Families visiting New York City have so many options for eating, it can be overwhelming. There's no reason to dine at a chain restaurant you can find at home when you're in New York City with so many great places that can easily accommodate children. Dim Sum and Pizza are great choices for families, but you can also try out any of these restaurants for a meal that will please parents and kids alike. Prices are approximate per person and do not include beverages, taxes or gratuity.
Alice's Tea Shop
102 West 73rd St
212-799-3006
Neighborhood: Upper West Side (Map)
Subway: 1, 2, 3, B or C at 72nd Street
Price: $10-20
This Alice in Wonderland themed tea shop is a fun choice for lunch or afternoon tea with your kids -- and the scones and sandwiches are quite good too. The menu includes homemade babyfood, and the afternoon teas offer generous portions of food can be shared for a small additional charge.
Bespeckled Trout
422 Hudson St
212-255-1421
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village (Map)
Subways: 1 at Houston Street
Price: under $10
Cash only
OK, you can't take your kids here for a meal (unless you think milkshake = dinner), but they're sure to enjoy this retro candy store that serves up delicious chocolates and ice cream confections.
Galaxy Global Eatery
15 Irving Place
212-777-3631
Neighborhood: Union Square (Map)
Subways: 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W, L at 14th Street/Union Square
Price: under $10 to $20
Kids will like the sci-fi theme of this restaurant, and parents will enjoy the creative, healthy fare. The music can be a bit loud, but that's good if your kids are inclined to make noise.
La Bonne Soupe
48 West 55th Street
212-586-7650
Neighborhood: Midtown West (Map)
Subways: F, N, R, or W to 57th Street
Price: $10 to $20
This family-friendly French bistro serves a reasonably priced, straightforward bistro menu that adults and children will enjoy. Its close proximity to FAO Schwarz and Rockefeller Center make it a great choice for visitors in the area. The "Junior Menu" features an entree and dessert for $10.25. The "menus" offer great value and include an entree, dessert and wine for less than $20.
Mars 2112
1633 Broadway (51st Street)
212-582-2112
Neighborhood: Times Square (Map)
Subways: N, R, W at 49th Street; 1 at 50th Street
Price: $10-20
Parents should take their kids here for the experience, not the food (which is mediocre). They're sure to enjoy riding into the restaurant on the "spaceship" cars and the funky sci-fi environment for dining is memorable.
Peanut Butter & Co
240 Sullivan Street
212-677-3995
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village (Map)
Subways: A, C, E, F or V at West 4th
Price: under $10
Even picky kids will love this restaurant dedicated to peanut butter sandwiches. With over 20 menu items featuring peanut butter, from the classic preschool snack of Ants on a Log $4) to an Elvis (grilled peanut butter, banana, honey and bacon, $6.50), this family-friendly restaurant is sure to please. Only in New York City can you find a restaurant dedicated to peanut butter, and you can even purchase their unique peanut butter blends, including "The Heat is On" which features a spicy kick.
Prime Burger
5 East 51st Street (5th & Madison Avenue)
212-759-4729
Neighborhood: Midtown East (Map)
Subways: E or V at 53rd Street/5th Avenue or 6 at 51st Street/Lexington
Price: under $10
Closed Sundays, open from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. on Saturdays)
Conveniently located near St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center, this is a good choice for families, offering good burgers at reasonable prices (especially for the area). Milk shakes, onion rings, and homemade pies are also popular and tasty, and it's also a good choice for breakfast in the neighborhood.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
My Favorite New York City Restaurants
New York City is home to some of the world's greatest restaurants, making choosing where to eat a delicious challenge. Whether you're looking for fancy, expensive fine-dining experiences or just some delicious pizzas, I've put together a list of my favorite New York City restaurants in a wide variety of categories to help you have a great meal in New York City!
1. 'Inoteca
"'Inoteca Wine Bar Lower East Side"Dan Cross
Great Wine and Small Plates for Sharing
One of my favorite things about eating out is having the chance to try a bite of many different dishes -- and restaurants that focus on small plates for sharing are perfect for this. No matter when I visit, I have to have the truffled egg toast($9), but you won't want to miss out on their cheeses, charcuterie, salads or panini, accompanied by great wines (many reasonably priced) and outstanding coffee.
Cuisine: Italian Small Plates
Address: 98 Rivington Street (corner of Ludlow)
Phone: 212-614-0473
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Hours: 12 p.m.-3 a.m. daily (Brunch on Sat & Sun starts at 10 a.m.)
Subway: F, J/M/Z to Delancey St. at Essex St.
Price: small plates $7-18
Reservations: Parties of 6 or more
2. Babbo
Great Choice for Celebrity Chef Dining and Outstanding Italian Cuisine
Babbo was opened by Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich in 1998 and has been impressing diners with high-quality Italian wine and food ever since. Peak reservations are tough to get (make sure you call exactly a month in advance!), but they also hold a few tables for walk-ins. Their tasting menus are a great way to experience the creative and delicious offerings at Babbo.
