Jenny F.
Yelp
Most of this review is based on my experience as a parent with two small children, so please bear that in mind.
Located in Palo Alto's Town & Country Village, this spot makes some decent burgers.
Upon walking in, you see two very large boards to your right with menu items and a screen advertising specials in the middle. I've been here twice now, and both times I didn't realize/remember as I started walking in line is that the two boards are different, so be sure to check out both. The kid's menu is on the left board. There doesn't seem to be a menu at the counter either, I only saw the specials, so best remember your order or if you have a larger group, jot them down on your phone ahead of time.
You order at the counter, they give you a buzzer for when your food is ready (pickup all the way to the right/back of the restaurant), and they hand you your drinks at the counter. Problem is, I had ordered two kid's meals with milk and a drink for myself, and they all come in the plastic cups with lids and straws. That meant I was wrangling two toddlers while trying to very precariously balance three drinks just waiting to drop and explode everywhere. It would be great if they offered a tray perhaps here. If the place is crowded, you have nowhere to set anything down without the kindness of strangers willing to temporarily share their table.
There's a lot of booths and tables inside, and tables outside with covering. Despite it sprinkling rain, all the tables on a late Saturday lunch were being used, so the shelter seems excellent.
We were lucky to snag a booth inside, and sat down waiting for our food. There's a very narrow area with napkins, condiments, and water near the food pickup area, so there's often a line of folks standing beside this area. Folks getting condiments and water also often have their trays of food with them so it's often in the way as they leave it there to grab their things even though the item you want to grab is available. This is inherently only a solo parent with small children issue, but that process took a longer time than comfortable to leave small children sitting alone in a booth.
Eventually buzzer went off and I went to pick up our food. They have to-go boxes and utensils behind that counter so be sure to ask for them if you need it.
The food comes in small disposable trays that seem slightly too small for your burger and fries, so I also ask for an extra paper tray to spread the items out.
The food is decent. The veggies for the kid's meal is raw and the carrots are thick (not ideal for toddlers) but fresh. The chicken tenders are interesting (different from what you might typically expect) and small, but my kids seem to enjoy them so served its purpose well enough.
Next to the condiments section is a trash area and tray return, but we were lucky where a staff member helped collect from our table for us (this mom appreciates you!).
All in all, good food with a slightly steep price tag ($16+ burgers without complimentary fries, $9 kid's menu). Ambiance is kid friendly but the layout and drink pickup at the counter is really not conducive to solo parent with little kids for sure. Will be back only if my partner or another grownup is with me, or adults only. I'm sure otherwise the experience is great.