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We finally had to break the news to my son. The OK Café is closing at the end of the month. Why, you ask, would that matter to a 4-year-old? The answer is obvious, at least to a train-obsessed little boy. Where else can he go to eat a meal and watch a train ride the rails above him? We have to make a point to stop in there one last time, and time is running short!

Since we’re on the subject of restaurants, I thought it would be interesting to ask my kids some of their other favorite Hastings eating establishments and reasons why. Of course Burger King with its indoor play area and the north McDonald’s with its video game table topped their list immediately, but I wanted to hear about their thoughts on non-fast food establishments.

Kitty’s was the first place that came to mind when I asked for something other than BK and McD’s. According to my daughter, Kitty’s is “really cool because it has all that car stuff on the ceiling.” They also like that their food is served “in a wheel.”

Napoli’s, I was told, has “really good food there, and the buns were so good. Remember, Mom, I ate four!” No, my children don’t usually inhale bread like that. Not only did they eat their meals, they ate all those buns because it really was good food.

The Garden Café was mentioned for its gazebo seating area, and the fact the kids can wander over to the game room by the hotel pool after we’ve eaten. China Buffet was noted for the finger Jell-O & ice cream selections. (I’m just quoting my kids here, not promoting sugar fixes!)

El Puerto was referenced for the yummy quesadillas & tacos on the kids menu, as well as the chips served beforehand. They didn’t mention Hastings Keno initially, but they are fascinated by all the televisions as well as the referee uniforms the servers wear. The Sunday brunch buffet at Bullseye ranks high—mostly for the French toast sticks they offer.

Of course Applebee’s was mentioned. The kids like the menu options, but it’s the balloons that seal the deal there. Simple things that only children can appreciate.

So there you have it. Recommendations from the Kimle children on dining options in Hastings for the 7 & under crowd. We aren’t intentionally leaving anyone off this list. The critics weren’t given a lot of time by this interviewer to put all their thoughts in order. That, and the fact there are many more restaurants for the family to try. Be forewarned Hastings restaurant owners. A family of four may soon enter your establishment with two very opinionated & discerning food critics!

 

About the author: Jill Kimle

Jill is a farm wife from the Kenesaw area with two BUSY children under the age of 5. She will admit to being in her upper 30's, and if you ask her specific age, she won't shy away from telling it. ("My kids will look at me in ten years and think I'm pretty old!")