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 110 Waverly Place
Phone: 212-777-0303
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Hours: dinner daily
Subway: A/C/E, B/D/F to West 4th St
Price: entrees $19-29
Reservations: Accept reservations up to one month in advance to the numerical date. Parties of no more than six.
3. Balthazar
Best Bet for Bistro Fare and Seafood Towers
Since 1997, diners have been enjoying delicious steak frites and seafood towers at Balthazar. Balthazar has a wonderful vibe -- everyone is welcome from young scene-seekers to middle-aged couples from the mid-west. I love indulging in one of the seafood towers (even the smaller one is lots for four people) and then splitting a bar steak (with amazing frites). This way, I have room for their delicious profiteroles for dessert.
Cuisine: French Bistro
Address: 80 Spring St
Phone: 212-941-0364
Neighborhood: SoHo
Hours: breakfast, lunch & dinner daily; brunch on Saturdays and Sundays
Subway: 6 to Spring Street; R/W to Prince Street
Price: dinner entrees $15-38
Reservations: 30 days in advance
4. Katz's Deli
"Katz's Delicatessen"Heather Cross
Classic Deli Sandwiches and an Only In New York Experience
Katz's Deli has been in business since 1888 and consistently impresses visitors with piled high hand-sliced corned beef and pastrami sandwiches on rye, as well as the chance to visit the location of the orgasm scene from When Harry Met Sally. Their hot dogs are also fantastic, and while the sandwiches are pricey, they are easily enough to share.
Cuisine: Delicatessen
Address: 205 East Houston Street
Phone: 212-254-2246
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Hours: opens at 8 a.m. daily, closes at 9:45 p.m. Mon/Tues; 10:45 p.m. Sun/Wed/Thur; 2:45 a.m. Fri/Sat
Subway: F/V to 2nd Avenue
Price: sandwiches $8.45-15.75
Reservations: n/a
5. Lombardi's
"Lombardi's Coal Oven Pizza"Heather Cross
Classic New York City Pizzeria
Opened in 1905, Lombardi's claims to be America's first pizzeria, and while people may argue whether this is true or not, there's no argument that their pizza is great. Lombardi's has been a hit with every person I've ever brought there -- the biggest problem is deciding whether to have clam pizza or one topped with their delicious meatballs.
Cuisine: Pizza
Address: 32 Spring St
Phone: 212-941-7994
Neighborhood: SoHo
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (midnight on Fridays/Saturdays)
Subway: 6 to Spring Street
Price: entrees $7-19
Reservations: Monday through Thursday only for groups of 8 or more
6. Momofuku Ssam Bar
"Momofuku Ssam Bar"Dan Cross
Top Choice for Creative Cuisine and Casual Atmosphere
I'm not quite sure what makes David Chang's East Village restaurants such a hit, but it could be the deliciously addictive flavors that you can't stop thinking about even after you leave -- at least that's what happens to me. The prix-fixe lunch offers a fantastic value with 3 dishes for $25 -- including the famed pork buns.
Cuisine: American (with Asian inspiration)
Address: 207 2nd Ave. (13th St)
Neighborhood: East Village
Hours: lunch 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; dinner 5 pm - midnight (2 a.m. Friday/Saturday); late-night cocktails sun - thurs: midnight - 2 a.m.
Subway: L to 1st Ave/14th Street
Price: small plates $9-15, larger dishes $11-20
Reservations: only if you pre-order Bo Ssam ($200)
7. Shake Shack
"Shake Shack"Heather Cross
Delicious Hamburgers Enjoyed in the Park
Danny Meyer's hamburger stand in Madison Square Park makes it possible to enjoy a top-quality burger in a wonderful outdoor setting -- if you don't mind waiting in line for a bit. You can even enjoy beer or wine with your burgers if you sit at one of their tables, rather than in the grass. Save room for a concrete -- soft-serve custard blended with a variety of toppings.
Cuisine: Hamburgers
Address: Madison Square Park on the corner of 23rd Street and Madison Ave
Phone: 212-889-6600
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
Hours: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Subway: R/W to 23rd Street
Price: burgers $3.75-9.50
Reservations: n/a
8. Sripraphai
"Sripraphai (Thai Restaurant)"Heather Cross
Best Authentic Thai Food
You'll have to head to Queens to experience New York City's most authentic Thai restaurant, but it's an easy trip and much closer than Bangkok. I've eaten at Sripraphai more than any other restaurant in New York City, and some of my favorite dishes are mango salad, crispy watercress salad, pork leg with chili and basil, crispy whole fish with green mango sauce, red curry with chicken and crispy pork with Chinese broccoli. They have a lovely garden for eating outside and are very accommodating to children.
