Carla Sullivan, founder of MiniMunchers.com, the internet’s only source and resource for restaurants that are kid-friendly in Manhattan gives New York Loves Kids her hot spots for family friendly dining.
Navigating the restaurant scene in Manhattan can be daunting for even the most seasoned New Yorker, then throw a kid or two or three (yes I have three) into the mix and the task of finding the “perfect” place to eat can be impossible or worse, a DISASTER!
A question I often get is what is the “Best” restaurant to take a child in Manhattan? That is like asking what is the best museum in the City, it depends what you are looking for. But here are a few great places that are worth checking out this summer with your minis.
Blue Smoke – http://www.bluesmoke.com
2 locations 116 E. 27th Street 212-447-7733 & 255 Vesey Street 212-889-3005
This is coming from a girl who doesn’t even eat ribs, but I attribute my son’s rib addiction to Blue Smoke. Not sure if it is the ribs themselves or the ULTRA kid-friendly ambiance in either location (great kids menu and the cookie “pig” that kids decorate, which is then baked while you eat) but Blue Smoke is a serious go to for great family-friendly BBQ!
Landmarc – http://www.landmarc-restaurant.com
10 Columbus Circle (in Time Warner –3rd floor) 212-823-6123
Landmarc has one of the greatest children’s menus I have ever encountered – from Green Eggs and Ham to PB & Nutella and Whole Wheat Quesadillas, Chef Marc Murphy really knows how to satisfy even the pickiest eater. There are always multiple tables filled with families and the breathtaking view of Central Park South is worth the trip.
Gigino at Wagner Park – http://gigino-wagnerpark.com
20 Battery Place – 212-528-2228
Hands down one of the best outdoor places we have discovered as a family. Not only is there a beautiful view of the Hudson River from Gigino’s patio but there is a large lawn (yes grass in NYC) that the kids are encouraged to run around on while waiting for their food. With ambiance like this – who cares what’s on the menu (but in case you were wondering its good!)
Brother Jimmys BBQ – http://www.brotherjimmys.com
5 locations
Not only is Brother Jimmy’s very kid-friendly with a menu that lets you choose the side (do your kids REALLY need fries EVERY time they go out?) but kids under 12 eat for free, yes FREE, with each adult entrée. Minis who join the “clean plate club” also are treated to free ice cream scoop!!
Big Daddy’s – http://bigdaddysnyc.com
3 locations 239 Park Avenue South – 212-477-1500, 1596 2nd Avenue 212-717-2020, 2452 Broadway 212-677-2004
Dispel all thoughts of a crowded diner where you have to fight for a table and then are rushed out, Big Daddy’s is a fun upscale diner that LOVES kids. The décor and music are enough of a distraction without the crayons and balloons and the tater tots of milk shakes keep my minis begging to return.
Hopefully I have inspired you to break out of your tried and true and try something new…Manhattan is teeming with kid-friendly restaurants and you never know what will be your newest family favorite. Happy Summer and Happy Munching!
Carla Sullivan is the founder of MiniMunchers.com, the internet’s only source and resource for restaurants that are kid-friendly in Manhattan. Carla is also a regular contributor to New York Family’s Yummy Delicious Blog & loves to eat out with her kids – Ryan, Keelin and Kelly.
