There are a plethora of great restaurants to choose from in downtown Manhattan, but not all are family-friendly (with sneery wait staff and sloooooooowww service). When it comes to our kids, we prefer adoring smiles and patient staff who can deliver food fast, and help handle spills. Coloring pencils, paper, play dough and other distractions are also welcome. Below are our top picks.
Balthazar: For the best 'soldiers'
Keith McNally’s flagship restaurant welcomes kids of all ages. We love the toy soliders (strips of toast) that come with a soft-boiled organic egg and keep kids busy dipping, so parents can devour pain au chocolat and homemade donuts with an enormous bowl of café au lait. It’s noisy, so little ones blend right in. Bonus: staff deliver crayons and paper to keep the little ones entertained.
Once Upon a Tart: For insanely good cranberry apple muffins and awesome window displays
This Sullivan Street café has the best muffins, savory and sweet, hands down – plus a dazzling array of cookies and treats, fresh lemonade and coffee. It's the perfect locale for coffee runs from Thompson Street park, and after shopping in SoHo. No matter what the holiday, the storefront windows are decorated accordingly (gorgeous rabbits for Easter surrounded by apples, pear tarts and chocolate eggs).
Kelley & Ping: For slurpy noodle soups
Kids love Kelley & Ping where they can devour noodle soup with roasted chicken (they call it the "bowl of sunshine") and satay and sticky rice (chicken lollipops). Kids eat for free before 7.30 p.m., or just $5 each after.
Max Tribeca: For spaghetti and meatballs to die for
We're talking delicious meatloaf with potato pancetta gratin, gnocchi, spaghetti with meatballs and homemade ravioli. Kids love this cozy trattoria as much as parents do. Max is also a great deal, at under $10 per meal.
Bubby’s: For a fantastic weekend brunch
Just follow the strollers, especially on weekends where you’ll see them lined up outside. We love Bubby’s for their buttermilk biscuits and tasty wild mushroom scramble. It’s not always on the menu, but fish and chips often turns up on Friday and it’s a family favorite.
The Odeon: For crayons and good celebrity spotting
Odeon is good for brunch, or an early dinner before the crowds. Don’t forget to order the cinnamon ice cream for dessert. The best seats for ogling are outside, when it’s warmer!
The Best Family Restaurants in SoHo and TriBeCa
Balthazar is located at 80 Spring Street, between Crosby Street and Broadway.
Once Upon a Tart is located at 135 Sullivan Street, near Prince Street.
Kelley & Ping is located at 127 Greene Street, between Prince and West Houston Streets.
Max Tribeca is located at 181 Duane Street, between Greenwich and Hudson Streets.
Bubby’s is located at 120 Hudson Street, at N. Moore Street.
The Odeon is located at 145 West Broadway, at Thomas Street.
