The baby brigade crept into bars and pubs slowly at first. I'd see a stroller inside 10 Stone at 3 p.m. on Sunday, or a family grabbing a quick dinner at Royal Tavern around 6 p.m.
But then the city smoking ban went into effect for real, and suddenly it seemed, the babies were everywhere: Sidecar, Monk's, Standard Tap. I knew when I saw a newborn tucked into a booth at Yello' Bar at 10 p.m., quietly sleeping as his parents downed drinks with the gusto of people on borrowed time, that the dynamics of Center City bars were changing.
My first reaction was similar to that of Reese Witherspoon in the movie Sweet Home Alabama where she greets an old classmate with a judge-y "You have a baby. In a bar." But then I became more compassionate. Why shouldn't city parents bring their young children out at night, as long as the babies aren't crying or, at an older age, running around and causing chaos? What better way to inoculate children to city living (and keep parents from fleeing to the 'burbs)? So I'm glad the bars (and for the most part, other patrons) are accommodating.
What do you think?
Comments (6)
I'm counting on my friends to do this so as not to cut down on our happy hour gatherings. Babies sleep alot and socializing time is limited. The smoking ban helps immensely.
Posted by Christy | August 6, 2007 2:20 PM
Posted on August 6, 2007 14:20
I'm sure I'd get pilloried for this by the PC set, but it's not a great development for the history of human kind.
Why should I have to be exposed to your kids? What are bars about, especially the corner tap rooms? Like the barman imparts in "It's a Wonderful Life," bars are for drinking.
"We soive hard liquor for men who wanna get drunk. Now, what'll ya have?!"
Do I have to watch my language now? What about hitting on that chick who appears a little drunk? If I pull her into the back for a kiss and a paw, do I have worry about junior twadding over because his parents -- and let's face it, parents: You all, every damned one of you, think your kid is different, your kid is special, and that we should all feel the same and tolerate it -- are oblivious while sipping Pinot Grigio?
There's a place for children. It's called the home. Bars are for people like me, who retreat to dark holes, smoking or no, to find a little escape.
Especially from your kids.
Posted by Sonny | August 6, 2007 8:16 PM
Posted on August 6, 2007 20:16
I'm actually in agreement with Sonny except without the, you know, hostility toward the little nippers.
Yes, as a parent, I love the fact that my choices in where to eat are broadened significantly by not having to worry about the smoke. For one thing, people are only "cool" with babies in resto-pubs as long as they are BABIES. The second the kid's feet hit the floor, or he/she becomes old enough to roll his eyes at the cheesy line Sonny's using on that girl he's trying to paw, it's time to switch to Friendly's for a few years.
For another thing, your fellow diners will only think it's neat that you have your baby in a bar as long as the baby is quiet -- they'll coo at your kid for an hour but the *second* your kid cries, you're the annoying breeder everyone else in the restaurant hates.
And lunch, brunch or dinnertime is one thing, but an infant in a bar at 10 p.m.? I think that's gauche.
Posted by Citizen Mom | August 7, 2007 1:55 PM
Posted on August 7, 2007 13:55
Sonny,
There's a reason there are booster seats in all the restaurants/bars in the city. It's the same reason that the owner of the aforementioned Yell O'Bar has a toy bin and kids books on the window sill. They welcome children. If you don't (which is your problem and not the bar's or the parents') maybe you need to find other places to go. Not that there should be a reason to unless you can't restrain yourself from cursing at the top of your lungs and groping the female clientele until after 8-9PM when all the children are home asleep.
Having children is not a sentence for parents to remain forever indoors for the convenience of pedophobes, especially when there are so many establishments within walking distance that welcome them in this city.
Posted by Craig | August 7, 2007 1:58 PM
Posted on August 7, 2007 13:58
With all due respect to those who do bring their babies/toddlers to a bar, I would never, ever bring a child of mine to one.
I used to be a bouncer in a large bar and some of the things that went on, well, I don't want my children around them before they can even walk. Once they are of legal drinking age, they can go to all of the bars/taverns they want.
What if she/he does cry and some mean drunk decides they don't want to hear it? What if a fight breaks out and beer mugs start flying? Yes, this happens even at your friendly local "cheers" from time to time.
Again, if parents choose to bring their kids to a pub, that's their choice, but I won't.
Posted by gil | August 10, 2007 12:01 PM
Posted on August 10, 2007 12:01
So great; now childless adults (like me) have to deal with clueless parents bringing their 'adorable' moppets to bars to run around, shriek and be total nuisances while the parents ignore the antics of their offspring. THE KIDS DON'T BELONG THERE!
It's time for ratings like the movies, folks. Under 18? No admittance...
Stu
Posted by Stubenville | August 10, 2007 1:43 PM
Posted on August 10, 2007 13:43