Comments (0) BEST RESTAURANT FOR KIDS - 2004

Sabuddy's Israeli Restaurant

One too many Happy Meals making you grumpy? Take the tots to Sabuddy's Israeli Restaurant in Tempe. You won't find toys or crayons here, although you're welcome to bring your own, but you will find a genuinely friendly, locally owned restaurant with a varied, reasonably priced menu. Kid favorites include labne (a rich, cream-cheesy spread), hummus, and thick homemade lentil soup. More adventurous kids can try the crunchy, fragrant falafel; for the truly picky, won't-eat-anything child, there's always a nice stack of warm pita bread. Best of all, the clientele, like the owner, leans to the mellow, international side -- you'll see students, academics and young families, and you'll hear a lot of foreign accents. If your child decides not to use her inside voice or stay glued to her seat, this is the kind of place where you're more likely to get a knowing smile than a dirty look. All of which helps stressed-out, hungry parents recollect the "rest" in "restaurant."

Readers' Choice: Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza