It's easy to dumb-down kids' food, which is why the team behind Next Door American Eatery strives to make sure that children are offered not just tasty dishes, but healthy ones, too. This isn't surprising, given that the five-location chain was started by Hugo Matheson and Kimbal Musk of the Kitchen Restaurant Group (which owns several outposts of the Kitchen as well as Hedge Row), who also teach childhood nutrition through their Learning Gardens at elementary schools. Their dedication is reflected on the kids' menu, which includes grilled cheese, mac 'n' cheese and cheeseburgers, as well as a beet burger, grilled chicken and a bowl full of rice, beans, chicken, cheddar and tortilla chips. Save for the latter, each comes with a tasty side, be it kale chips, tomato soup, crispy smashed potatoes or a salad. In a nice touch, kids can play with an Etch A Sketch while they wait for their meals.
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