Is it acceptable to order a kids meal as an adult?

SamOli94

Is it okay to order a kids meal at a restaurant if you're a fully-grown adult? Some restaurants don't let you, is there a reason behind this?

Silvertabby

Probably because the children are accompanied by at least one adult, who will pay the full whack.

That said, Mr S and I can't manage a full panini and salad etc each for lunch - so we order one and ask for two plates. Never been refused yet.

eddddy

SamOli94 wrote: »

Is it okay to order a kids meal at a restaurant if you're a fully-grown adult? Some restaurants don't let you, is there a reason behind this?

It's a commercial decision by the restaurant.

They're essentially offering a cheaper deal for children, just like many attractions, buses, trains etc offer cheaper tickets for children than for adults.


(Providing a kid's meal will cost almost the same as providing an adult meal - the time spent cooking it, serving it etc. And a child will take up the same amount of restaurant seating space as an adult.

So the restaurant is essentially offering a special discount for children, and they may not want to offer the same discount to adults.)

System

I've had fast food kids meals. There was 1 time my 10yo had an adult meal and I had the kids meal. I felt really embarrassed eating it though when the waitress came over I said she didn't like it so we swapped! I do get kids desserts though. They're exactly the same but cheaper.

whatkatysaved

I've been known to eat a Happy Meal as a grown adult! However as others have said, it's usually that the cost of a child's meal is set at a concessionary rate in some restaurants and is therefore not extended to adults as a general rule.

Peter999_2

Ricky Gervais covers this in after life. It's quite funny.

pogofish

IME, many places will do a smaller portion at a smaller price if you ask.

Silvertabby

pogofish wrote: »

IME, many places will do a smaller portion at a smaller price if you ask.

Or have a starter instead. Some starters are so big, I'd never be able to eat one and a main meal.

suki1964

A lot of places around here offer pensioners portions, half portions or box the rest of your meal up to take home

I often order pensioner meals even though Im somewhere off it yet as I don't want a huge meal and I hate food waste

Owain_Moneysaver

Only if you sit on the little kiddies' chairs.

shortcrust

My mate does this all the time in all sorts of places and I don't think anywhere has said no when I've been there.