl of dirt (pudding with crushed oreos and gummy worms) or a scoop of ice cream for dessert. A drink is also included: soda, mild, or apple, OJ or cranberry juice. Make Monday the day to not be in the mood to make lunch and take the kiddies to the Chocolate Cafe – or take your little for a special birthday lunch or treat for doing their chores. Check out the menu here.
1855 Northwest Blvd.
Columbus, Ohio 43212
614-485-CAFE (2233)
Kids Lunch Menu:
- Roly Poly Turkey (Freshly sliced turkey wrapped in American cheese)
- Grilled Cheese on a Stick
- Chicken Wrappers (Grilled chicken with cheddar in a whole wheat wrap)
- PB&J
- Smiley Face Salad (Fresh green salad with carrots, cheese, cucumbers & tomatoes all made to look like a happy face.)
If you plan to hit lunch:
- Lots of parking
- There is room to maneuver a stroller if you need to.
- Highchairs available.
- Displays have some breakable items and lots of candy – just a warning to watch the kids!
- Since I considered this a “special” lunch, I let the kids pick out one piece of candy after their meal. They chose a push up sucker and ring pop. I chose double dark chocolate dipped peanuts.
- COFFEE!!!! ‘nuf said about that.
From Chocolate Cafe:
For older kids (and adults), we do an all-u-can eat chocolate fondue every Friday for $6.99 per person. Many young girls have had their birthday parties with us – they love to share the fondue and it comes with some great stuff, like fresh berries, rice krispies, graham crackers, pretzels, bananas, apples, etc.