14 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in New York City

12 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in NYC
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14 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in NYC!

It is no secret that New York City is home to the best restaurants.

But what are some of the kid-friendly ones? You know, the ones where the staff gets it or the restaurants where you easily fold your stroller or better yet, stroll right to the table?

There are so many around the city to choose from, but here are some that we think will give you both great food and a fun atmosphere for the entire family. 

Psst… Here’s your Ultimate Guide to Spring Road Trips 2023!

Manhattan Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Pier i Cafe – Lincoln Square

W 70th St. and Riverside Park South

Enjoy the open air and scenic river views while eating some great food! This café is only open throughout the warmer months and is the perfect place for a family looking for a casual menu. Parents will enjoy a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere while the kids have fun watching the boats float by on the river.

Alice’s Tea Cup – Upper West Side & Lenox Hill

102 W 73rd St
156 E 64th St.

If you’re looking to have a real-life tea party, then Alice’s Tea Cup is the place for you! This restaurant offers a range of choices from finger foods and appetizers to sandwiches and salads. Your family will want to visit this place for every meal of the day!

You and your kids will be able to enjoy some tea and English-style foods while taking in all of the magic at New York City’s most whimsical tea house!

Benihana – Midtown West

47 W 56th St.

Here at Benihana, you don’t only get great food, but you also get a fun dining experience. There is plenty of room for a stroller if you have a little one. Watch as your personal chef performs the ancient art of Teppanyaki while preparing your food.

Kids will love being able to catch all of the behind-the-scenes action as they watch their food being prepared right in front of them! Once the performance is over, sit back and enjoy delicious dishes.

Carnegie Diner & Café– Midtown

205 W 57th St.

Nothing says “family-friendly” quite like a diner. Your family can enjoy diner staples like pancakes, omelets, burgers and more at the Carnegie Diner & Café.

Il Gattopardo– Midtown

13-15 W 54th St.

If you have been to Italy, or just want a true Italian dining experience you’ll want to check out Il Gattopardo. This is a great choice when you are wanting a dining experience that feels grown-up but you can bring the kids as well.

The staff goes out of their way to make you and the family feel welcome. There is plenty of room to bring the stroller, or you can ask the staff to tuck it away for you. The food is delicious and if you miss Italy you will definitely get an amazing food experience here.

Pizza and Shakes– Midtown

209 W 57th St.

What’s not to love about pizza, milkshakes and gelato? This vibrant pizza shop serves unique pizza combinations and milkshakes that the whole family will love.

Brooklyn Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Five Leaves– Greenpoint/Williamsburg

18 Bedford Ave.

This place gets crowded so if your kid is chill then it’s worth going for the amazing food. I would say to get there by 8 a.m for the restaurant is full with parents and kids by 9 a.m. There is a fair amount of outdoor space to eat which may be the more roomy option if you have a large family.

If you go at a busy time which is always know that your stroller may have to be parked outside. The wait staff is incredibly friendly even with wild children.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que – Gowanus

604 Union St.

This site used to be the home of a motor freight company, and now it is the home of some delicious BBQ!

Not only do they have St. Louis ribs that are a fan favorite, but they also have kids and a gluten-free menu so everybody in the family can enjoy! Dinosaur Bar-B-Que has a great setup and an even better menu.

Vamos Al Tequila– Williamsburg

162 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

For some yummy Mexican food were nice is okay this is a great spot. We visited this restaurant with an infant and a toddler and had room for the car seat and a stroller. However, once 8 p.m hit the place was packed so visit early.

Queens Kid- Friendly Restaurants

The Bonnie – Astoria

29-12 23rd Ave.

This spot is very popular for New Yorkers because of all the great things they have to offer on their menu. The Bonnie is praised for its great brunch and its spacious and trendy outdoor seating options.

The restaurant can get pretty busy, especially on the weekends, so make sure to stop by early or make a reservation ahead of time!

Bungalow Bar – Rockaway Beach

377 Beach 92nd St

This beachside restaurant is open year-round and is the perfect place to relax with friends. Bungalow Bar has a great outdoor patio where they host live music and DJs every weekend. Families will love the delicious food and beautiful views of the water.

Bronx Kid-Friendly Restaurants

City Island Lobster House – City Island

691 Bridge St.

If your family loves seafood, City Island Lobster House is the place to be! This restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining options and has a huge menu with different seafood and American-style dishes.

Liebman’s Deli – Riverdale

552 W 235th St.

One of the last Jewish deli’s in the Bronx, Liebman’s is a great stop for comfort food like matzoh ball soup, potato pancakes and bagels. Plus, it’s a short distance a way from popular attractions like the Bronx Zoo, making it the perfect choice for lunch or dinner after a day out with the family.

Rambling House – Woodlawn Heights

4292 Katonah Ave.

Rambling House is one of New York’s most popular Irish pubs that is sure to give you a fun and memorable experience.

Their menu is stacked with a bunch of comfort food dishes to share with the family. The pub also has live music, and DJs come to perform and hosts its own trivia and karaoke nights!

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Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. 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This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

A-Game Sports

<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">A-Game Sports is a premier provider of sports camps, programming and instruction for kids of all ages ranging from toddlers to teens. As an instructional and recreational youth sports facility, our goal is to make athletics a rewarding experience for all kids. A-Game Sports is located in New Rochelle, NY, and offers camps, lessons, customized programs for more than 10 sports and rental space for private events. A-Game Sports was founded in 2013 by two guys who decided that it was time to do what they truly love in life. Since then, we've made the ideology of fusing hard work and fun into a reality. Our dedicated staff of professional coaches share their enthusiasm with kids of all ages and skill levels that take part in our programs.</p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">With turfed fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and flag football, batting cages and tunnels for baseball and softball, and various basketball programs, A-Game Sports is one of the premiere sports facilities for kids and adults of any age. Aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts will benefit from our many strength and conditioning programs, while children new to sports will learn skills and techniques within their chosen sport, all while having a great time and keeping the game fun.</p> </div>

The Ailey School – First Steps and Bounding Boys

<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div class="m_-3740164643787738207m_4977048992707393770WordSection1"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">At The Ailey School, FIRST STEPS offers a structured creative movement curriculum that allows girls (ages 3-6) and boys (age 3), to develop body awareness and control and learn the basics of dance technique. BOUNDING BOYS (ages 4-6) provides a more athletic experience, and an energetic approach to teaching dance skills.</span></p> </div> </div> </blockquote>