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 indoors, but it is permitted at picnic tables outside during warm weather
English menu? Yes, with Chinese
General kid-friendliness of menu: Can make substitutions, portion sizes are just right
Best dishes for adults: Chicken salad sandwich on ciabatta (RMB 50), Green Cow artisan pizza (sausage, cheese, onion, arugula) (RMB 125), matzoball organic chicken soup with small organic farmhouse salad (RMB 75)
Kids’ menu? No
Best dishes for kids: Baked macaroni and cheese (RMB 30/40), pepperoni pizza bagel (25), egg salad sandwich (RMB 50)
Kids’ play area? Colored pencils and paper are provided while waiting for food (can be put on display afterward), and there is an adjacent playroom with some wooden toys
Play areas nearby: None
Kid-friendly staff? Yes, English-speaking and attentive
Bathroom: Clean, sit-down, but around the side of the restaurant (ask for the key). Not heated, so water from the pipes is cold in the winter. No changing table
Seating: Standard tables and chairs, with some couch-booth areas. Picnic benches outside
Price: RMB 200-250
Credit card accepted? Yes, both Chinese and foreign
Parking available? Free parking street-side
Must-order item: Chicken salad sandwich, bagels are perfect for takeaway (available fresh or frozen)
In a nutshell: Always a local favorite, even city dwellers come out to Mrs. Shanen’s for their fresh, organic, tasty dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, diners can count on a delicious, healthy meal from Mrs. Shanen’s – but take note: it’s packed on the weekends!
Additional notes: The area surrounding its current location is being torn down, so when Mrs. Shanen’s relocates, it will be in the Roma Lake neighborhood. The owners also run Green Cow Organic Farm, a place where children can go and learn about animals and organic foods – a great place to pick up fresh breads and natural peanut butter; call ahead.
Also try: Secrets from Africa, The Rug Bagel and Cafe, The Orchard
Photo Courtesy of Song Yang, Judy Zhou, and Lova