Best places to Eat out with Kids
Ideas for Brooklyn and Manhattan
I’ve had this post in draft for at least a month now. With the holidays, potential family visiting, and more days off of school, this feels like the perfect time to think about the least painful places to eat out with your children.
A meal in a restaurant with my children involves trying to keep the phone at bay for as long as possible and multiple negotiations around food. I think it’s essential that they learn some skills to sit at a table without a device, though I recognize that’s something I need to work on, too!
A good restaurant for children meets a few criteria.
Larger space - I’m not always bringing a stroller, but I will have a bag for toys at least, and there is no way they sit still the whole time.
Noisy - a level that somewhat masks my children.
Food - something kid-approachable that at least has a chance of fitting their pallet. (You will never find me writing about tips for picky eaters because I do not have that solved). As a default, I think an Italian or Mexican restaurant usually has something my kids can agree on, too.
My list is not comprehensive, but places I can speak to firsthand:
Bogota Latin Bistro | Park Slope
Any restaurant in this group is great: Miti Miti, Medusa, etc. They also open at 10 am if you’re looking for early brunch options.
Patti Ann’s | Prospect Heights
It's a bit busier than others on my list, but it's a great option for unique cuisine for the parents. My kids loved their first rootbeer float and the Detriot-style pizza here.
Cent’Anni | Crown Heights
Everything on this menu is a crowd-pleaser, and they have a lovely garden in the warmer months.
Amorica Cucina Rustica | Prospect Heights
Very approachable and friendly atmosphere- you’ll always find a family dining here.
Pasta Louise | South Slope
This place lives up to the hype. I’ll sometimes bike over here for takeout from Prospect Heights because the pasta is that good.
Patsy’s Pizzeria | Park Slope
Patsy’s is excellent for large groups and a default if you’re near Barclay’s center.
Westville | Dumbo, Williamsburg, Chelsea, Wall Street
Casual with healthy and diverse menu options. This is an easy one if you’ve got a very picky group!
Tacombi | Fort Greene, Soho, Midtown
Tacombi has over 5 locations now - I just listed my favorites. I recommend the Empire State Building location if you’re roped into any touristy activities nearby.
Parm | Battery Park City, UWS
Parm also has its original location in Soho, but I think that space is pretty cramped for kids. The Battery Pary City one is excellent because the restaurant at Brookfield Place is massive and noisy!
I probably need to eat out more in Manhattan to build this list! I’m guessing most of my audience is in the same boat that a long subway ride and then sitting down to a meal is low on the priority list with your kids.
I am sending everyone good vibes for family meals without devices and as few fights over the dinner table as possible this holiday.
-Katie