Dining out with kids can be an intimidating task and in order to enjoyably do so, some key factors go into the entire process.
For one, finding a restaurant that makes you feel comfortable bringing your little one(s). A few weeks ago, the three of us went out for brunch to one of my favorite newer restaurants in Brooklyn. I’ve been there before for dinner, but never for brunch and never with Nate. I figured it would be a good option, especially early in the afternoon. Well, it turned out to be quite the unpleasant experience. They just made the entire process seem like we were burdening them. From asking for a high chair (they didn’t have) to trying to simplify an item on the menu so Nate could eat it (they couldn’t). While I completely get that some places should be adults only, I left feeling turned off and vowing to never return, with or without Nate.
In general, NYC is not the easiest city to dine with kids and requires some strategic planning. Spaces are small and most restaurants are not geared for families with little kids. My 20-year old self would have rejoiced in that fact and rolled my eyes at parents trying to impose on my boozy brunch. These days, things are different and when dining with Nate, we often find ourselves returning to our comfortable favorites.
However, in wanting to branch out, especially when in the city, I reached out to my NYC mamas to find out their favorite child-friendly spots. Normally, I try and create helpful blog posts for all of you, but in this case, I’m selfishly really excited for this list!
These are the places, both in Brooklyn & Manhattan, that were recommended numerous times. I’ve been to a lot of them, but in most cases, without Nate. We’re pretty excited to start checking a few more off the list.
If any of you have a recommendation that’s not listed here, please let me know in the comment section and I’ll be sure to edit this list so it’s helpful for everyone!
And as the below photos indicate, aside from picking a comfortable spot, we always come equipped with cars, stickers, snacks (in case food is taking too long) and other odds and ends. Our very last resort is a video on the iPhone, which we try not to do unless meltdown mode ensues, but certainly not above it. In the end, it’s also about us and if it means that we’ll get a few minutes of adult conversation without hysterics, so be it!
Manhattan
THE SMITH
Where: East Village, Lincoln Square, Midtown, & Nomad
Lively place for classic American fare & specialty cocktails. It’s also large and noisy, so even if your child has a meltdown, chances are, no one will hear.
ROSEMARY’S
Where: West Village – 18 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
Airy spot with a rooftop farm for seasonal Italian dishes, house-made pastas & notable wines. Because god knows, when dining with kids, wine is a must.
MORANDI NY
Where: West Village – 211 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10014
Rustic, buzzy trattoria from Keith McNally with Italian fare & sidewalk seating.
SARABETH’S
Where: Upper East Side, Central Park South, Park Avenue South, Tribeca, & Upper West Side
Posh chain serving American fare, including brunch & dessert. Some offer dinner & cocktails and always one of the most popular choices for families with kids.
ALMOND
Where: Flat Iron – 12 E 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
Lively bistro serving French comfort food in a rustic setting. Very popular for brunch.
BUBBY’S
Where: Tribeca – 120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013 + High Line – 73 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
Weekend brunch hot spot serving homestyle American eats with many locally sourced ingredients.
THE DUTCH
Where: SoHo – 131 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
Regional American fare, including oysters and much-hyped fried chicken, in a lively, modern space.
TAVERN ON JANE
Where: Greenwich Village – 31 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014
This casual spot offers bar snacks, steak dinners & plenty in between, plus varied wines & spirits.
EASTFIELD’S
Where: Upper East Side – 1479 York Ave, New York, NY 10075
Sibling to The East Pole serving oysters, seasonal dishes & cocktails in a smart setting.
LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN
Where: All NYC locations here
Classic light fare & organic breads fill out the menu at this rustic-chic bakery/cafe chain.
MÉMÉ
Where: West Village – 581 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 + Hell’s Kitchen – 607 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Mediterranean tapas, Moroccan-style entrees & a full bar served in a cozy, relaxed setting.
SERAFINA
Where: All NYC locations here
Casual, intimate Roman trattoria serving rustic Italian faves, including housemade pasta.
BRUNETTI
Where: West Village – 626 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Neapolitan eatery serving brick-oven pizzas, small plates & wine in a woody, garden-enhanced space.
ROSSOPOMODORO
Where: West Village – 118 Greenwich Ave, New York NY 10011
Cozy spot founded through an ongoing passion for creating Neapolitan cuisine with the freshest and most organic ingredients possible.
BROOKLYN
KRUPA GROCERY
Where: South Slope – 231 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Seasonal American dishes served in a spiffed-up former newsstand space.
FAUN
Where: Prospect Heights – 606 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Stylish eatery with an Italian-American menu based on local ingredients, plus a leafy back patio.
WESTVILLE
Where: Dumbo – 81 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Fresh produce & locally sourced meats lead the list of ingredients at this popular American spot.
COLONIE
Where: Cobble Hill – 127 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
American fare is locally sourced at this sociable wood-accented spot with an open kitchen.
THE FREEHOLD
Where: Williamsburg – 45 S 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Coffee, cocktails & American gastropub fare served in a hip cafe & bar with a grassy outdoor space.
BAR TABAC
Where: Cobble Hill – 128 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
A hip Parisian-style neighborhood bistro popular for late-night bites & brunch. This happens to be one of our favorite restaurants, with or without Nate. Again, loud and noisy, which is always a plus when dining with kids.
BLUE RIBBON BRASSERIE
Where: Park Slope – 280 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Buzzy New American eatery with an expansive menu, oyster bar & late-night weekend hours.
BUTTERMILK CHANNEL
Where: Carroll Gardens – 524 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Quaint eatery offering a hearty American comfort-food menu & a popular weekend brunch. If coming with kids on weekends, get there early as it gets very crowded by noon.
LA VARA
Where: Cobble Hill – 268 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Spanish tapas with Moorish & Jewish influences draw crowds to the stylish storefront restaurant.
LEUCA
Where: Williamsburg – 111 North 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Southern Italian fare from Andrew Carmellini served in a rustic-chic space anchoring a swanky hotel.
GRAZIELLA’S
Where: Clinton Hill – 232 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Pizza from a wood-burning brick oven plus other Italian classics at s family-owned spot.
CAFE MOGADOR
Where: Williamsburg – 133 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Buzzy atmosphere serving traditional Moroccan tagines, couscous & more in comfy yet charming quarters.
EGG
Where: Williamsburg – 109 N 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Locally sourced Southern breakfasts & lunches draw crowds to this rustic-industrial hangout. Known for their best breakfast: biscuits, grits, country ham, and homemade granola.
PEACHES
Where: Stuyvesant Heights – 393 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233
Modern spin on Southern comfort food plus brunch & a full bar in a historic brownstone neighborhood.
LA VILLA
Where: Numerous locations throughout Brooklyn.
Easily, one of our most frequented easy, Italian restaurants. We’ve been going to the original location for over a decade and they’ve remained consistently good and consistently comfortable, with or without a child. We always get the penne alla vodka, eggplant sticks and a chicken dish that we all share. They also have great pizza and inexpensive house wine!
SWEET CHICK
Where: Williamsburg – 164 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 + Prospect Heights – 341 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Gourmet chicken & waffles star at this hip, down-home Southern comfort-food resource with cocktails.
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