Indulge in Full Bellies and Hidden Treasures

There are times when no one wants to cook. Busy days at work, long commutes, and hectic after-school schedules can drain the entire family. Even on weekends, there are times when eating out feels like the best option.

That doesn’t always mean McDonald’s or Burger King fare, though. Breaking away from the mundane by trying new spots with your family and friends can be fun, delicious, and rejuvenating. You can even use it as an end-of-the-week reward for little ones or something to look forward to for you and your sweetie.

If you’re not sure where to start, read through these options. Give one a try next time you’re ready to throw in the towel and throw out the kitchen.

Break Away from Your Ordinary Friday Night Pizza

Your family might have a Friday-night pizza tradition, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to cheese and pepperoni. If you’re ready to try something new, start with an internet search. Add ‘gourmet’ to your pizza search phrase. While you’ll come up with the standard list of franchises, you’ll also see new spots such as Garlic Jim’s, Schlotsky’s Deli, Slices Pizza Boutique, and The Pie.

The next thing to do? Whether you order in or visit the store, take a family selfie with your pizza. Using a good selfie stick such as the Promaster Selfie Stick Compact Camera Boom can help if you’re crowded into a booth at a new pizzeria. Give the pizza shop a family rating and share your find with your family and friends on social media.

Those Hole-In-the-Wall Moments

Monsieur Crepes, Chubby’s Mexican restaurant, and Chick Queen Korean cuisine…sometimes the best spots to try are the ones that don’t look like much from the outside. Many of these are tiny, family-owned businesses that share their unique recipes in their menus, such as special salsas or an ethnic flavor that can’t be found anywhere else.

These spots often also have their own ambiance, including lanterns, flowers, ethnic décor, and even large wall murals. The combination of the food and the environment can make these spots a great place to visit, and it’s also a fun way to introduce children to different cultural flavors.

To find spots like this, look at your local Chamber of Commerce listings online. Browse through the restaurants and pick one or two new options to try.

Refresh with Friends

If you’re just looking to relax, why not invite friends to a meetup over soups, sandwiches, and salads at someplace like Zupas or Paradise Cafe? This can work for families with children the same age as well as a girls’ night out, so everyone can have fun.

If the weather is nice, you can even get the food to go and take it to a park for an impromptu picnic. An insulated bag like the Titan Deep Freeze soft cooler by Arctic Zone can help transport food without spills and keep the meal warm on the way.

One other nice thing about the soup-and-salad route is that it often offers healthier options than a McDonald’s playdate, and it can be just as fun.