VIRGINIA BEACH — Family-friendly dining is getting a face-lift — right here in Virginia Beach.
The days of having selective options when hoping to enjoy a night out with the kiddos is being shaken up and served in some palate-tempting ways. While pizza, wings, and video games have been the mainstay for years, parents have been left wanting more from their family nights out.
Cue the rise of a new age of family dining; one with healthy, fresh ingredients, reasonable prices, ultimate outdoor playlands and decadent drinks and desserts.
Most parents can relate to that night out with the kids when things appear to be going well and then the waitress comes over to let you know that your child is running amuck and pestering other guests, earning you some eye rolls and daggered looks from those trying to enjoy a quiet evening. A collective sigh escapes the lips of parents as they look to their little ones, wishing they would sit still and enjoy a meal, but knowing full well that their energy and age makes it difficult, if not impossible, at times.
Well, that sigh has been heard and answered by restaurants such as Sage Kitchen at Anderson’s near the intersection of Sandbridge and Princess Anne Road.
Nicole Berman, the general manager of Sage, says they focus on a family and pet-friendly atmosphere.
“We want everyone to enjoy the experience, with great service, a fresh quality meal, good prices, and there’s always something extra,” Berman said. “Kids can play, families can shop, some leaving with a plant or two.”
When they opened in June of 2016, owners Jason Blanchette and Clark Anderson envisioned a beautiful place for diners to eat outside and enjoy their meals.
When patrons enter the store, they’re greeted by a little something for everyone, ranging from unique clothing and jewelry to your next home décor item or landscape addition.
Sage has turned what began as a cobblestone patio into a virtual playground for both kids and adults. The background highlights offerings from both their landscaping department and selection of patio furniture while providing a space for dining, a stage for live music, and a play area for kids of all ages.
What started as a small patch of grass with a climbing dome transformed into an expansive play area fully stocked with a ninja course, playhouse, swings, soccer pool table, and a hobbit house.
“The children lead the family to the hostess stand to ask for a table outside near the playground,” Berman said.
While the kids make a beeline for the patio, parents follow in their wake, taking in the sights and smells of their upcoming meal and equally enjoyable selection of craft beers, whiskey, and wines; refined cocktails; and pressed juices. Sage’s seasonal offerings are made fresh, and in-house, with free-range, local, and organic ingredients. Aside from growing their produce and herbs, the bread is baked in-house, meats smoked, and sauces and soups concocted and stirred in their open plan kitchen.
Sage also hosts live events, local bands from a variety of genres, bourbon and wine tastings, parties of all kinds, and the patio never closes, even staying open to host snowball fights and puddle splashing on the coldest and wettest of days. Knowing their clients well, these events and the tunes don’t start at 9 p.m.; instead, the action begins at 6 p.m., a sensible start time for all ages to enjoy.
Other similar options for families are also on the rise in the city, some having paved the way for Sage, such as Baja Restaurant with their open grass area, kickball nights, and live music.
The Bee & the Biscuit is stocked with board games galore for families to enjoy while applauding the charming garden area.
The recent opening of the Yard at Ocean 27, features a patio restaurant stocked with jumbo outdoor games, corn hole, and live music.
The families of Virginia Beach have spoken, and they’re pushing the trend toward more upmarket, yet casual, dining options in the city.
“It is so refreshing to be able to enjoy a stress-free local meal while our kids are happily entertained,” says Melissa Stewart, a Virginia Beach mom of two young girls. “They love eating out a much as I do when the restaurant caters to them in special ways. And when my husband and I can enjoy creative cocktails and healthy food options it just makes it a perfect night out for everyone.”
