Friday, April 1, 2016

What To Expect At The American Girl Bistro






There's this pink store called American Girl that houses dolls and doll clothes and doll furniture and doll food. Among other things.

Little girls love it.



Boys?


Well, not so much. (MY boy, that is. I know some boys DO like dolls, and I think it's fantastic.)

Husbands might balk at the price and express it loudly like my husband did. ("THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS for a plastic CAR? For DOLLS?")

But. Little girls love it.

She loves all the furniture and the clothes and the doll furniture and the doll food. Among other things.


MY boys? Well, not so much.

It's best to leave the boys, if they are like my boys. I did see many husbands in the store though with smiles on their faces because they know it makes their daughters happy. Tom? Well, he likes to make his daughter happy, but not when he's spending hundreds of dollars on plastic.



They stood in line with us as we waited to get the doll's ears pierced.

"What? A doll can have a spa experience?" Tom asked, reading from a board. Yes, it's true. For $15, your doll can be wiped down and...well, have a relaxing experience.

"For a DOLL? I NEED a relaxing experience for what I put up with at work, and a DOLL gets one?" Tom continued, doing his best Walter White on a tirade impression.

The lady behind us with her daughter and three dolls glared.

"I don't even even pay this much to get my own hair done," Tommy chimed in, gesturing to the hair styles with his thumb.

"You don't pay at all," I sniffed.

When we got in line, the wait to get the doll hair done was two hours. There will be a sign up front.




However, Natalie opted to get the ears pierced. Natalie was given a selection of earrings. She picked them, the worker brought the doll into the back, and returned a few minutes later.

We paid about $17.



Tom did a scowl as he swiped his credit card.

Then the boys mercifully left, because Natalie and I had a reservation to eat in the Bistro. Tom drew the line at eating in the Bistro.



"No."

That was basically his response when I asked if he wanted to join us.

The boys went someplace else to eat and I was glad, because then I didn't have to hear their rants.

I recommend making reservations at the Bistro. You can do this online or by phone. As we waited for the Bistro to open, there were some people hoping to get in, but were told nothing was available until 1 and they could check back then. So make reservations even if you think it won't be busy.

The Bisto is cute. Very pink. But cute. And if you don't have a doll, it's okay! They have dolls that will dine with you.






Many little girls are dressed up. Natalie was in a purple dress that matched the one her doll had on.








When the Bistro opened, we were led to a (surprise--pink) table and given a menu.



Yes, they give you seats for the dolls. They also ask if the dolls are thirsty.

"Of course," Natalie said primly. "We've been shopping for ages."

The dolls are brought cups and saucers that you can take home.




The menu is decent. And the prices aren't horrible either. It's $15.50 a person ($7.50 for kids 4 and under) and each person picks out an appetizer and a main course. Drinks are extra. I got a much needed Diet Coke. Natalie got a milkshake.









There's a card game at the table you can play while waiting for your food with various questions.



My response to "name something you would like to learn to do someday" was "speak Swahili" because I was being silly. Natalie was all:



"What's THAT, Mommy?"

Then I dared to ask about her "boyfriend" and she was all:




Our food came afterwards.


I ordered the caprese salad and yes, it was good!



Natalie got the fruit and yogurt plate and said it was "yummy":




For our main courses, Natalie got the chicken nuggets. She likes ALL chicken nuggets, so she gobbled this right up:




I got the buttery noodles, which was a simple dish:




Natalie shared with her dolls:




The waiter asked if we were celebrating anything special. I mentioned Natalie's birthday was coming up and he brought out a cone filled with cool whip and sang happy birthday:




We had a fun experience. I do recommend it. There is a dessert menu, but we were full, so we opted not to get any.

When we were done eating, we went to the bathroom, and yes, in case you were wondering, there are holders for your dolls:





Have YOU ever been to an American Girl store?




76 comments:

  1. Oh wow!!! I don't think we have anything like this in the U.K or if we do, I don't know about it! My daughter would LOVE to go to that store and Bistro. The food looks delicious :)

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  2. We had such a good time at the one in Chicago. Mercifully, it is located in a mall-type building with a Lego store right next door. So my son spent all his time there and my daughter and I got her doll's hair done, got another one "cleaned", shopped,e tc. All four of us went to the cafe. In Chicago, it looks a little fancier than your bistro place. It was great, mostly because my daughter LOVED it and isn't it awesome when you can make your kids so happy?!

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  3. i feel more like your husband when it comes to going to a place like this but it does look cute and i like that the food portions were a good size.

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  4. This looks so fun. We've never been to the American Girl store but we ordered Emmy a doll that looks like her. She also has a bitty baby.

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  5. Wow!!! What an intense but awesome place! It looks like a great time was had by all. :)

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  6. We took Aubree to the store in Houston 3 years ago and she loved it! We did eat in the bistro and she got a new doll. I'm hoping to take her back this summer.

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    1. Nice! Yes, when we move the Houston one will be the closest to us.

