Patch Picks: Family Restaurants

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream

Founded in nearby Springfield, Mass., and now a national chain, Friendly’s Restaurant is a popular spot for all ages. Kids’ meals are $1.99 all day on Wednesdays. They have a variety of kids’ meals, including breakfast items or, for lunch or dinner, chicken tenders, hot dog, or mini cheeseburgers and an ice cream selection. Local locations include (Route 5), East Windsor; , Windsor Locks; and

Baseball fans take note

Kids eat free at 99 Restaurants the day after a Red Sox victory. Drinks are not included, but they have a selection of kids’ meals, which do include an ice cream bar for dessert. Call-ahead seating also is convenient for families with little kids, you can call when you are leaving your house to put your name on the list, so if they are busy it is a shorter wait when you get there. Nearby locations include 54 Hazard Ave., Enfield, and .

Thin crust pizza lovers

Trained at the famous New Haven pizza parlor, Randy Price opened and created a line of more than 25 specialty pizzas, cooked in a brick oven to achieve the crispy thin crust. The Manchester location has a great atmosphere for families any time, and hosts a Family Fun Night on Thursdays, with $2.99 kids’ meals and entertainment, with a $15 minimum purchase. So, if you’re in the mood for pizza, check out Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza at 1000 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester. 860-649-1166

Rainforest experience

For something a little different, take a drive to the Westfarms Mall in Farmington and experience the , with waterfalls, light displays and animal sounds. It is a unique treat for kids and adults alike, and they have some different offerings on the menu, including popcorn shrimp and mini turkey sliders for the kiddos and all kinds of salads, sandwiches, seafood and entrees for the adults. 500 Westfarms Mall, Farmington, 860-521-2002.

Burgers abound

If burgers are what you want, there are a variety of places to choose from, whether you want the old-fashioned soda fountain atmosphere at Johnny Rockets in South Windsor, or ordering at a counter at in East Windsor or in Enfield.

Johnny Rockets offers the fullest menu selection, with salads, chicken sandwiches and cheese steaks available along with the traditional burgers and fries or onion rings, which may be served along with a song.

Jake’s has a wide selection of milkshake flavors, burgers, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches, along with onion rings and fries.

Five Guys keeps it simple, with burgers, hot dogs and fries on their menu, with about 10 different toppings for the burgers offered for free. While you wait you can munch on free peanuts.

Johnny Rockets, 101 Evergreen Walk, South Windsor, 860-432-0048
Jake’s Wayback Burgers, 137 Prospect Hill Road, East Windsor, 860- 758-7552
Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 168 Elm St., Enfield, 860-265-3300