We ask that you be extra-considerate and neighborly at our local bars and restaurants, where people may be looking for a break from kids (theirs, others’, both) and could conceivably mistake our children's fabulosity for excess. Here are some guidelines, recommendations and rules from local bars and restaurants that we’ve heard from over the past 15 years. We feel that these rules should apply to ALL families patronizing restaurants and bars so that these establishments remain welcoming to families. If you feel we’re missing anything from the list below, shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll add it to the list.
Supporting the Venue
☕Make a purchase! Support the venue that is providing you a space to bond with other parents! Let your purchase be moderately proportional to your visit. (Staying 3 hours having bought only a coffee is not proportional.)
🙋Whenever possible, let the venue know you’re coming. This can help them plan and make both of your experiences better.
Strollers must not block the front entrance or emergency exits. (This is a fire hazard and could lead to unsafe conditions as well as fines for a bar/restaurant)
Being Space-Conscious
❓ Ask the venue for the best place to sit, especially if strollers are involved.
Before moving furniture, ask staff permission- they have likely chosen the spots with purpose and it may be cumbersome to move them. If you do move tables or chairs, make sure to replace them at the end of your visit.
Try to fold strollers and keep them out of the way of foot traffic. Make sure strollers aren't blocking access to other tables.
Keep an eye on wandering kids, the noise they make in the venue, and the mess they make.
Being Mindful of the Staff
Be patient with the staff, especially if your group has more than 4 people.
TIP GENEROUSLY, especially if you’re taking up seating for longer than normal (more than an hour). 
Thank the staff and manager on the way out and make them want to ask you back. 
Etiquette with Kids
Children should be supervised at all times. Wait and bar staff cannot be babysitters and take care of customers.
Stay within arm's reach of the kids you’re responsible for.
Do not let your child sit directly on the floor, either inside or outside unless given permission to do so.
Keep young children with you at your table rather than having an unsupervised “kids table.”
If your child is throwing things onto the floor, do your best to stop the behavior and move things out of your child’s reach.
Shoes and clothes must be worn at all times.
Do not change baby diapers on tables or benches (the business can receive health violations and it’s just ewwww!).If the place doesn’t have changing stations in bathrooms, put them in touch with PSP—there have been places who invest in changing stations if groups are regulars. Don’t bring out travel potties in a public space- please take them into the restrooms.
If you leave a dirty diaper in the bathroom garbage, wrap it up in something airtight.
If you are waiting outside, please do your best to not block the sidewalks or doorways.
If your child is screaming, crying, and inconsolable, please be considerate and remove them from the scene until they are calm. Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Do your best to pick up after your kids if they make a giant mess.
So you know….
The overwhelming majority of our groups (especially our baby groups) have wonderful relationships with our local bars and restaurants. We want to do our best to ensure that these positive experiences continue. If you’re meeting up with your PSP group friends, please buy something from the meet-up place, tip the baristas and wait-staff generously, pick up after yourselves, make sure you have everything you came with, and be the kind of people who management and staff want to welcome back.
Looking for somewhere to meet?
Check out our map of Park Slope Parents Best and Easy Meet Up Spots!
