Pat & Oscar's Restaurant   

Price Per Person: $10-$20* Kid-Friendly Perks: Diaper changing station, high chair, kids' menu Blue Plate Special: Garlicky breadsticks, gourmet pizzas and succulent lemon chicken. The Dish: Pat & Oscar's (originally just Oscar's) started as a strip-mall joint next to a Home Depot in Carmel Ranch. The fresh and flavorful take on pizza and chicken was such a hit that the single eatery soon spawned a small chain with a big reputation for good food and family-friendly prices. The menu has expanded to include an inventive pizza menu (the San Diego has feta, avocado, red onion and pesto), pocket sandwiches, a limited pasta selection and whopping entree salads. The restaurants do a brisk eat-in business but welcome take-out and in-office catering orders. The Atmosphere: A distinctive yellow and black decorating scheme marks the Pat & Oscar's locations. Sometimes stand-alone buildings, sometimes anchor restaurants in malls, each location is set up to draw folks up to the ordering counter before they seat themselves. Food is delivered to the table by the cheery staff; guests fill their own drinks from a centralized beverage station. Expect to share your dining experience with lots of kids -- Pat & Oscar's is a family favorite. *Price Per Person includes entree, drink and dessert.