After a few weeks of hot dogs and fast (but tasty bakery eats), this week, we went a little upscale. Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to give up your desire to eat at a place with tablecloths, right? Waving my “parent’s are grownups too” flag high, I bundled up the entire posse and headed to the Buckeye Tavern in Macungie for a taste. Parking: It was a dark and stormy night … so DD missed the parking lot the first time around. But once we got to the right place (thanks to my co-pilot/wife) the parking is good. Loads of it, and right next to the door. Family Perks: The service…

This week, we were off to the other side of the valley to check out Vassi’s Drive-In. The family has been one or twice (or four times) before, but we’ve always gone in the front. This time we headed to the back and tried the full dining experience on for size. Parking Ample parking for a weekday (we came for lunch), but I could see this parking filling up in the summer. But it’s there, and in the valley, you don’t complain if off street’s available. Note: The parking lot is about three times the size of the dining room. Be ready to enjoy the great outdoors if it's full. Parent Perks  The Ramp…

You know how sometimes food is better the second day? That’s the feeling I had while eating at Louie’s Bakery in Emmaus. And while that sounds like a vague insult, remember that I am a dad of two. My life is leftovers. And these are darn good. Parking Off street parking awaits in the back of the cheerful stand-alone building, as long as you don’t miss the turn-off. The building is essentially across from the Yocco’s on the outskirts of Emmaus, and the turn-off is before the building. Family Perks 1. The back door: Thank god for a door in the back. Don’t mock the man with the stroller. You’d …

One recent weekend afternoon the fam and I decided to hit up Bethlehem Brew Works for a light bite. We shot for baby naptime, so we could see how the place stacked up to a sleeping infant/car seat scenario. Parking Parking is limited on Broad and Main Streets; you'll be lucky to find a spot. There's also metered parking behind the restaurant, but it's a little cramped for an SUV. We chose the lesser of two evils and parked in the back. Family Perks Wheelchair lifts and wide aisles: To make your way to Brew Works from the back, there are a few sets of stairs to traverse. Luckily there are two …