Cartoonsville

Billing itself as an “eatery and funhouse,” Cartoonsville is that rare restaurant that will please kids and their parents. Created by Steven Scarduzio and John “Hard Rock Cafe” Rosenfeld, it offers children an over-the-top entertainment experience complete with live entertainment, while their parents can order off a menu that includes more than chicken fingers. Its ambiance stems from a combination of elements: bright, saturated colors, theatrical lighting, squiggly graphics and whimsical wooden chairs with smiley faces carved into their backs. The first restaurant opened in November 1997 and has become a hot spot for birthday parties; look for rollouts this year.

Photos: Astor Morgan, Los Angeles