When we had my oldest, we vowed to not let our lives change that much. We were just going to bring a baby into our lives, and he would just add to it. We would still make plans, go out with friends, and just have our baby adapt to OUR lifestyle. Go ahead. Take a moment to laugh. First time parents say the darndest things.
While my oldest completely rocked our world in the best possible way, we have always still been of the mentality that he can come along to almost everywhere we go, with only a few exceptions. We are a family unit and do almost everything together! Including dining out.
I know not everyone likes to take their kids out to eat, and I totally get that. They are never going to finish their meal, and it takes a lot of work to get to the point that it is enjoyable. It was brutal from 18 months two and a half years old. But just like learning anything else, they won’t learn how to behave in public or at a restaurant if you never give them the opportunity! So, we persevered and the pay off has been exponentially worth it. Because food in New York is LIFE.
I wanted to keep this list of family friendly restaurants both simple and extensive, if that is even possible! So, I have split up our favorite places into a few categories to make it easy!
But you may be finding yourself wanting to eat somewhere not on this list and wondering if they are kid friendly or not. There is one way to find out.
Call and ask if they have high chairs! Even if you don’t need one, if they have a high chair, you know they are ready for you.
If a restaurant is keeping even just one high chair in a dark corner, they are welcoming my kid of any age, and will take in yours, too!
BEST FAMILY BRUNCH
CLINTON STREET BAKERY
4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
The best pancakes in the city, and something sure to please everyone in your party! Be sure to arrive early to avoid a long wait.
MAISON PICKLE
2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
This is a new discovery for our family, and quickly becoming one of our go to spots to take friends and family who come visit. The food is delicious, the service is impeccable, and what kid doesn’t want to devour a giant stack of french toast?
THE LOAB BOATHOUSE
Park Drive North, E 72nd St, New York, NY 10021
If you want to have a picturesque, quintessential brunch in the city, The Load is a must. It is quite “fancy”, but is super accommodating to families and kids. Go when the weather is sunny and ask to sit on the patio. You can look out at the beautiful lake and let your little one watch for turtles swimming buy. The eggs Benedict isn’t half bad, either!
RUSS AND DAUGHTERS
127 Orchard Street New York, New York 10002
This is one of those meals that you will remember. Even if you are just ordering eggs, the food is always SO good. Such a cute little cafe and an incredible staff that always greets you with a smile.
SECOND AVE DELI
162 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
We go for brunch at Second Ave Deli for Christmas every year. Four years running now! It is a typical New York City Jewish diner and I love everything on the menu. From pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup to challah french toast. Don’t forget to cheers with chocolate soda shots when the check arrives!
BEST KIDS MENU
LANDMARC
10 Columbus Circle, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10019
Landmarc is one of THE BEST places to take your kids. Cotton candy, mac and cheese, and phenomenal views of Columbus cicrcle. They are beyond lovely and the food is incredible.
JACKS WIFE FRIEDA
50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
If you are in it for the gram, you can’t miss this spot. With multiple locations, it isn’t too hard to get a reservation anymore. They have a great kids menu with lots of choices and crayons at the table!
DOS CAMINOS
What kid doesn’t love chips and guac? I’m always in it for the margarita, but Dos Caminos is one of the easiest Mexican restaurants to hit with kids in the city. There are multiple locations, but Soho and Meatpacking both have lots of outdoor seating. Perfect for when you kid doesn’t want to stop whistling The Song That Never Ends… I don’t know from experience or anything.
PJ CLARKE’S
250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281
If you don’t like lobster mac and cheese, I don’t know if we can be friends anymore.. I kid. Kind of. But PJ Clarke’s is a Manhattan institution and always a great place to go with a group or a bunch of rowdy kids. They have a small kids menu, but it is very affordable and the regular menu makes up for it. Head down to the location in Battery Park for a beautiful sunset of the river.
FOR THE KIDS
SERENDIPITY 3
225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
Do I need to say anything more than nachos, hot dogs, and FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE? I think not. Serendipity is one of my favorite movie, and I went to the cute cafe when I first moved to New York. Stop by Bloomingdales and Dylan’s Candy Bar while you wait for your table (or go right when they open to avoid a long wait time)!
SUGAR FACRTORY
835 Washington Street New York, NY 10014
Be prepared for some wired, hyped up kids after a meal at Sugar Factory. This place isn’t cheap, but it is adorable and so much fun for kids! The ice cream and dessert are what you come for, and will have you bouncing off the walls and forever remembering your meal. Pop over to The High Line after to burn off some of that excess sugar energy!
BLACK TAP
529 Broome Street New York, NY 10013
Another sugar rush, but worth it to see the smiles on kids faces when the over the top milk shakes come to the table. The cheeseburger salad is something I dream about (I can’t get enough of the pickled onions and home made ranch) and the wings aren’t half bad, either! The Broome Street location is the original and will always be the best!
SHAKE SHACK
Madison Square Park, New York NY
Burgers, cheese fries and milkshakes in the park? Sign me up! This is our favorite way to spend a Friday night in the summer. There is often live music playing, so many kids and families for my oldest to interact with, and I will always be loyal to Shake Shack over other quick burger joints. Don’t skip the draft beer!
FAMILY DATE NIGHT
HARU
1 Wall Street Court, New York, NY 10005
We LOVE sushi. My oldest isn’t the biggest fan. Yet. But we are determined to get him there. Haru is super chill, delicious sushi and always a good experience. We love going to play on the South Street Seaport before walking over to Wall Street for dinner.
BLT STEAK
106 EAST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10022
Sometimes a dad just needs a steak, ya know? BLT Steak is amazing and on point with the food every time. They are one of the secretly family friendly restaurants that don’t have high chairs, but welcome kids with a big smile anyway.
IPPUDO
65 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003
Ramen is our family favorite. All three of us love to eat it, and chopsticks and kids are always a hit. There are NO reservations at Ippudo and generally a line. This may not be the best if you have wiggly kids, but there is a car free square across the street to run free in while you wait for a text that your table is ready!
SERAPHINA
95 W Broadway, New York, NY 10007
Another great restaurant with multiple locations. No surprise that we prefer the downtown spot over the other. Pizza is a go for kids and their wine list hits the mark for moms and dads!
TAVERN ON THE GREEN
Central Park, W 67th St, New York, NY 10023
This is a bit more of a splurge and fancy spot, but the staff is AMAZING and how can you say no to dinner in Central Park? This is a New York institution, and I was ecstatic when I heard it would be opening back up. The food is just as good as before, if not better, and it feels just as SATC as you possibly can when having dinner with kids.
TIPS FOR DINING WITH KIDS
- Make a reservation if at all possible. Waiting is HARD for kids, and they already have to wait for the food, grownup chatter, and the check. That is a lot of patience we are expecting our kids to have! Take a little bit of the stress our and call ahead.
- Feed your little one a snack before. But then they won’t eat their meal, right? Wrong. Have you ever dealt with your hangry toddler? Yeah, let’s alleviate that drama with a snack before you leave for the restaurant.
- Set expectations before arriving. I like to let my oldest know what type of food we are eating, what he can expect from the restaurant, and if we will or won’t be getting a treat.
- Order them something special! This goes a long way for kids. The six dollar Shirley Temple is outrageous, sure. But it makes them feel included and valued.
- Always get dessert. No explanation necessary. Just be sure to ask for the check at the same time.
Do you go out to eat with your kids often? Would love to know your favorite place to take your family!
