Georgia Restaurant Implements Bad Child Surcharge For Unruly Kids

We talked about it on the show this morning... there's a Georgia restaurant implementing a bad child surcharge for adults that can't parent.  And some aren't happy about that.

Honestly, as a former server, I think this is absolutely okay for the restaurant to do.  Why? Because there are some adults who will let their child run wild and not even attempt to correct them.  Not only is it frustrating to the server, but it also impacts the other diners' experience.

When I'm out to dinner, I like to relax and enjoy a good meal.  That can quickly be interrupted by a loud child, a kid kicking the booth, or a child running around.  Sure, I could stay home and enjoy a peaceful dinner, but the reason I go out to dinner is so I don't have to cook and clean up.

Not only is a child running around or being loud a disruption for other diners, but it also poses a safety hazard.  One caller said she worked at a restaurant and had kids run into the kitchen to say "Hi" to the kitchen staff.  She noted that they ran in the "out" door.  Imagine if a server was coming out with a tray of drinks or hot food. It could have been disasterous.  And then who is to blame? The children could be injured, as well as the server.

Some people aren't happy with this restaurant's bad child surcharge (which is listed along with gratuity of 20% for parties over 6 and a "Share charge" of $3). In fine print, it states: "Adult surcharge: For adults unable to parent $$$." The notice is also listed on the restaurant's menu.

There was one Google review with a one-star rating out of five.  The review says if you have children to avoid the place.  She says the owner was disrespectful and "made a huge scene" because her children were "running through the restaurant."

Another review says they were charged $50 because of their children's behavior, but says the kids watched a tablet until the food arrived.

Again, I don't think there's anything wrong with charging a bad child surcharge... IF the parents are doing nothing to correct the children.  Ignoring their behavior is unacceptable.  As a child, I knew better than to act out at a restaurant.  And again, it's disruptive to other patrons and the restaurant staff.  I know kids can be unpredictable, but at least show that you are trying to get the situation under control.

Also, you have to consider the type of restaurant.  Higher end restaurants, people expect to have a more orderly experience.  Family-style restaurants have a bit more wiggle room, but the children still shouldn't be allowed to run around.

Get more on the story and other reviews HERE.

Food... It can bring us together in a time of need.  And it can create family memories around a table.  It can do so many things.  But there's one food we can all agree on at any given time.  Mexican food.  So, where is the best Mexican food in Augusta and Aiken?  That's the question we are about to attack and hit head-on!

Of all the restaurants we have in our area, we probably have more Mexican restaurants than any other type of food.  That then opens the door as to who is the best.  The fun part about having so many, you can try them all till you find the one you like

Now you may choose different meats, chicken, or cheese for these items, but these are the most ordered items in Mexican restaurants:

Where is my go-to favorite Mexican Restaurant?  Well, it is in Warrenton. El Maguey Mexican Bar and Grill.  It's located at 725 Main Street in Warrenton.  For me, living in Aiken County, it is a road trip and worth every second of the drive.  They are family-owned and operated, and the food is on point.  I've never left there without a to-go box.  The portions are super big and super delicious.  My go-to there is the Burrito Cancun.  A large tortilla with steak, chicken, shrimp, rice, and beans then topped with cheese dip and red burrito sauce.

I promise you, there will be leftovers for later in the day or for lunch tomorrow.  They also have a new location in Wrens too.  Now I can't drive to Warrenton every time I want a great Mexican meal, chips, and cheese dip, but there are so many great locations to pick from.

And now, as voted by you, there are the top 6 best Mexican restaurants in the Augusta and Aiken area!

This is one of the newer places in Columbia County to enjoy great Mexican Food. Let's not forget the margaritas!

After a move just down the road on Richland Avenue in Aiken, Tequila's Mexican Restaurant Grill & Bar is ready.

While Mi Rancho has many locations across Aiken and Augusta, we counted them as 1.  The Texas rice at Mi Rancho is the best in town.

Now another kind of new Mexican restaurant in North Augusta and you guys voted it one of the top picks.  If you've been, you know why!

Now I've tried all of the ones on this list, but the Vera Cruz on Peach Orchard hits the spot like no other.

There were so many votes for  the one in Evans, the one in North Augusta, the one in Martinez... So we just made Monterrey the over all number 1 Mexican restaurant in Augusta and Aiken.