When our kids were young, we would come up to the lake, and after a day on the boat, Mom would say let's go out to eat. So it was off to the Schooner in Lakeport (now Avery's), Hickory Stick, Cider Press, Woodshed, etc.. The kids (girl and boy) were usually pretty good. Every once in a while, a little sidewards kick of a leg, or an "inadvertent" poke with an elbow would elicit that "look from Dad" or a "knock it off from Mom".
Most trying time was at the Schooner. My parents knew the owner (Roland and his wife, whose name escapes me at the moment). Roland would see we were there and come out and take the kids into the kitchen. After a while, the kids would come out followed shortly by our meal. Shortly thereafter, it was "eat your supper or no dessert". Come to find out, Roland used to feed the kids in the kitchen, and they would come out stuffed
. Thanks Roland.
Maybe the whole idea is being looked at wrong. Don't ban kids, they don't know any better. Ban the parents who don't care who their kids are bothering other diners!
While hanging with friends yesterday, we were reminded of a stay at the Sagamore in Lake George. Their very fine dining restaurant did not allow children under the age of 12 in it, and the beautiful sitting area and lounge off the lobby, over looking the lake, had a sign stating "Well behaved children only". Maybe this is a way to go.