best museums in washington dc Betelnut ASIAN When you first approach Betelnut, you may ask yourself why you ve brought kids. The e

130 Franciscan AMERICAN/SEAFOOD It s all about the view here, which explains the upside-down nature of this oddly shaped, peach-color ed structure. Stairs lead you from the crowded wharf below into a welcoming dining room, which offers bay vie ws from practically every table. Given its location in the most heavily touristed part of town, you ll pay more than you should for a crab cake appetiz er ($12) or slice of halibut ($26), but you do get a fabulous vista, friendly ser vice, and better far e than at most r estaurants in the vicinity. The pasta and sandwiches come in at under $20, and all kids menu items are $5. The kids fish and chips is big enough for adults and comes with cray ons and drawing materials. I wouldn t go out of my way to eat here, but if you want a nice lunch without having to leav e the neighborhood, the F ranciscan may be wor th the higher prices.

San Francisco Comedy best museums in washington dc D ay Celebration best museums in washington dc at G olden G ate P ark s S haron Meadow brings together at least 30 comedians for a S unday afternoon full of laughter. Call & 415/820-1570 or visit www.comedyday.com.

Betelnut ASIAN When you first approach Betelnut, you may ask yourself why you ve brought kids. The entire front of the restaurant opens out onto the sidewalk, where you ll find trendy 20- and 30-somethings sipping cocktails and nibbling on pan-Asian appetizers. best museums in washington dc Behind them lies a long bar and, off to the right, steps leading back to a dimly lit restaurant. But despite the boister ous, bar-like atmosphere, the restaurant is actually a very welcoming, low-key hangout that s become a neighborhood institution. Many local families bring their kids her e regularly. The kids don t seem to mind the dar k exterior, and the vibrant atmosphere (this is definitely a place for groups, not couples) will drown out any child whining about having spent the entir e day sightseeing. Kids all lo ve the chicken satays, but ask for the peanut sauce on the side, as it s mildly spicy. The Cecilia s minced chicken in lettuce cups and the S hanghai steamed chicken dumplings ar e also a hit with the kids. If the adults want something with a little more zing, try the five-spiced firecracker shrimp.

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