There are more restaurants in NYC than one could ever dream of and if you are craving it then there is a restaurant for you. The hardest part is choosing the right one. The restaurants listed here could easily be considered tourist traps, but that is exactly what we were…a mom with two little girls looking for a restaurant that is both fun and delicious. Had joined my husband on a work trip and the girls were ages 3 & 5. These restaurants are more than just a meal, they are an experience. They were also places we went during the day for breakfast and lunch. Since my husband would be working all day, for dinner we would meet up with him and go to places that did not involve fairy wings or ice cream as a main dish.
ALICE’S TEA CUP
If you have young kids that love both fairies and tea parties, this is a MUST-DO when in NYC. When your children walk into the restaurant, they are given a pair of fairy wings and are sprinkled with fairy dust. Seriously…what kid wouldn’t love that? The breakfast menu consists of pancakes, eggs, scones, omelets, and crepes. We chose to do an early afternoon tea. Although there is a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches, we opted for the Mad Hatter, which is served on a three-tiered stand and included scones, tea sandwiches, cakes, tarts, and cookies. For a beverage I had a lovely pot of Indian chai tea and the girls had apple juice in their pots. We had such a nice lunch and had a ton of food left over.
Tips:
There are 3 locations: 102 West 73rd Street at Columbus Ave, 156 East 64th Street, and 220 East 81st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue.
Reservations are recommended.
Bring your own fairy wings or you may be guilt-tripped into buying one they sell there. (I’m a sucker!)
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- Afternoon Tea at Alice’s Tea Cup, NYC
SERENDIPITY 3
I’ve wanted to eat here for so long but every time I went there was an hour wait and I didn’t have the time. They now take reservations, so I was able to take the girls for their first experience. Unfortunately, you can only make reservations if you are eating lunch or dinner, so we shared a small lunch before we got to the main event… frozen hot chocolate! The inside of the restaurant has so much to see and the many beautiful Tiffany’s chandeliers set the mood. The place can get very crowded so if you are wanting a quiet intimate setting this is not the place. Although the prices are expensive for what you get, you are paying for the experience of Serendipity. If you’re thinking of ordering the frozen hot chocolate (a MUST) you may want to look around and see it first. You can easily share one with another person.
Tips:
Located at 225 East 60th Street
I heard there was a minimum $8.50 charge per person, but I didn’t see it listed anywhere at the restaurant. (It may have been the sugar overdose) You may want to call and ask before you go.
The inside of this restaurant is not stroller friendly and I believe they have you leave them up front.
ELLEN’S STARDUST DINER
I thought a bunch of singing waiters and waitresses would be such a cheesy meal, but it was actually a fun experience. The singing was fabulous, and the voices should all be on Broadway. They came to our table and our waitress dedicated a song to my girls. It made them feel so special. We were there for breakfast and my girls loved the pancakes and French toast.
Tips:
Open Sunday-Thursday 7:00 am-midnight, Friday & Saturday 7:00 am-1:00 am
Located at 1650 Broadway.
BUBBA GUMPS
Normally I would never recommend a chain restaurant when in a great city but it is about the location, location, location. It is right in the middle of Times Square and from its 2nd floor location you can look out at the neon lights and people-watch throughout dinner. Their favorite person to look for is the Naked Cowboy. (Gotta love what they remember from vacation) I would wait until a window seat is available because the kids will love the view. We usually stay at the Doubletree Suites in Times Square and it’s an easy walk to the restaurant on days when the kids are tired. The restaurant is loud, so if your child is having a meltdown after a long day of exploring no one will pay any attention! There’s a big kid’s menu and their food comes out on a cardboard boat that’s a replica of The Jenny, from the Tom Hank movie.
Tips:
1501 Broadway
Sunday-Thursday from 11:00 am-midnight, Friday & Saturday 11:00 am- 1:00 am
Books to Help You Plan Your Trip
Click on links to purchase!
Kids’ Travel Guide – New York City: The fun way to discover New York City
Lonely Planet Discover New York City 2019
City Trails – New York (Lonely Planet Kids)
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