Taking kids out to eat can feel like a high-stakes mission. Between unpredictable moods, small city spaces, and menus that rarely cater to picky toddlers, a simple brunch can spiral into frustration. Still, dining out as a family is possible—and even enjoyable—if you know where to go and what to expect.
I learned this lesson the hard way. A few weeks ago, Kevin and I decided to bring Nate along for brunch at one of my favorite Brooklyn restaurants. I’d been there before for dinner, so I thought it would be fine for a mid-afternoon outing with a toddler in tow. Instead, it was a disaster. They had no high chair, no flexibility with the menu, and frankly, they made us feel like we were inconveniencing them just by showing up. While I respect that some places prefer to remain “adults only,” I walked out of there swearing never to return—child or no child.
That experience was a reminder: in New York City, dining with kids requires strategy.
Why Eating Out With Kids in NYC Is Tricky
New York is known for its vibrant dining scene, but it’s not exactly famous for accommodating families with little ones. Restaurants are often small, tables are close together, and the ambiance skews toward “grown-up night out” rather than “family-friendly brunch.” My younger self might have celebrated the lack of strollers and toddler meltdowns. But now, with a child of my own, I see the city through a different lens.
The truth is, when you’re dining out with kids, the vibe matters as much as the food. Parents need to feel welcome. They need space for high chairs, patience from staff, and ideally, a menu that can be tweaked for tiny taste buds. Without those things, the whole outing can turn stressful fast.
Building a Go-To List
After our brunch mishap, I decided it was time to branch out from my usual tried-and-true favorites and crowdsource some ideas. I reached out to other NYC moms and asked them for their best kid-friendly restaurant recommendations in both Brooklyn and Manhattan.
The response was overwhelming—and very reassuring. There are plenty of restaurants that welcome kids, and not just with a side of fries. These places came up again and again, and many of them I’ve been to (though usually without Nate). Now, I’m excited to start checking them out as a family.
Survival Tips for Dining Out With Kids
Even with the perfect restaurant, preparation makes all the difference. I’ve learned to always pack a little “distraction kit” before heading out:
- Cars & stickers – perfect for keeping little hands busy while we wait for food.
- Snacks – because toddlers aren’t known for their patience, and nothing prevents a meltdown like a trusty bag of Cheerios.
- Odds & ends – whatever toy or book Nate is into that week.
- The iPhone (as a last resort) – we try to avoid screens at the table, but if meltdown mode kicks in, a short video can be the difference between leaving early and enjoying a few precious minutes of adult conversation.
The way I see it, dining out is not just about feeding Nate—it’s also about us. If a video buys us 10 quiet minutes to eat and talk, I’ll take it. Parenting is all about compromise, and honestly, a peaceful meal feels like a win for the whole family.
The Bigger Picture
Dining out with kids isn’t always easy, especially in a city where space is at a premium. But finding restaurants that welcome families changes everything. It’s not just about the food; it’s about feeling comfortable enough to enjoy it.
When restaurants make space for kids—literally and figuratively—they’re not just helping parents. They’re creating an environment where families can make memories, where toddlers learn how to be part of the dining experience, and where exhausted moms and dads can finally sip their coffee while it’s still hot.
So, while I’ll always have my favorite “grown-up” spots for date nights or girls’ dinners, I’m equally grateful for the places that open their doors to families like ours.
Your Turn
This list of family-friendly restaurants is a work in progress, and I’d love to keep it growing. If you’ve discovered a gem in NYC or Brooklyn that makes dining with kids not just manageable but enjoyable, share it. I’ll happily add it to the rotation—for selfish reasons and for every parent out there who just wants to enjoy a meal without side-eye from the next table.
Because let’s face it: a city that never sleeps should at least make space for the families who rarely do either.
