Fun restaurants in New York City are plentiful. When it comes to kid-friendly restaurants, NYC offers a plethora in every neighborhood. There are kid-friendly restaurants in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and of course, Manhattan. Let’s explore all the fun restaurants in New York, running from one that offers pancakes with fruity pebbles, to a restaurant where the waiters are aspiring actors who sing Broadway tunes as they serve your food!
THEMED RESTAURANTS IN NYC
Fun restaurants in New York often have themes. Three favorites include the Jekyll and Hyde Club, Max Brenner’s Chocolate by the Bald Man, and Ellen’s Stardust Diner.
Jekyll and Hyde Club has a super fun mad scientist theme, inspired by the novel of the same name. The restaurant has some impressive special effects that create the illusion that wall portraits are staring at you and following you about the room. An Egyptian sarcophagus head talks to you as you munch on your fries. The waiters get into character and never break character as they serve your sodas. This is the perfect NYC restaurant for Halloween, or for anyone who enjoys a bit of haunted flare.
Max Brenner’s Chocolate by the Bald Man has a hint of a Willy Wonka theme. Cocoa beans and pipes of chocolate make up the decor. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by a chocolate counter that offers unique selections such as chocolate pizza. Chocolate pizza has a sugar cookie crust, Nutella sauce, and marshmallow toppings! Decadent milkshakes and chocolate cocktails grace the menu, as does chocolate fondue, brownies, chocolate cake, and more. Don’t skip the main course! The macaroni and cheese and burgers are some of the best in the city! Just make sure you leave room for their world-famous desserts.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is one of the more exciting kid-friendly restaurants in NYC and is geared towards the theatre lover. Their decor has a 1950s American diner feel. The waiters are extremely talented aspiring actors. Many have even performed at regional theatres across the country. With an eye on Broadway, the waiters take turns singing hit Broadway show tunes while dancing on the tables and chairs and serving your burgers.
CRAZY FOOD CONCOCTIONS
Kid-friendly restaurants in NYC often offer some crazy food concoctions that feel like they came out of your child’s imagination! Black Tap Burger serves Milkshakes in goblets dipped in chocolate, covered in M&Ms, and topped with a humongous slice of cake! They’ll sometimes even add some cotton candy for good measure! Mom’s Midtown serves pancakes, available at every meal. Their “Bedrock Pancakes” are “Fruity Pebbles Pancakes topped with berries, berry maple syrup, and whipped cream.” The “Heavy Metal Fries” are topped with cheesy peppercorn
gravy, sriracha, and bacon.
NYC is also famous for its incredible pizza. Hop into a pizzeria like John’s of Bleecker Street and try a new topping with your family. For many, this will be the first time kids get to taste fresh mozzarella cheese on top of pizza or try a topping like goat cheese or jalapeno peppers!
KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN BROOKLYN
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Brooklyn are becoming very popular. Brooklyn is a much more residential borough than Manhattan. Perhaps this is why Junior’s originated in Brooklyn. Junior’s is one of the most kid-friendly restaurants NYC has to offer. While there are locations in Midtown Manhattan, locals know that the original location was in Brooklyn. Junior’s is often credited as having the best cheesecake in all of New York City! The recipe dates back to 1929 and has evolved to include a huge variety of flavors and variations. They also offer scrumptious sandwiches, soups, salads, and shakes.
While you’re in Brooklyn, check out TimeOut Market. This is a family-friendly food hall that will have something for everyone. Food ranges from ramen to pizza to pancakes at the Clinton Street Baking Co, arguably the best pancakes in NYC! The setting offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a great way to get a taste of New York and a unique Big Apple experience.
Whether you are in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens, get your kids excited about New York and check out one of the unique family-friendly restaurants we’ve mentioned. Then after all the pizza, pancakes, and burgers, why not round out the day with one of City Tales New York Walking Tours for an immersive New York experience.