Finding a place to eat that will satisfy the palates of both big and little diners is a difficult task. Even with the abundance of restaurants in New York City, finding a excellent family-friendly eatery can be arduous: you need food that’s not too fussy, décor that’s not too fragile, mommy-friendly facilities like high chairs, booster seats and stroller parking, and a low-key ambiance conducive to intergenerational enjoyment (low noise levels, friendly waitstaff and entertainment to keep the youngsters happily distracted while waiting for their food).
We know what you’re thinking, and yes (believe it or not) places like these actually do exist. In fact, the East Village and the Lower East Side are home to some of the finest kid-friendly eateries in the entire city. That said, we’ve thoroughly researched the highest-rated spots in your neighborhood and whittled down a definitive list of only the best family-friendly spots based on user reviews and most importantly, the word of local mommies.
The first to make our list is S’MAC, one of Mommy Poppins’ 'Top 20 Best Family Friendly Restaurants in New York City,' rated #3 of Eats.com’s Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants and 'Critic’s Picked' by New York Magazine. The famously bright-orange macaroni and cheese café scores rave reviews from happy customers on Citysearch ('so good, I went back the next day’) and Yelp (‘by far the best mac and cheese I’ve tasted in my entire life,' 'the owners are the nicest and most unassuming people you will meet'). And it's no surprise: S'MAC's menu is simple but delicious; kids will love traditional mac and cheese like the 'All-American' and the 'Four Cheeses,' while moms and dads will appreciate more sophisticated variations like the 'Parisienne' (brie, figs, shiitake mushrooms, rosemary) and the 'Alpine' (Gruyere and bacon). For tots with super-picky palates? No biggie - you can even custom-design your own mac and cheese (if you want to go the healthier route, Urban Daddy suggests you can even ask for their whole-wheat macaroni). Plus, according to Gothamist, their portions are enormous, their prices are reasonable, the waiters are amazingly friendly - all in all, a win for the parents and the kids. (Note to moms: S'MAC also offers high chairs and booster seats for the teeny-tinies).
Looking for an eatery that offers more than just comfort food? Why not try Eleven B, a rustic, family-run little Italian restaurant on Avenue B that’s been serving their famous fresh pizza for over 50 years? Eleven B scores #2 on Eats.com’s list of 'Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in New York City' and earns the #1 spot on their list for the East Village and Lower East Side. Urbanspoon customer reviews rave over its ‘relaxing, casual atmosphere, and great and friendly staff.’ Kids will love their meatball parm heroes, traditional cheese ravioli and pizza burgers while moms and dads will delight in their impressive selection of salads (we recommend the arugula and spinach and goat cheese). Their spectacular blueberry pie will be a hit with the entire family. (Note to moms: Eleven B also offers high chairs and space to park your strollers).
For all the health-conscious, vegetarian mommies out there, this next one's for you - Counter on First Avenue has been crowned as having one of the 'Best Kids Menus in New York City' by Time Out New York and is one of Urbanspoon’s top picks for ‘Best Kid Friendly Restaurants.’ The all-organic eatery serves up locally-harvested vegetarian fare so tasty, your kids won’t even know they’re eating vegetables (get the little ones to try their squash spaghettini and you’ll see what we mean). Time Out adds that their children’s menu (peppered with quotes from famous vegetarians) encourages kids to expand their taste horizons with variations on traditional dishes such as roasted sweet potatoes. Plus, it's so family-friendly that the owner's own daughter can often be spotted at the restaurant, eating and hanging with her school friends. (Note to moms: Counter also offers high chairs, booster seats, and stroller parking).
Last but certainly not least are two equally-popular kid-friendly restaurants that have been recommended by a poll of local moms via Twitter and Facebook. The first is Five Points on Great Jones Street, who wins big with mommies for their brunch specials and makes Nearsay's list of 'Best Brunches in the East Village.' But don't just take our word for it - New York Magazine ‘Critic’s Picked’ the restaurant ('great for Saturday brunch with the kids'), sentiments echoed by Time Out who insist you must make reservations as families pack out the entire place on the weekends. For seafood-loving families, you can’t beat Mermaid Inn on Second Avenue. Time Out New York swears by the urban fish shack's kids’ menu that offers up healthy, tasty dishes like homemade tilapia fish fingers. NYC Foodie swears Mermaid has some of the best lobster rolls you'll ever taste in New York City, adding: 'end the day with Mermaid's complimentary chocolate pudding and fortune telling fish, and your family - and everyone around - will be smiling and happy.' (Note to moms: Mermaid Inn also offers color-in activity place mats and crayons to keep your babes occupied while they wait for their food).
The East Village and Lower East Side's Best Family-Friendly Restaurants
S’MAC is located at 345 East 12th Street, near First Avenue.
Eleven B is located at 174 Avenue B, near East 10th Street
Counter is located at 105 First Avenue, near East 6th Street
Five Points is located at 31 Great Jones Street, near Bowery
Mermaid Inn is located at 96 Second Avenue, near East 5th Street
