"For lunch, or the earlier side of dinner, it’s hard to beat Gene’s in East Lake. Kids and adults alike love Gene’s kitschy decor (hello, disco ball and inflatable alligator) and its laidback ambiance. While the menu’s Viet-Cajun barbecue items can run spicy, there are plenty of approachable items for young ones. On the kids’ menu, the brisket sandwich and pork quesadilla stand out for being delicious — it so often feels like restaurants forget that kids have tastebuds, too — and the waffle fries and macaroni and cheese are inter-generational favorites. The Genesicle, a zero-proof riff on an orange creamsicle, can be ordered in a kid’s size." - Lia Picard