FINDING restaurants that are kid-friendly can be tough. In general, the more kid-friendly a place is, the worse the food. Chuck E. Cheese? No thanks. Here are five restaurants where kids can be loud and messy and you still eat a decent meal.

Andale Good Mexican food and an outdoor patio are key ingredients for kid-friendly dining. Order an extra Pacifico (for you, not the kids) to keep things mellow. 21 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos. 408.395.4244.

Malibu Grill This is the place in south San Jose for post-Little-League-game meals. 5735 Camden Ave, San Jose. 408.448.7300.

Max's Singing waiters and matzo ball soup keep kids happy. 1620 Saratoga Ave, San Jose. 408.379.8886.

Pizza My Heart Bribing kids with pizza to keep them quiet is a time-tested parent trick. 1390 Lincoln Ave, San Jose. 408.279.4441.

Yankee Pier The menu includes kid options like grilled cheese, fish and chips and pasta with Parmesan cheese. There's also a sandbox for kids to play in. 378 Santana Row, San Jose. 408.244.1244.

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