All this month, we’ll be introducing 50 picks for some of the best family-friendly restaurants in Beijing. These reviews originally appeared in the January/February 2013 issue of beijingkids (see end of post).
Type of cuisine: American
Smoking? Not allowed indoors; smoking is restricted to outdoor seating areas
English menu? Yes
General kid-friendliness of menu: Very kid-friendly, with a focus on organic ingredients. Even picky eaters will fare well with this restaurant’s classic dishes and easily customizable choices of toppings for pasta, hash browns, and pizza. Portions are medium-sized.
Best dishes for adults: Homemade pesto pasta (RMB 60, add clams for RMB 18, shrimp for RMB 28, or both for RMB 38), scrambled egg, zucchini and spinach bagel sandwich (RMB 70), The Rug’s Signature Salad (RMB 58)
Kids menu? Yes, a section in the regular menu
Best dishes for kids: Pepperoni with garlic and basil pizza (RMB 78), bolognese sausage pasta (RMB 75), Hash Brown Mix Up (RMB 18, with toppings from RMB 3-20)
Kids’ play area? One corner of The Rug is furnished with a TV, cushy chairs, and a toy bin, where kids can enjoy movies and play. The open setting makes it easy for parents to keep track of little ones.
Play areas nearby: Chaoyang Park
Kid-friendly staff? The staff is very friendly with children, speaks English and is attentive
Bathroom: Clean, sit-down. No changing table
Seating: Indoor and outdoor seating with several tables (large and small), couches, and cushy chairs. Highchairs available.
Price: RMB 350
Credit card accepted? Yes, both Chinese and foreign
Must-order item: Bagel sandwiches
In a nutshell: Cozy and eclectic, The Rug has a relaxing ambience and wholesome food. The cafe makes you feel at home with its shelves of magazines (great for teens), free Wi-Fi, and casual furniture, while at the same time maintaining a chic elegance. The menu focuses on organic, homemade foods, and the specialized brunch and dinner menu make it good for a full meal at any time of the day.
Additional notes: Make it clear to the staff if you want your appetizer before your entrée.
Also try: Moss Bagel and Cafe, Mrs. Shanen’s Bagels
Photo by: The Bloom Family Photography and Judy Zhou