Some days, you just feel like getting out of the house, eating pizza and catching up with an old friend. Throw two teething babies into the mix and it goes from 'feel like' to 'absolutely must'. 

My good friend from work has a little guy just 3 months younger than Fin. Thankfully, these two are a 'pick up and go' kind of duo, so it suits us perfectly! We moms made arrangements to meet for a casual lunch in the hopes that the babies would be entertained by the sights and sounds of a busy restaurant, and the moms could at least relax with a beverage. The Bread Bar is our go-to spot for relaxed dining. All the staff are incredibly chill, so no one gets too fussy if the babies are fussy.

I arrived early around 11:30, which is key to getting your choice of table, just far AWAY from the busy entry but close enough to the action to keep babies engaged. It also means less wait time, another key tip for peaceful dining out with baby. I parked my stroller in the back, popped Finley into a high chair and ordered myself a sweet Royal City Hibiscus saison beer. As we waited for our pals to arrive, we chatted with those who popped in to grab a slice of pizza at the bar, including our local councillor, Aidan Johnson. 

Once our dates arrived, we ordered the hummus plate with extra bread 'for the kids'. Seriously, this hummus is divine. Its so beyond smooth, they must have a Lebanese grandma working away in the back, or at least giving them secrets. Despite years of trying, I've yet to achieve this silky texture! Alas, I keep going back for more.  The babies happily chewed on the crusty bread, soothing their teething pain and hunger. This let us moms catch up and chat about our respective back to work plans and the intricacies of daycare transition. The babies were till content, so we we followed up the hummus with a soup and salad. The Arugula and Fennell salad is a a healthy and fulfilling salad...you know...as far as salads go. 

While the restaurant was filled to capacity over the lunch rush, no one was bothered by two loud babies, surrounded by a no mans land of toys, food particles and shoes on the floor. In fact, I don't know if its by design or fluke, but we seem to always have the best waitress, Foy, at lunch. her easy Jamaican way soothes even the grumpiest baby, and her attention to mom's rapidly emptying glass is always much appreciated. 

Bread Bar is is an awesome location for a casual meal with your baby in tow. Go early and stay awhile!  

Bread Bar: Earth to Table is located at 258 Locke Street South, Hamilton, Ontario