Kids meals at Chops?

[twinkle1980]

Hiya

 

I did do a search but couldnt find the info, if this is a repeat question I apologise now and would appreciate anyone pointing me in the right direction.

 

I'm aware of the timings for kids eating at chops, but I am wondering if they do a childrens menu?

 

I'm looking forward to a special celebration meal there, but the children wont/dont appreciate that sort of food. My daughter in particular is not a fan of steaks or any sort of large portions of meat.

 

If they dont do a kids menu, can the kids order from the MDR kids menu, or can anyone think of a suitable alternative for them?

 

Thanks in advance.

[ctcruiser1721]

There is no kids menu and they are not able to order from the MDR menu. However, they will make pasta with butter or accommodate if they can with ingredients already in their kitchen, smaller portions, etc. at least that has been my experience.

[ksuds]

They do not have a childrens menu. I'm not sure if they will allow you to bring food in from the MDR for him/her to eat. They will not order it for you. If you child eats from the Chops menu, you will be charged the full 30.00.

 

You may want to speak to the Chops Manager on whatever ship you are gong on. A lot of times, they have told us that the Head Chef has a lot of control and will not allow outside food in their area. We've asked if we could get Cheesecake for desert from MDR and have been told no on some ships and yes on others.

[1ParticularHbr]

I've never seen children in Chops but, as the other poster mentioned, I'm sure they'd be accommodating. They have their own kitchen right there and everything is cooked to order.

[gerif]

They will try to acommodate with what they have. While they will permit well behaved children before 7, it's not really encouraged and children will pay the full price even if they only get a little pasta. The two kitchens are decks apart - really not fair to expect a busy server to go running all over the ship and interrupting service to others even if allowed.

[twinkle1980]

They will try to acommodate with what they have. While they will permit well behaved children before 7, it's not really encouraged and children will pay the full price even if they only get a little pasta. The two kitchens are decks apart - really not fair to expect a busy server to go running all over the ship and interrupting service to others even if allowed.

 

In what way not encouraged? I don't want to be going where we won't be welcome!

 

I'm more than happy to pay the full price, this was never an issue and i don't understand where i gave the impression that i wanted a discount service. This is our first cruise so i have to say i haven't memorized the deck plans to know the kitchen locations, nor am i expecting the chefs to cook off menu.

 

Thanks to those who took their time to reply. It seems the simple answer is no. No kids menu, and although allowed kids aren't wanted in chops. I will look elsewhere for our special meal. Are there any other locations (aside from casino) that kids aren't really welcome?

[pittnh]

There is no kids menu and they are not able to order from the MDR menu. However, they will make pasta with butter or accommodate if they can with ingredients already in their kitchen, smaller portions, etc. at least that has been my experience.

 

 

Not true. while there is no kids menu per se, our waitress was able to procur the chicken fingers from the MDR kids menu.

[1ParticularHbr]

If Chops allows children before 7pm, I'd make the reservation without hesitation. It's a great restaurant. As for other "kid restrictions", the Solarium pool is for guests 16 and over. You're smart to ask in advance and other experienced travelers may think of other areas with restrictions. There will be plenty of fun things for your kids to do on the ship - have no worries that RCI is restrictive. It's a very family-friendly cruise line and you're going to have a GREAT time:)

[Vyhanek]

I think it's pretty well understood that kids in Chops is discouraged, not forbidden.

 

I've taken my kids after about the age of 10 or so in to Chops. Each time we are charged full price $30. per kid. Then, they aren't going to run all over the ship for special kids menu's and special things from the dining room. Treat Chops like it's own restaurant.

 

They will attempt to make accommodations with things they have on their menu and ingredients they have in Chops but they don't run all over the ship for a kid to get chicken nuggets and then have the parent think they aren't going to pay the $30 cover charge......because it's just chicken nuggets or something.

 

I like the way Chops works. My well behaved kids have no problem in there and I like that it keeps out a lot of kids. Charging each kid $30 and no kids menu is a great way to discourage it.

