Entertainment Eats

> Coco's Family Restaurant, Midway area A chain restaurant in the best sense of the word, with comfortable surroundings, pleasant service and a well-priced, varied menu. Baked goods such as fruit and cream pies are a specialty. Very family friendly, with discount pricing for diners over 55 and children.

> Homefire Grill, Midway area
Spacious, family-friendly, and very casual, with simple but well-prepared American cuisine. Order at the counter, then collect your silverware and drinks while you wait for the food to be brought to your table. Barbecued meats are a specialty, as are colorful entrée-sized salads, fancy pizzas and family-style side dishes. Most "small" portions can be shared by two. Takeout available.

> Souplantation, Midway area
There's a lot more than soup cooking at this informal smorgasbord that draws families of all ages. Pastas, pizza, prepared salads and a long salad bar make for great pick and choose dining, and there's soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt for dessert. Discount prices for children; no reservations.

> Café on Park, Hillcrest
With its concrete floor and industrial-chic décor, Café on Park looks trendy but serves terrific down-to-earth meals. Breakfast is a special treat; check out the pancakes made with Cap'n Crunch and fresh berries; the assorted egg scrambles; and a yummy apple-raisin porridge. Pastas, sandwiches and fresh fish are good bets at lunch and dinner.

> Corvette Diner, Hillcrest
Probably the city's kid-friendliest restaurant, with wacky waitresses, '50s décor and a fun party atmosphere. The food's fun too, with a huge menu ranging from burgers and chicken sandwiches to spaghetti, meat loaf and chicken fried steak. Some vegetarian dishes; special children's menu pricing; staggering selection of desserts. No reservations. www.cohnrestaurants.com

> Hash House a GoGo, Hillcrest
Long lines on weekends attest to the popularity of this modern-day diner, which is known for gigantic portions and offbeat ingredients. For example: Southern fried chicken served on a stack of bacon-flavored waffles; mango coconut flapjacks; smoked salmon hash. Friendly, bustling atmosphere; patio dining available.

> Bellefleur, Carlsbad
You'll see plenty of families here during lunch (the restaurant is adjacent to an outlet shopping mall), but the evenings attract a mostly grownup crowd. Soaring ceilings and chic design make a pleasant backdrop to the ambitious menu of Mediterranean and California cuisine and fine wines served here. Private dining room available for parties.

> Karl Strauss Brewery and Restaurant, Carlsbad
For comfortable, casual dining before or after a day at LEGOLAND, you can't beat this member of a locally-founded chain. The menu is extensive, and breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. Servings are ample for sharing. For grownups, Karl Strauss is famous for its handcrafted beers.

> Tip Top Meats, Carlsbad
The aptly-named Tip Top is a deli, restaurant and gourmet grocery rolled into one delicious destination. A great stop for picnic items like meats, cheese, salads and bread, Tip Top also serves hearty, bargain-priced breakfasts, lunches and dinners. No reservations.