New York City is a family’s paradise, thanks to the many things to do with kids and family-friendly places to eat for little ones. When you need a break from exploring the city, we’ve got some spots that will do the trick. From playful kids menus to exciting play spaces, there are so many delicious dining experiences to be had! Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in NYC to bring the little ones!
1. Bubby’s, Tribeca
Bubby’s has been a Tribeca institution for over 30 years, and they are most famous for their homemade pancakes, pies, biscuits, and other comfort foods. Adults can enjoy a variety of items, like the 1890 Sourdough Pancakes or Bubby’s Burger, while kids can opt for something off their kids menu like the Kids Mac N Cheese or Kids Pancakes. The variety of American-style food options will please all ages. See full menu here.
Where: 120 Hudson St
2. SMAC, East Village
This East Village mac and cheese restaurant is the real deal, and will be sure to please any kid! You can never go wrong with this hearty, cheesy treat and S’MAC executes to perfection! Have your kid try out one of their classic dishes like the 4 Cheese or Buffalo Chicken…or even share a S’MAC Sampler with them which comes with multiple kinds in one dish. Or for the ultimate experience, let them build their own mac and cheese bowl! See full menu here.
Where: 197 1st Ave
3. Serendipity 3, Midtown East
For years, Serendipity 3 has been serving up loads of decadent desserts and food to tons of NYC locals and visitors alike. When you step into their whimsical interior, you’re treated to a menu of kid’s dreams. Mac and cheese, hamburgers, hot dogs, and of course the world-famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. This place is a children’s paradise, and has literally everything from ice cream sundaes to finger foods. See full menu here.
Where: 225 E 60th St
4. Alice’s Tea Cup, UWS & UES
Treat your kiddos to the royal treatment and stop by Alice’s Tea Cup for an afternoon tea experience! The menu consists of scones, sandwiches, sweets & treats, soups, and more. Or you can have them opt for something off the “Menu for the Small” like the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Peanut Butter and Jam, or Cookies and Milk, amongst more. It’s a great “experience” the kids will surely love. See full menu here.
Where:
UWS – 102 W 73rd St
UES – 156 E 64th St
5. Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain, Carroll Gardens
Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain is a dessert heaven where a kid’s imaginations can run wild! If you want to fulfill their sweet tooth (or want them to catch a sugar crash), bring them here! They can choose between their endless milkshakes, sundaes, cocoas, ice cream floats, ice cream sandwiches, and so much more! Plus, they’re all served beautifully and taste delicious. See full menu here.
Where: 513 Henry St, Brooklyn
6. Black Tap, SoHo & Midtown
We’d recommend to Black Tap both adults and kids, because it’s just that good. Known particularly for their juicy hamburgers like The Texan Burger (prime burger, bacon, aged cheddar, crispy onion ring, sweet baby rays bbq, mayo) or The Greg Norman (1/2 pound wagyu burger, house buttermilk-dill, blue cheese, arugula), this is what we recommend for any youngin’. Where the fun really begins though is their famous CrazyShake® milkshakes that come topped with cake or cookies. Trust us, your kid will thank you later. See the full menu here.
Where:
SoHo – 529 Broome St
Midtown – 45 W 35th St
7. Cowgirl, West Village
Kids loved a themed-restaurant and at Cowgirl in the West Village you’ll find a true Wild West experience like none other. Their Tex-Mex and Tex-American menu options will please any child, whether it’s steamy quesadillas, the Big Ol’ Mac ‘n’ Cheese, or the Original Ice Cream Baked Potato for dessert. See full menu here.
Where: 519 Hudson St
8. Dinosaur BBQ, Harlem & Brooklyn
Prepare for your kid’s hands to get messy, because at Dinosaur BBQ they’ll be going face first into the most delicious BBQ food in NYC. Their kid’s menu offers them a bite-sized portion of the tasty food, like mini BBQ Sliders, BBQ Chicken Wings, St. Louis Ribs, and so much more. Of course there’s bigger options too if you want to order and split with them. See full menu here.