[blonde1981]

I've never been to Chops but I would assume if you asked nicely they might be able to get something from the MDR for your child since they offer Chops steaks in the MDR. I would take the suggestion above to talk to someone at the restaurant a day in advance and explain the situation and see if they would let you preorder something from the kids menu in the MDR so that it would be ready when you arrived and there wouldn't be any running all over the ship to grab the meal once you are there.

[Isaboo]

It's a LOOOOOONG dinner...like 2 hours and I know my kids don't want to sit through that. When my husband and I go to Chops we want to enjoy it, LOL! So usually we make a later reservation just for us, feed the kids in the Windjammer beforehand and let them enjoy the nightly activities in Adventure Ocean while we eat at Chops. Everyone is happy. :D

[ctcruiser1721]

Please don't rule Chops out for your special dinner. I have taken my kids there many times. All positive experiences. If they are well-behaved you'll be more than welcome. Though the cruise line does not encourage families by discounting for kids, etc., it's grumpy fellow cruises that are the real issue. Some just don't like to see kids in those dining venues, period. The staff is most happy to have you there in my experience.

[lancashire_cruisers]

The OP states that this is their first cruise so just just ease up on the critical comments please :rolleyes:!!

Edited March 19, 2013 by lancashire_cruisers

[twinkle1980]

I think it's pretty well understood that kids in Chops is discouraged, not forbidden.

 

I've taken my kids after about the age of 10 or so in to Chops. Each time we are charged full price $30. per kid. Then, they aren't going to run all over the ship for special kids menu's and special things from the dining room. Treat Chops like it's own restaurant.

 

They will attempt to make accommodations with things they have on their menu and ingredients they have in Chops but they don't run all over the ship for a kid to get chicken nuggets and then have the parent think they aren't going to pay the $30 cover charge......because it's just chicken nuggets or something.

 

I like the way Chops works. My well behaved kids have no problem in there and I like that it keeps out a lot of kids. Charging each kid $30 and no kids menu is a great way to discourage it.

 

 

I wasnt aware it was discouraged, again this is our first cruise. As it seems that we wont be welcome I will look elsewhere, I will not be handing over ANY money to a venue that makes us feel like pariahs.

 

I have not once mntioned anything about the price, its a set fee and just assumed it was the same for children or adults. Again I reiterate I have NO problem with the price!

 

I have well behaved children, however they are under 10, and yet they have eaten in several michelin starred restaurants and been complimented on their manners. I cannot imagine chops is a michelin restaurant so I have no qualms about my childrens behaviour in a fine dining venue. Unfortunatly it seems that the children were much more welcome and accomodated for in a fine restaurant such as the Park in Bath than they will be in Royals Chops Grille.

 

If someone could suggest an alternative venue (italian is out due to my diabetes, pasta doesnt allow me such tight control and means a much larger insulin dose, something I am trying to avoid) I would really appeciate it.

[twinkle1980]

Please don't rule Chops out for your special dinner. I have taken my kids there many times. All positive experiences. If they are well-behaved you'll be more than welcome. Though the cruise line does not encourage families by discounting for kids, etc., it's grumpy fellow cruises that are the real issue. Some just don't like to see kids in those dining venues, period. The staff is most happy to have you there in my experience.

 

 

 

The OP states that this is their first cruise so just just ease up the critical comments please :rolleyes:!!

 

Thank you

[1ParticularHbr]

Don't pass on Chops because of any comments made here. It's the best place on the ship to celebrate special events. You'll have a lovely time :)

[cruisegirl1]

They will try to acommodate with what they have. While they will permit well behaved children before 7, it's not really encouraged and children will pay the full price even if they only get a little pasta. The two kitchens are decks apart - really not fair to expect a busy server to go running all over the ship and interrupting service to others even if allowed.

