A Child-Friendly Restaurant

On a recent Saturday evening, we decided to go out to eat as a family, a real treat for all of us. We loaded up the car and made our way into Fargo, waiting for inspiration to strike as to where we would dine. There are many variables that go into a successful family meal, and waiting to be seated has no place in this finicky equation.

Our first choice, The Old Chicago, was so crowded in the lobby that we had trouble getting through the door. Nelly announced that she was going to scout and see if there were any other babies in the place. There were not, so we concluded this was not the place for us and headed back to the car. Baby Boots was not happy at having the culinary rug pulled from beneath him, so we quickly motored over to our second choice, Paradiso.

We had high hopes despite the crowded parking lot, and the crowd was much more subdued in the lobby; yet we were told that the wait time was at least half an hour, so off we went once again. Baby Boots could not believe it, and let us know with his strident cries that this was simply too much for a hungry one year old to stomach.

My wife was getting frustrated. “Where to next, Dear?” she asked through clenched teeth. Resolving that we would go home and bake a pizza if our third stop didn’t work out, we headed east on 13th Ave S searching for the elusive half full parking lot. Suddenly it appeared, our oasis in time of great need, The Ground Round.

We were seated immediately, and before you could say Jiminy Cricket our drinks order had been taken, a basket of popcorn had materialized, and Baby Boots was set up with two crayons and a kiddie placemat. Nelly had a Blue Moon and raved about the great service and atmosphere, particularly the upbeat 80’s tunes playing throughout the restaurant.

I nursed a bloody mary featuring a stalk of celery the length of my forearm, and tried to convince Baby Boots to scribble with the crayons rather than eat them.

Our server was attentive and friendly, and the food more than satisfied our middlebrow tastes. Once the meal was finished, we were able to settle the bill quickly, which is key to a clean getaway with baby bedtime lurking on the horizon. We will definitely be visiting again, and would recommend The Ground Round as a great place for families on the go to enjoy some quality food in a relaxing environment.

If You Go

What: Ground Round
Where: 2902 13th Ave S, Fargo
When: Restaurant: Sun-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat, 11-11. Bar: Sun-Thurs, food until 11, last call at 11:30; Fri-Sat, food until midnight, last call at 12:30 a.m.
Info: 701.280.2288