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  7. Oh my, no I haven't. I'm sure I will one day. Just for the doll holders in the bathroom.
    The bistro photos made me hungry. I'm really glad they gave you real food! I was afraid you were going to say it was like the spa thing - just for the dolls.

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  8. We have the store, but not the cafe. My boys like to look around in the store too. Tommy's face is so funny!

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  9. This is SO cool!! I hope you sent the guys to the galleria lol. I've always wondered what it was like in there...the Westin has "American Doll Packages." Just so so cool!!

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  10. I don't believe there were any stores when my girls were into American Girl dolls,matter of fact I beliveve three of the four dolls we have have been discontinued. granddaughter is two soo have a few more years.

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    1. Nice!! I had a doll when I was younger :) I still have it.

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  11. Granddaughter Vi had a small birthday gathering there a couple of years ago; I was pleasantly surprised by the good food and fairly decent prices. And I'm not allowed to call her AG figure a "doll." It's her friend. She also has two off-brand friends, much more reasonable prices.

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  12. I have been a few times and I LOVE it.

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  13. The Bistro looks fun...! But ok, seriously? A spa experience for the doll..? And they can get their ears pierced..?!?! Wha the...! Glad Natalie had fun...! To be that age again...!

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  14. How fun! We have a huge store at the mall near me, but I've only been once, with my niece. What a fun experience for you and Natalie!

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  15. My daughter is 16 now, so it's been a few years since we've been there, but she always loved it. I agree with your husband, it is a little over the top (most of Dallas is), but as I mentioned in your Easter bunny post, that magic is soooo short lived that you gotta do it full out. Your daughter looked so cute in her purple dress!! She looked like she had a blast!! You guys will remember that for a long time!

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  16. This looked like so much fun, I wish this existed/was near me when I was a kid as I'm sure I would have loved to visit. Your daughter looks so happy and like it was such a fun time! Great idea as to where to bring children!

    xx Heather | stormywheather.com

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  17. I had no idea, they had a Bistro. It looks like such a fun time and the food looks delish. My son would have ran out of that store too, LOL.

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  18. Oh my goodness, that looks like a a fun time! I feel like my boys would have the same reaction. I can't believe it cost so much to get her hair done though. It's crazy.

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  19. Aw what an experience for her, I bet she absolutely loved it! The company sure know how to get cash out of those dolls though huh?! Nikki x

    www.twentysomethingmuddle.com

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  20. Wow! I knew that they had a ton of accessories for the dolls, but didn't know about the whole spa experience and bistro! I think I may have to side with Tom right now. But, ask me again when I have kids of my own, haha :)

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  21. Wow this would make an amazing treat for a little girl. Things have come along so much since I was little. I remember when Tiny Tears dolls were the must have.

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  22. Such a cute doll. Loved reading the post. So heart warming!

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  23. This is legit how I like to spend the day with my nieces, we have something like this as well, and call me a baby, but I loove it!

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  24. I bet this will be one of Nathalie's best day of her childhood. All that a little girl's dream, enjoying it together with her doll and it was a very delightful thing to see. Thanks for sharing.

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  25. This is adorable! My daughter would love this! I wonder if they have one near us?

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  26. Oh, my goodness. I have never heard of that store. What a fun experience for little girls! (I have three.) I'm glad we missed this because of the price tag, but sad we missed it because it looks like so much fun! (And your writing is so cute! I love the reaction of your son.)

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  27. Wow, now I feel like I've had the full experience as my son thinks the prices are ridiculous & now that Chloe wants to be a American Ninja & we can't stop her from climbing everything, I certainly can't justify it. A friend though told me Target has similar dolls that are only $20 so this might be the perfect solution for lots of parents.

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  28. I would have loved this place as a girl. The dolls at the table are so cute.

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  29. We haven't been yet, but it is on our to do list. My girls are 5 and 6 so I am waiting another year or 2 until they will remember and are a bit more responsible. It definitely looks fun and something they will really enjoy.

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  30. I've never been to an American Girl store yet ... Honestly I'm waiting until my kids almost outgrow it before going. Then we can have one last hurrah - but without setting up an addiction I'm not sure my family can afford.

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  31. Sounds like a fun place to be! And she looks like she's having lots of fun. Thanks for sharing!

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  32. This was a nice walk through. I knew reservations were important and if I'm driving a few hours to our nearest store I'm planning all I can to make sure things happen.

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  33. You made me laugh reading this post. I was imagining my husband being exactly the sane as your Tom. I'm glad you girls had a fun time no matter what! :)

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  34. That looks like such a great place for doll fans. My ten year old daughter would have a face like your son's though, lol! Looks like a great place to eat too!

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  35. I've never been to an American Girl store but when I was growing up had several American Girl dolls! My grandmother got me and my cousins one every year for like 4 or 5 years for Christmas.

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  36. This was entertaining lol. Loved the boys' reactions! My sisters had AG dolls growing up

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  37. This is awesome. I gave my niece and American Dollar for Christmas several years ago and I told her that it would for next 3 years because of the cost lol.

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  38. Wow, They have come a long way with American Girl dolls. I bought my daughter one many many years ago when they first came out. She would have loved the Bistro and ear piercings and hair , how very neat!

