Can adults order off the kids' menu? Hospitality workers answer the question on everyone's lips

Sometimes when you go out to the pub for dinner, you're just not in the mood for a full meal.

Let's be honest, the parmigianas at the pub are huge and while we're absolutely not complaining about that, sometimes you just don't want to spend $30 on a meal you wont even finish.

If you're wanting something smaller, the only option is to order from the kids' menu – but is that even allowed?

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Well, it turns out it kind of just depends on who you ask.

One hospitality worker shared that while there is no formal rule on the subject, they try to take an "empathetic approach".

They shared that they will always allow an elderly person to order a kids' meal, and they'll even throw in the free ice cream the children get.

Another shared that their venue's kids' meal is for people 12 years old and under, and while there's no official rule, they "usually say no" to anyone older.

"I have had people order a kids' meal before and told them they couldn't have it when I realised they weren't children," they said.

But some workers bring up a good point, questioning why people should be denied ordering from the kids' menu, because they are paying a smaller amount for a smaller meal – so what does it matter?

A group of workers from a pub in Western Sydney agreed with the sentiment, saying denying people a kids' menu meal does nothing but increase food waste.

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"There's no point them paying $30-plus if they can't finish it all. Food is really expensive, I'd rather them pay less for the serving size they actually want," one worker shared.

Another added that they are "fine" with people of all ages ordering a kids' meal.

"Sometimes customers can't finish a full meal," they said.

"Also, if you force people into a big meal you just increase waste. I feel bad about wasting food and chucking it out."

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However, one couple who own a popular bar in Sydney say their stance on the topic has shifted in recent years.

One half of the couple has seen her parents getting older and realised they simply don't need a huge meal anymore, now understanding places with looser rules around the kids' menu.

The other said it "used to drive [them] crazy" when an adult would order a kids' meal, adding that they 'hated' it.

But now, they say if the adult is "still going to order a few drinks, it doesn't really bother me".

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