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San Francisco has all the national chain stand-bys for kids, including Rainforest Café, Hard Rock Café, Chevy's, Chilis, Benihana and even California Pizza Kitchen. These chains originated in San Francisco then went national. Better yet, why not try some of these San Francisco originals:

• Pasta Pomodoro. A California-based chain with just the right recipe for families. Enjoy everything from pasta (any shape, any sauce) to pizza (cheese, please) at one of the nearly 30 Northern California locations, six in SF alone. Always a stylish, reasonably priced venue with great food. Go early!
  
  
• Park Chow. A very popular place for locals with satisfying comfort food. It also offers family meals at great prices. The Park location is the best for families. If you're near the Castro, check out the original Chow at Church and Market, or the newer Chow in Lafayette. Delicious!
  
  
• Mel's Diner. A locally owned, '50s style diner where kids' meals are served in cardboard Cadillacs, and the music will bring you back to American Grafitti days. Mel's is a sure-fire hit for families at any of four city locations.
  
  
• The Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel. If your kids like Pirates of the Caribbean, they will love the Tonga Room! Every half-hour, a monsoon pours from the ceiling of the dance floor spraying unsuspecting dancers while the floating tiki-boat acts as the stage for the band. It's cheaper than a trip to Hawaii (but not much…) and a hoot for the whole family.
  
  
• Kuleto's. Just off Union Square on the march from Powell Street station, this Italian eatery is as authentic as they come. With pastas and hand-crafted salami, the kids will love it. The restaurant is more upscale than others recommended here, but your children's sweet laughter will blend right in with the happenin' location and the bustling background noise.