Where:
Brooklyn – 604 Union St, Brooklyn
Harlem – 700 W 125th St
9. Roberta’s, Bushwick
Kids are pizza lovers, fair and square…and the personal size pies at Roberta’s are perfect for all ages! Choose between options like their Bee Sting (tomato, mozzarella, soppressata, basil, chili, honey) or Famous Original (tomato, mozzarella, parmigiano, caciocavallo, oregano, chili), amonst many more which constantly rotate! Or put the power in their hands and let them build their own pizza to perfection! There’s also great drinks and ambiance for the adults too! See full menu here.
Where: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn
10. Harlem Shake, Harlem & Park Slope
Home to “burgers, shakes, and good times,” we’re sure any kid would enjoy this spot. The menu includes all of the favorites, including burgers, fries, milkshakes, and sandwiches. They also have a separate kids menu that includes grilled cheese, chicken tenders, mini burgers, hot dogs, and more! Don’t forget to pair it with one of their vintage Fancy Sodas…they’ll surely love that. See full menu here.
Where:
Harlem – 100 W 124th St
Park Slope – 119 5th Ave (at Sterling Pl), Brooklyn
11. Friedman’s, Multiple Locations
Friedman’s mantra “Eat good food” comes to life as kids and adults alike can enjoy their famous pancakes, waffles, and fried chicken. The kid-friendly dishes range from breakfast classics to hearty lunches and dinners, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available too! It’s a no-frills spot that will do the trick every time! See full menu here.
Where: Find your location here
12. Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, Times Square
Fancy come fish and chips? Take a trip to England with your child when you check out the brand new Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips in Times Square. For kids, we suggest the combo boxes like the Gordon’s Combo (1 piece of Crispy Cod, 1 piece of Crispy Chicken, and 2 pieces of Crispy Shrimp). They also have yummy British milkshake options too like the Biscoff Shake and Strawberries & Cream Shake. See full menu here.
Where: 1500 Broadway Suite 105
13. Clinton Hall, Multiple Locations
With multiple locations around NYC, Clinton Hall is a modern beer hall that will excite all ages. Wacky food options like The Famous Doughnut Grilled Cheese or Luscious Lemon Berry WTF Waffles are highlights that any kid would enjoy. Plus, you can enjoy it while you’re watching one of their flatscreen TVs and playing oversized Jenga. See full menu here.
Where: Find your location here
14. OL’DAYS, Tribeca
OL’DAYS in Tribeca is one of our favorite new restaurants in NYC, and it’s great for all ages! The spacious and charming all-day cafe offers healthy and seasonal plates, including a lovely kids menu featuring Monster Avocado Toast and Oscar the Crab Waffles. Learn more here.
Where: 73 Warren St
15. The Meatball Shop, Hell’s Kitchen
Let your kids enjoy some of the best meatballs in the city, at this spot in Hell’s Kitchen. Known for their Italian dishes, The Meatball Shop is sure to serve you up the freshest stuff around. Their kids menu is short and simple: a choice of two meatball, sauce, and a side. You can’t go wrong here…and don’t forget about their tasty ice cream sandwiches for dessert. See menu here.
Where: 798 9th Ave
16. Parm, Multiple Locations
Bring your kids to one of Parm’s casual and laidback dining rooms, where they can make their own pasta or sandwich to their heart’s content. The Italian-American restaurant “staple” is absolutely no frills and makes for an easy child-friendly place to enjoy supper.
Where: Find your location here
17. Patsy’s Pizzeria, Upper West Side & Turtle Bay
“The undisputed pizza dynasty” will be a hit with any kid, and their oven-style pizzas are as good as gold. You can even do a family style pasta deal that feeds 5-6 people for $68! See Patsy’s full menu here.
Where:
Upper West Side – 61 W 74th St
Turtle Bay – 801 2nd Ave