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 an excellent family-friendly eatery can be arduous: you need food that’s not too fussy, décor that’s not too fragile, parent-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 West Village and Greenwich Village are home to some of the best family-friendly eateries in the city. Below are our top picks.
Montauk meets Manhattan at this Village seafood spot named for the popular and beautiful surfing strand out East. The menu features what you'd expect from a beach-inspired menu and you wouldn't want it any other way: lobster rolls, oysters and clams rule. Your kid hates fish? The kid's menu swims around that issue as there's nothing fishy about it. Instead you'll find the usual child-friendly menu culprits: chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, and reasonable prices. Fried pickles get giggles and raves from regulars.
Sushi Samba
It's all about the chopsticks at this fun restaurant where a children's menu is creative and nutritious. For $12 there's the Baby Bento (grilled organic chicken, steak or salmon, served with purple potato mash, veggie roll, fruit and dessert.) If your child digs sushi go for the Sushi Bites entrée (same price) which features four bite-sized rice balls topped with tuna, yellowtail, salmon and cucumber served with a veggie roll and fruit. Don't worry, there's always Samba Sliders for traditionalists.
BLT Burger
Most kids love burgers and milkshakes. And while there are many restaurants in town that feature both on the menu, BLT Burger wins the prize. BLT is a friendly restaurant for families who want to enjoy hefty burgers (beef and salmon), frothy milkshakes, crunchy waffle fries, and great service. Curl into a booth and chow down. Bonus: Adults can slurp alcohol-spiked milkshakes.
John's Pizzeria
Fabulous famous, family-friendly restaurant where pizza reigns. You can’t order individual slices but you won’t want to. The pizza is so good you’ll all easily devour an entire pie – or two. Order it plain or select from the more than a dozen toppings. This is the original John’s Pizzeria, and it’s got that been-around-the-block look, but locals wouldn’t want it any other way.
A Salt & Battery
Can't afford that vacation across the pond just yet, but want the youngsters to experiment with new foods and cultures? This is a fabulous British restaurant with the most succulent fish and chips this side of the Atlantic. The name might not be kid-friendly, but the ambience and menu items are. Bonus: Deep-fried Mars Bars. Do not leave without trying these.
Cowgirl Hall of Fame
Kids love the southwestern cuisine dished up here like corn dogs and quesadillas and the signature Frito pie (Fritos smothered in chili and cheese and served in a Frito Lay bag!). Crazy-fun rodeo atmosphere.
Silver Spurs Diner
Diners and children (especially fussy eaters) are a natural pairing. Giddy up to this popular neighborhood diner and order up a stack of pancakes or a turkey burger off the cutesy menu. Silver Spurs is the kind of place where the locals have been going forever, as well as in-the-know out-of-towners.
Okay, well, yes, it's touristy. And, okay, well, yes it's a chain. But okay, yes, it's on the top ten list of every kid in the Village – and tourists, too. Monster burgers are menu standouts. Note: Really young kids might find this restaurant too scary.
The Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in the West Village and Greenwich Village
Ditch Plains is located at 29 Bedford Street, at Downing Street.
Sushi Samba is located at 87 Seventh Avenue, at Barrow Street.
BLT Burger is located at 470 Sixth Avenue, between 11th and 12th Streets.
John's Pizzeria is located at 278 Bleecker Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues.
A Salt and Battery is located at 112 Greenwich Avenue, between 12th and 13 Streets.
Cowgirl Hall of Fame is located at 519 Hudson Street, at West 10th Street.
Silver Spurs is located at 490 LaGuardia Place, at West Houston Street.
Jekyll and Hyde is located at 91 Seventh Avenue South, between West 4th Street and Barrow Street.
