Clearman's North Woods Inn   

With half a dozen restaurants to its name, Clearman's North Woods Inn is a timber-theme steakhouse complete with faux snow year-round and giant icicles hanging from the roof; the feeling is a bit Disneyland, but this isn't just a eatery for kids (although little ones are welcomed with a tot-friendly menu). Kids and adults both like the baskets of peanuts that keep on coming, and the chance to toss the shells on the ground. Don't look nervously over your shoulder before you do; signs around the restaurant invite guests to just throw those shells down. In keeping with the woodsy theme, the restaurant sign is fashioned out of a 1,000-year old redwood. Inside, the dining room is dim and lined with long wooden tables that families fill up come Sunday lunch. The occasional animal head decorates the walls and piano playing is offered some evenings. Famous for its cheese-butter sauce and massive baked potatoes, Clearman's is a no-frills steakhouse. Sandwiches and burgers are on the menu, but most everyone goes for a steak, the most popular being the Lumberjack, a top sirloin served rare. Start with the requisite cheese bread before moving onto petite filets, New York cuts and chunks on skewers. In case you're looking for lighter fare, try the swordfish steak, jumbo shrimp or grilled chicken. -- Victoria Namkung