Searching for family friendly restaurants in Edmonton!

Recently our momstown mama's planned a wonderful Mommy and Me lunch out at a "family" restaurant.  The company was awesome (as usual) and all 6 kids behaved perfectly.  What wasn't so fantastic was just how oblivious our waiter was to our needs as moms.  How can you wait on tables all day and not know that a family with children has special requirements?  I don't want to be treated like a princess just so my child stays relatively quiet, but for the sake of the servers tip as well as the enjoyment of the other patrons we have some suggestions for restaurants and servers to ensure they are family friendly.

Servers

• Respond quickly to requests - Especially when the request is for the child, it's stressful taking your child out and not really knowing if this is the day they throw an epic meltdown in a crowded restaurant.  Keeping the baby quiet is in the best interest of you and the other guests at the restaurants. 
• NEVER pass food, drinks or anything else over a child's head - I know you're being careful and I do understand that you "think" you won't drop it. The truth is each and every mom has dripped or dropped something on their child's head before so they know it's possible even with the best of intentions.
• Offer suggestions for the baby - A new mom might not realize that you'd gladly bring out a side of steamed broccoli or mashed potatoes rather than deep fried processed "chicken" that costs an arm and a leg.  It's a great alternative to the kids menu especially with young babies. 
• Always be mindful of the child - Ask if she'd like the babies food to come out first.  Bring back napkins when you see the child is clearly covered in food.  Check back often to see how the food is and if anything else is needed. 
• Please be FRIENDLY - I know you don't really want my table.  I know we're going to make a mess and we're probably going to take double the time most tables take.  But we love our kids and we like to treat ourselves and go out once in a while.  We'd appreciate being treated like we're welcome just like everyone else. 

P.S.  If you want a really good tip tell me how adorable my kids are and talk to them directly.  Your misses won't even be half as noticeable if I think you're in love with my children : )


Restaurants

• High Chairs - Need I say more?  They need to be clean, safe, and with working parts. 
• Breastfeeding Friendly - Restaurants need to make all moms feel welcome and inform servers that a nursing moms should never be made to feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.
• Change Tables - Not 100% necessary, but if you don't have them I will be changing my child on your seat so please make sure that it's acceptable.
• Great Servers - See above recommendations and train them to be welcoming and aware of the needs of families.
• Background Noise - I know most people like to eat in peace, but our meals are never peaceful and a bit of background noise it makes our children blend in.
• Reasonable Prices - Especially on kids meals and sides.  We don't mind spending $25 on a really good cut of steak or a carefully prepared dish.  But $8 for mac and cheese is just outrageous! Keep things reasonable and we'll be back often.
• Fast Service - We don't expect food out immediately but with a family we just can't wait over 25 minutes for an appetizer. 

Do you know which Edmonton restaurant is the MOST family friendly?? 

Neither do we but we're determined to find out. 

Send us your recommendations where you've have the best family experience.  This year we'll be testing restaurants all over the city and we will be crowning one fantastic restaurant the most Family Friendly Restaurant in Edmonton.