Readers’ Pick:

Applebee’s

Multiple locations

Applebee’s is another chain that does a bang-up job of keeping up with the times. We clearly understand the allure of a restaurant that can offer asiago peppercorn steak with potatoes and vegetables for less than 550 calories. That’s great for Mom and Dad, but there’s plenty for the young’uns, too. What kid could resist an Oreo Cookie Shake or the chance to create his or her own winter adventure story? Mimi’s Cafe is a close second.

Our Pick:

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

Multiple locations

Kid food for us usually means burgers, but those appeal to the older generation as well, which is why when we think family, we think Red Robin. Here are signs of how much Red Robin likes kids: They sponsor a kids’ burger-cooking contest, have kids’ recipes on their Web site and even offer back-to-school tips. And hey, we can use those, too.

Guest Pick:

James Canfield, Artistic Director Of Nevada Ballet Theatre; Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, Multiple Locations

Keep that ballet bod in dancin’ shape … by scarfing pizza?

Cut the dance dude some slack. He’s not actually performing onstage. So while his troupers might want to back away from the pepperoni and anchovies, a little indulgence won’t hurt the head man.

“I don’t know if it’s a family restaurant, but I see families in the big booths there,” says James Canfield about Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, a favorite haunt to escape the pressures of creating beauty through his performers. “It works out on our crazy schedule. There’s a bar attached that serves until midnight, so after performances, when you want to get away from the Strip, this is very good, consistent, quality food.”

“It’s an eclectic menu but not too far gone, like some that go on and on,” Canfield adds. “It’s a little Middle Eastern, a little Spanish or Mexican, a little Italian and the pizza.” And yes, he re-emphasizes, it’s a perfect place for Ma, Pa and the youngins’, but adds: “Is it Chuck E. Cheese? No.”

We’ll dance to that