The greatest thing about Legal's kids' menu: Even if your child insists on ordering the chicken fingers or grilled cheese, they arrive with grapes and corn on the cob. But don't be surprised if your little one opts for something more adventurous. At most locations, wood-grilled fish is more popular than any of the 10 other kids' entrees, including the whimsical fish-shaped cheese ravioli. "Some children want what their parents are having, and it makes them feel grown up," says Legal's CEO, Roger Berkowitz, who regularly powwows with the nutrition experts at the Harvard School of Public Health.
The Harvard connection prompted the chain to eliminate trans fat five years ago, test all tuna and swordfish for mercury, cook non-seafood items on a separate grill to accommodate kids with shellfish allergies, and, lately, cut back on sodium. Chefs don't salt the kids' fries and came up with a low-sodium raspberry vinaigrette for salads. 32 restaurants in nine states. Reservations and call-ahead seating accepted at all locations.