Bites Nearby: Urban Burger

It is tough to find a lunch location in which children will chow down on freshly-made food not accompanied by a cheesy plastic toy (and where parents can actually enjoy the food). It is equally hard to find a playgroup meet-up site where you can bring the kids, catch up with other adults and relax. 

Thankfully in Rockville is such a place. The vibe is friendly and open. Kids can play, laugh and talk using their "outside voices" without raising any eyebrows.

But first, the food. The non-frozen burgers are the focal point, and can be topped and slathered with an array of veggies, cheeses and sauces. Add a "style" featuring fancy sauces, slabs of bacon and more for just a dollar. And an even wider array of fresh toppings are available to all at the free fixings bar.

Going low-carb? You can order any burger bunless and "burger bowl" style with a house or Caesar salad on the side. Feeling hungry? You can always add another patty for $3.

The kids meals are hearty and, dare I say, healthy (OK, at least non-processed). Mini-burgers, house-made chicken fingers that are all breast, creamy mac-n-cheese and all-beef hot dogs come with fruit sides and milk to drink. Of course, if you are in a generous, treat-bestowing mood, you could allow them a draft Old Dominion root beer. I personally believe it is important to teach early kids about quality brews.

The location has a special children's area, featuring small tables, toys and old-fashioned cartoons like Huckleberry Hound on the flatscreens. This area is removed from other diners and contained, making it my go-to location for a lunch date with another mom with kids, or even a playgroup gathering. Order rounds of fries and battered onion rings for the tables and let the gabfest begin.

5566 Norbeck Rd., Rockville, Md., 20853

Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.