Unfortunately, I don't cook.  Sure, I can do a basic spaghetti with jarred marinara, maybe some fish sticks.  As for really important work accomplishments, some days after work I feel pretty impressed with myself if I've managed to check my email.  And I don't "breeze in" anywhere; I come home from work with my two-year-old, who probably has food in her hair and most certainly on her clothes, hanging on me as I struggle like a pack mule to get into the house.   Leisurely make my way to the kitchen to whip up a culinary jewel?  Hardly.  Let's just say that my microwave and I have a very comfortable relationship.

 

I try, but sometimes I miss the mark, sometimes I don't feel like it, and sometimes dinner just puts me over the edge.  This is why I am eternally grateful for the family-friendly restaurants in Savannah.  My criteria for family-friendly is pretty scientfic:

1. Quick

2. Cheap

3. Built in noise so you can't hear my kid

 

So, if you're visiting Savannah with the ankle biters children and you are looking for restaurants for the family, who better to take advice from then someone who lives and dies by these places.  

 

Jalapenos

They have several locations, Wilmington Island, Sandfly, Southside and Pooler.  If you decide to go to the one on Wilmington Island for dinner, just call my name when you walk in as I will most likely be there.  Jalapenos easily meets all my criteria for dinner with the kids.  Fast doesn't even begin to describe the service; my husband and I often joke that our food is at the table when we get seated.  The have the standard Mexican fare, a full bar (which is my secret fourth criteria), and easy-on-the-wallet prices.  The restaurant has a decent atmosphere and there are usually plenty of other kids there to drown out the sound of your own.

 

Wild Wing

The beauty of this restaurant is its location.  Centrally positioned in Savannah's City Market, you can sit inside the large restaurant or outside in the courtyard where there is, more often than not, a band playing.  The kids won't get bored while waiting for their food at Wild Wing, they will be too busy dancing to the music. The name itself should tell you what they are famous for (and I highly recommend the Wild Wing Sampler Platter) but they have a huge menu including a decent-sized kids menu complete with smiley fries.  

 

Clary's on Habersham

You may have heard of Clary's from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (aka The Book).  They have two locations, one on Abercorn and one on Habersham.  The Habersham location is my favorite thanks to a large colorful mat and a big bin of toys situated in the front that lull my daughter in like a moth to a flame.  Clary's has been a Savannah tradition since 1903, long before The Book made it famous.  They serve lunch and dinner, but it's the breakfast that makes this unpretentious neighborhood diner wonderful.