Manhattan needs no introduction! It is the beating heart of New York City and is synonymous with the quirky atmosphere that so aptly defines the metropolis. With so many attractions to visit, it’s easy to see why the Big Apple is a top tourist destination - even if you’re traveling with kids. Children can explore the exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or enjoy a child-friendly show on Broadway. Manhattan especially has a number of attractions suitable for kids. And of course, you’ll need to eat during your trip. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in Manhattan, New York City, so keep on reading to check out the options.
1. Cowgirl
Located in the West Village, Cowgirl was founded in 1989. They serve up Texan food and aim to unite the spirit of the Wild West with the creativity of New York City. With checkered table cloths, bright walls, and plenty of artwork and knick-knacks, this kitsch place will definitely keep the young ones entertained. They’ve got a kid’s menu that includes Southwestern delights like quesadillas and a Frito pie (a bag of Frito’s topped with chili and cheese). The restaurant has even recently held a coloring contest for kids!
Cowgirl
Address: 519 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Website: Cowgirl
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 12am
2. The Meatball Shop
The Meatball Shop has a menu full of exactly what you’d think - meatballs, and not a whole lot else. They operate in a build-your-own meal fashion. Go to the counter and chose from six varieties of meatballs. Then, add your sauces and choose from sides like pasta and salads. Meatball-loving kids will be happy to know they can choose from four types of meatballs and sides like spaghetti or mashed potato. And to top it all off, they serve up ice cream sandwiches. Two big cookies sandwich a scoop of homemade ice cream. What more could a kid want?!
The Meatball Shop
Address: 200 9th Ave New York, NY 10011
Website: The Meatball Shop
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11.30am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11.30am - 1am
3. Ellen's Stardust Diner
For a retro throwback, look no further than Ellen’s Stardust Diner. This 1950s-inspired diner not only has a menu full of American classics, but it’s also got singing wait-staff to help transport you and your family to another era. Kids will enjoy the fun songs and looking around at all the quirky decor. They’ve got a kid’s menu full of American kid classics: dinosaur chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and mac n cheese. If you’ve got a favorite song from a Broadway musical or the 1950s, be sure to ask your waiter if they’ll sing it for you!
Ellen's Stardust Diner
Address: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Website: Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Opening hours: 7am - 12am (daily)
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4. Chuck E. Cheese
If you grew up in America, you’ll probably remember Chuck E. Cheese, the kid-friendly pizza chain with arcade games and play areas. And if you’ve got kids of your own, they can go there too - yes, even in Manhattan! Manhattan’s Chuck E. Cheese is located in Harlem and has all the games and fun you’d expect. In between playing games, kids can eat slices of pizza and sides like chicken wings and fries. It’s a place that will surely bring a smile to your kid’s face.
Chuck E. Cheese
Address: 280 St Nicholas Ave 2nd floor, New York, NY 10027, USA
Website: Chuck E. Cheese
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm
5. Amused
With a menu full of grilled cheese sandwiches, Amused is certainly a kid-friendly space. Options include white cheddar cheese with tomato bacon jam and Swiss bacon. Amused is a cozy space - this small restaurant has one large communal table and a few smaller tables. It’s only open Thursday through Sunday, so you’ll have to be in Manhattan on the weekend to enjoy their cheesy delights. But it’s a place kids and adults alike can enjoy.
Amused
Address: 142 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024, USA
Website: Amused
Opening hours: Thu - Fri, Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon - Wed & Sat)
6. Big Daddy's
Here we have another retro diner: Big Daddy’s. With colorful booths, cheesy artwork, and neon signs, there’s certainly plenty here to hold kids’ attention. They serve up classic American food, and of course, they have a kid’s menu. Little ones can choose from classics like chicken tenders and grilled cheese sandwiches. And what’s a diner without an excellent milkshake selection? If your kids are craving something sweet, they can finish off their meal with a slice of cake or a cotton candy milkshake.
Big Daddy's
Address: 239 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003, USA
Website: Big Daddy’s
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 8am - 2am; Sun: 8am - 11pm
7. Benihana
Those who grew up in America have probably heard of Benihana, the Japanese chain, known for dishes made at the table by enthusiastic chefs. Kids will delight in watching the chef wield his knife and crack jokes as he makes their food. And there’s a special kid’s menu on offer as well. They can choose from a hibachi entree of steak, shrimp, chicken, or California roll. Their meal will include vegetables and rice, and they’ll also get a serving of ice cream for dessert. At Benihana, it’s dinner and a show rolled into one!
Benihana
Address: 47 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Website: Benihana
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 11pm; Fri: 11:30am - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 11pm
8. Junior's Restaurant & Bakery
Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery got its start in 1950 in Brooklyn. It’s a staple in Brooklyn, with generations of people coming through and enjoying their famous cheesecake. Today, they’ve got multiple locations, including two restaurants in the heart of Manhattan, in Times Square. Not surprisingly, Junior’s has a children’s menu. Kids can choose from dishes like linguini marinara and a cheeseburger. And they’ll definitely want to save room for a slice of their famous cheesecake!
Junior's Restaurant & Bakery
Address: Various locations
Website: Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6:30am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 6:30am - 12am
9. Barking Dog
Barking Dog serves up American fare all day long. As its name might suggest, it’s a dog-friendly space, so your family can enjoy watching cute pups while you eat. It’s also a kid-friendly space, with a classic kid’s menu. The little ones can choose from dishes like fish sticks and buffalo wings. If your kid likes animals, this is the perfect place to go!
Barking Dog
Address: 1678 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
Website: Barking Dog
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
10. Rosemary's
We’ll end our list with Rosemary’s, an Italian restaurant located in Manhattan’s West Village. Their menu is seasonal, with herbs and produce that is truly fresh. They’ve got their own rooftop garden! They also make their pasta in house. Their kid’s menu offers little one dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, and their food comes with a drawing sheet to color. The restaurant is large, especially by New York City standards, so you’ll be able to park a buggy if need be.
Rosemary's
Address: 18 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
Website: Rosemary’s
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 11pm; Fri: 8am - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 11pm
Manhattan has plenty of kid-friendly restaurants
Whether you want something classically kid-friendly like Chuck E Cheese, or something kitschy and fun like a diner, or something more upscale that kids and adults alike can enjoy, Manhattan has plenty to offer. There is a wide range of cuisine available as well, from classic American to Italian to Japanese. So book a table at your favorite eatery and plan for the whole family to enjoy a meal at these kid-friendly restaurants in Manhattan.
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