 

 

Children are allowed in specialty restaurants, including Chops. Their behavior is not a factor. RCCL encourages seating prior to 7PM. Enjoy a nice meal with your family

 

 

M

Edited March 19, 2013 by cruisegirl1

[Bettytrouble]

In what way not encouraged? I don't want to be going where we won't be welcome!

 

I'm more than happy to pay the full price, this was never an issue and i don't understand where i gave the impression that i wanted a discount service. This is our first cruise so i have to say i haven't memorized the deck plans to know the kitchen locations, nor am i expecting the chefs to cook off menu.

 

Thanks to those who took their time to reply. It seems the simple answer is no. No kids menu, and although allowed kids aren't wanted in chops. I will look elsewhere for our special meal. Are there any other locations (aside from casino) that kids aren't really welcome?

 

We have NEVER felt unwelcome with our 3 kids .I do not know where the other poster got the impression that they are not welcome and not encouraged. The staff has always been pleasant, SUPER great with the kids --Don't worry about it. You will not feel unwanted. And as to the "well-behaved "comment- that is absurd. For patrons not wanting to be near our screaming brats (meaning any child who speaks above a whisper) ..they can go after 7pm. HAVE A GREAT TRIP!! Chops is FUN..for the whole family.

Edited March 19, 2013 by Bettytrouble

[pittnh]

Not true. while there is no kids menu per se, our waitress was able to procur the chicken fingers from the MDR kids menu.

 

 

i should also add that we still had to pay the $30 for him even though we got something that was "free" from the MDR.

[marci22]

They're not really discouraged, but you must book your reservation time with children before 7pm.

[luvscruising2007]

OP you might want to consider Portofino's. They have steak and seafood and pasta. We have not eaten there but search for the menu and see if that might be a good alternative. The children might be happier and would accomodate your lower carb choice.

[bevomom]

To the OP - Here is the Chop's Menu. Perhaps you can find an appetizer or other item that your children might enjoy. The desserts and sides are wonderful as well! It's a great meal and I hope they can join you for your special occasion. The chef and staff will surely do all they can to accommodate you. Relax and enjoy your first cruise, and prepare to be hooked!

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/en_US/pdf/ChopsGrille_Menu_Eng.pdf

Edited March 19, 2013 by bevomom

[vickiw0318]

My children were also very well behaved. After one particular meal in a very nice place, a couple came over to our table and said that they had cringed when when we came in because they were looking forward to a quiet, special dinner and they had feared that was a lost cause. They then went on to compliment us on our children's manners.

 

I think that the couple's reaction is typical of that of other diners who see children come into a specialty restaurant. They've splurged for a special dinner and envision the little ones running all over the place. Unfortunately, that is the reality at times. However, if your children have what we used to call "restaurant manners", then there is no reason not to bring them into Chops.

[garnetpalmetto]

OP you might want to consider Portofino's. They have steak and seafood and pasta. We have not eaten there but search for the menu and see if that might be a good alternative. The children might be happier and would accomodate your lower carb choice.

 

Spot on with what I was going to say - OP's concern seems more based on the food at Chops and other posters here re freaking out over the notion of kids at Chops. I'll admit, I can be one of those diners who occasionally rushes to judgment simply because there are too many bratty kids these days, but based on what you're saying, I know I'd have no problems at a table next to you and your kids.

 

So based on your concern about the food, Portofino's may be a better fit than Chops - it's also a specialty restaurant and just because it's Italian themed doesn't mean they pile on the pasta - no need to worry about your diabetes here.

 

Portofino's Menu

 

As you can see you can still get a nice steak and there's more options for the kids other than just a big slab of meat.

 

No matter which you choose, hope y'all enjoy it!

Edited March 19, 2013 by garnetpalmetto

[Dharma517]

Oh come on...don't be discouraged! Most of the grumpy people wouldn't have the nuggets (and not the kind from the MDR) to say two peeps to you. I would go in expecting that my children would be able to get anything from the Chops menu but nothing from the MDR. That way you are not disappointed.

 

Take them early as requested. Enjoy!