Northwest Grille

Smoked meats and classic sides, with grilled cheese or a hot dog for the kid who won't touch barbecue. It can get busy and smoky.

A neighborhood pub with board games at the tables, so kids have something to do while the food comes.

A big field with tetherball and cornhole, so kids run around while you finish eating. Louder when there's live music.

A gated playground you reach through the library's kids' area, so you can go from outdoor play to picking books without leaving.

A big tree in the middle of the kids' area, small chairs, puzzles and early-learning computers, and a gated playground just outside it.

Comics, toys and board games to browse, and now and then an open board-game table where kids can sit down and play.