Kid-Friendly Restaurants in NYC... Crowdsourced!

Jennie Utsinger:  Brooklyn Crab is built on two decks overlooking the harbor and is a favorite spot for parents and kids alike. While you wait for your food, kids can play mini golf, corn hole, or in the sandbox. The fresh seafood options include oysters, shrimp, crab, and lobster. If you're not a seafood lover, the menu also includes chicken, a burger, and pasta.

Jennie Utsinger:  Sarabeth's is a Manhattan staple, with several locations around the city. The spacious Tribeca location has a slightly more casual feel, making it a good choice for dining with kids. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but is particularly popular for breakfast and brunch. The menus have enticing options for both kids and adults: pancakes, french toast, an extensive egg and omelet selection, and a wide variety of innovative entree options.

Jennie Utsinger:  Bubby's, a long-time Tribeca favorite spot, serves classic American breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Kids will love the biscuits, pancakes, burgers, and fried chicken. The menus also include egg dishes, salad options, sandwiches, and dinner entrees. If you're too full for dessert, make sure to bring a few slices of pie home - Bubby's is famous for their delicious pies. Note that the restaurant can be crowded, so make a reservation or arrive early for brunch, which is first come, first serve.

Jennie Utsinger:  If you want to introduce your kids to some classic bistro fare, Odeon is a great spot to visit. This Tribeca spot has outdoor seating during good weather - excellent for strollers - and a wide range of family meal options. The menus include the familiar omelette, burger, and pancakes, as well as the classic Croque Monsieur, French onion soup, and steak frites. For dessert, try a scoop of one of The Odeon's house made, all natural ice creams.

Nancy L.:  John's of Bleecker Street has been serving some of the best coal-fired brick oven pizza in Greenwich Village since 1929. But you'll have to sit down at one of their classic wooden booth to enjoy the full experience because one of the hallmarks of John's is there are "no slices."

Jennie Utsinger:  Meatballs are always a popular choice for my picky eater and you're sure to find a combination to please everyone at The Meatball Shop. Choose your type of meatball (classic, chicken, or veggie), sauce, and side or sample the sliders. Kids can color on the kids' menu while they wait. The regular menu has more extensive meatball and side options. Make sure to leave room for an ice cream sandwich, where you can choose your favorite ice cream and cookie flavors.

Alexandra F.:  Go here for the soup dumplings - you won't regret it, and it's definitely worth the wait for a table! Everything else I've tried here is also delicious, but it's the soup dumplings that make it worth a special trip every time I'm in NYC. The space is tight but not small, and the atmosphere casual and noisy enough that you can feel comfortable eating there with kids.

Nancy L.:  There's nothing better than pizza in New York City. And, one of the best spots to enjoy it is Lombardi's, which is America's first pizzeria. Opened in 1905, this Little Italy restaurant will be an experience that kids and adults will enjoy.

Shila:  The three locations (chapters I, II, and Alice's To-Go), are all "Alice in Wonderland" themed, as you'll see on the bright, whimsical wall decor. Many families and tourists make this a top destination! Specifically, this is a popular spot for Moms and daughters enjoying delicious tea time, alongside three-tiered sweets and savories. The tea list is huge, and it also contains many non-caffeinated drinks for kids. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also served.

As a bonus, "fairy wings" are available to wear while dining (and for purchase). Ask your waiter to sprinkle fairy dust on you, too!

Jennie Utsinger:  Pizza is always a favorite with my kids, and where better to find high-quality pizza than NYC? Juliana's was opened by Patsy Grimaldi, who also opened the famous Grimaldi pizzeria in Dumbo, which was sold by Patsy years ago. The delicious thin-crust pizzas feature housemade, local and internationally-sourced toppings, fired in a coal-fired oven. There's often a wait, especially on weekends, but kids can wander around the waterfront while an adult waits in line!

Nancy L.:  Max Brenner is known for its amazing chocolate creations but they also have an inventive, delicious food menu that will appeal to adults and a separate kids' menu too. Just make sure to leave room for dessert!

Carly Follett:  This place offers a great family experience and along with some excellent Italian cuisine. Food is served family style, with generous portions made for sharing. Carmine's also does a great job accommodating their guests who suffer from food allergies, and have created menus broken down by the different types of allergies, with dishes that comport with your certain dietary restrictions.

Jennie Utsinger:  Habana's Fort Greene location is open seasonally and features Mexican and Cuban cuisines. Described as a community gathering space for families, artists, and toddlers, the restaurant uses earth-friendly practices in their day-to-day operations. Choose from sandwiches, tacos, burritos, and platos, or stick with a burger or chicken fingers for less adventurous eaters. The outdoor seating area is perfect for antsy little ones and the restaurant also holds kids' events and play times.

Jennie Utsinger:  For years, Serendipity 3 has been attracting locals and tourists alike for its charming ice cream parlor theme and array of over-the-top ice cream concoctions. The food menu features their unique spins on comfort food favorites like mac & cheese, burgers and waffles. Come for a meal or just for Serendipity's Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, a huge bowl of icy hot chocolate garnished with marshmallow, graham crackers, and chocolate.