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  39. The bistro looks cute and foods looks delish that are also nice for kids. Am not so familiar with American Dolls collection, but a $300 dolls gives me raising brows, lol. And I understand your boys reactions. I could buy a computer for that amount and give it my sister instead of dolls. But that's me.

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  40. Looks like you had an amazing time! I'm sure that if they would sell American Dolls here in Spain too, my daughter would be a huge fan.

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  41. Wow this bistro is unreal! Every girl's dream place! Super neat, thanks for sharing!

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  42. My daughter gets their catalog in the mail and always circles what she wants and then somehow it ends up on my bed. Im not sure I would ever get out of the store if we had one here.

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  43. Never heard of this place and am not sure we have it in my neck of the woods. Clearly you had fun! :)

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  44. We don't have a store like that here. I think it's awesome! I've heard so many good things about these cute dolls. I think it would be nice to dine at the bistro as well.

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  45. Looks like Natalia had an amazing time - she seems so thrilled. Love how unimpressed Tom was too - haha, I have a nephew that age and can just picture his face looking like that. Seems like a lovely day out for girls though!

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  46. $300 lol I would have sided with your husband at that point lol but the expression on your little girls face well, priceless.

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  47. I love how your boys reacted to the experience! Too funny! And Natalie looked so great matching her doll!

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  48. I might bring my boys to the arcade to play video games while enjoying this store hehehe.

    Mhaan | www.mommyrockininstyle.com

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  49. What a fun place to go to for girls! American Girl Dolls aren't known where I live but it's nice to be able to have a place like this! It's the perfect bonding experience for moms and daughters! ---Marceline Dementori

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  50. I so wish the AG bistro was around when I was growing up! I did grow up on the books and dolls but the bistros just takes it to the next level. So chic an upscale for kids and fun!

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  51. She looks so adorable and happy! Idk if it was called the AG bistro when I was little, but they certainly had something similar and I LOVED it!

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  52. I loved visiting the American Girl place as a little girl. I had so many dolls! Never made it to the bistro but looks like fun!

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  53. Oh what a dream come true. I have heard it is great. There aren't any prices on the main dishes. Were they expensive?

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  54. I can't stop saying that your daughter is so pretty!! It looks like a fantastic place for girls, I have to check it out.

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  55. Cute kids! I wouldn't want to go doll shopping either. Looks like you guys had a great day.

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  56. The American Girl sounds like a fun place for girls and the Bistro definitely looks super cute in pink. Natalie looks so excited with her new purple friend and those foods look delicious as well!

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  57. This is such an amazing place, I've never been but would love to. I'll have to look into this for my Daughter :)

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  58. I cannot WAIT to take Bella to the American Doll store/bistro/salon in Charlotte, NC!!! She is inheriting my Addy, and Samantha dolls from when I was younger, so she will be able to take them, and hopefully get a new one of her own! It looks like you guys had an amazing time!

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  59. No, never been. We don't live close enough to one, otherwise we would have totally been there. My daughter loves her American Girl Dolls!

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  60. I would love to go to that Bistro and I am here wishing I could have a daughter. I already know that my husband would react the same way and just be miserable the whole time if I ever went to a place full of dolls, anyway we have to do it for the love of out daughters.

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  61. Whoa I didn't know such a store could exist! If I had a daughter I would have to cover her eyes and run away and say "ohh there's nothing to see here, oh no, nothing at all"!

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  62. I have to say Amber your posts never cease to make me laugh, you have a great sense of humor! The thought of a doll having a spa experience sounds hilarious especially when you said that for '$15, your doll can be wiped down and...well, have a relaxing experience' Haha touche.

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  63. I personally love American Gil and can’t wait to buy one for my baby in couple of years... She looks way too happy in the pictures 😍... sooo happy for her ❤️

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  64. Aww, this looks like such a fun experience for both you and your daughter. I'd love to do this for my future daughter someday.

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  65. American Girl Bistro looks so cool! My niece will definitely love this place. I wish I can take her soon.

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  66. I think I am more like Tom on this one. I get that girl love this but I do find it overpriced to be honest.

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  67. Haha, your boy is so funny! I don't think American Girl is as popular here in Canada, but I would be all over this if I was younger :)

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  68. Now that's a fun day for any little girl! My grandbaby would love it. And I'm usually all for the boys being along, but this time I'd have been glad to be ladies only at the bistro too. :)

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  69. Oh my goodness, I would to visit that place with my girls. The are true American Girl fanatics. I am happy you all enjoy your day.

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  70. We're expecting our little girl this April and I can see my husband flipping out on the prices of some of the American Dolls when we reach that point. But I have to agree, the car being worth $300 is a bit too much.

    Hey, that smile on your daughter's face is priceless! :)

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  71. Expensive? Yes! Worth it to see your child experience this moment in time? Definitely! Sorry about your boy, he doesn't look excited about having to join in.

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  72. This must have been a dream for her! Not so sure about her brother or other male friends, however. Ha, ha! xo, Suzanne

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