Cuisine: Thai
Address: 64-13 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY
Phone: 718-899-9599
Neighborhood: Woodside, Queens
Hours: lunch & dinner, closed Wednesdays
Subway: 7 to 61st/Woodside
Price: entrees $7-19
Reservations: n/a
Read more: http://gonyc.about.com/od/restaurants/tp/favorite-nyc-restaurants.htm
1. 'Inoteca
"'Inoteca Wine Bar Lower East Side"Dan Cross
Great Wine and Small Plates for Sharing
One of my favorite things about eating out is having the chance to try a bite of many different dishes -- and restaurants that focus on small plates for sharing are perfect for this. No matter when I visit, I have to have the truffled egg toast($9), but you won't want to miss out on their cheeses, charcuterie, salads or panini, accompanied by great wines (many reasonably priced) and outstanding coffee.
Cuisine: Italian Small Plates
Address: 98 Rivington Street (corner of Ludlow)
Phone: 212-614-0473
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Hours: 12 p.m.-3 a.m. daily (Brunch on Sat & Sun starts at 10 a.m.)
Subway: F, J/M/Z to Delancey St. at Essex St.
Price: small plates $7-18
Reservations: Parties of 6 or more
2. Babbo
Great Choice for Celebrity Chef Dining and Outstanding Italian Cuisine
Babbo was opened by Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich in 1998 and has been impressing diners with high-quality Italian wine and food ever since. Peak reservations are tough to get (make sure you call exactly a month in advance!), but they also hold a few tables for walk-ins. Their tasting menus are a great way to experience the creative and delicious offerings at Babbo.
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 110 Waverly Place
Phone: 212-777-0303
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Hours: dinner daily
Subway: A/C/E, B/D/F to West 4th St
Price: entrees $19-29
Reservations: Accept reservations up to one month in advance to the numerical date. Parties of no more than six.
3. Balthazar
Best Bet for Bistro Fare and Seafood Towers
Since 1997, diners have been enjoying delicious steak frites and seafood towers at Balthazar. Balthazar has a wonderful vibe -- everyone is welcome from young scene-seekers to middle-aged couples from the mid-west. I love indulging in one of the seafood towers (even the smaller one is lots for four people) and then splitting a bar steak (with amazing frites). This way, I have room for their delicious profiteroles for dessert.
Cuisine: French Bistro
Address: 80 Spring St
Phone: 212-941-0364
Neighborhood: SoHo
Hours: breakfast, lunch & dinner daily; brunch on Saturdays and Sundays
Subway: 6 to Spring Street; R/W to Prince Street
Price: dinner entrees $15-38
Reservations: 30 days in advance
4. Katz's Deli
"Katz's Delicatessen"Heather Cross
Classic Deli Sandwiches and an Only In New York Experience
Katz's Deli has been in business since 1888 and consistently impresses visitors with piled high hand-sliced corned beef and pastrami sandwiches on rye, as well as the chance to visit the location of the orgasm scene from When Harry Met Sally. Their hot dogs are also fantastic, and while the sandwiches are pricey, they are easily enough to share.
Cuisine: Delicatessen
Address: 205 East Houston Street
Phone: 212-254-2246
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Hours: opens at 8 a.m. daily, closes at 9:45 p.m. Mon/Tues; 10:45 p.m. Sun/Wed/Thur; 2:45 a.m. Fri/Sat
Subway: F/V to 2nd Avenue
Price: sandwiches $8.45-15.75
Reservations: n/a
5. Lombardi's
"Lombardi's Coal Oven Pizza"Heather Cross
Classic New York City Pizzeria
Opened in 1905, Lombardi's claims to be America's first pizzeria, and while people may argue whether this is true or not, there's no argument that their pizza is great. Lombardi's has been a hit with every person I've ever brought there -- the biggest problem is deciding whether to have clam pizza or one topped with their delicious meatballs.
Cuisine: Pizza
Address: 32 Spring St
Phone: 212-941-7994
Neighborhood: SoHo
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (midnight on Fridays/Saturdays)
Subway: 6 to Spring Street
Price: entrees $7-19
Reservations: Monday through Thursday only for groups of 8 or more
6. Momofuku Ssam Bar
"Momofuku Ssam Bar"Dan Cross
Top Choice for Creative Cuisine and Casual Atmosphere
I'm not quite sure what makes David Chang's East Village restaurants such a hit, but it could be the deliciously addictive flavors that you can't stop thinking about even after you leave -- at least that's what happens to me. The prix-fixe lunch offers a fantastic value with 3 dishes for $25 -- including the famed pork buns.
Cuisine: American (with Asian inspiration)
Address: 207 2nd Ave. (13th St)
Neighborhood: East Village
Hours: lunch 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; dinner 5 pm - midnight (2 a.m. Friday/Saturday); late-night cocktails sun - thurs: midnight - 2 a.m.
Subway: L to 1st Ave/14th Street
Price: small plates $9-15, larger dishes $11-20
Reservations: only if you pre-order Bo Ssam ($200)
7. Shake Shack
"Shake Shack"Heather Cross
Delicious Hamburgers Enjoyed in the Park
Danny Meyer's hamburger stand in Madison Square Park makes it possible to enjoy a top-quality burger in a wonderful outdoor setting -- if you don't mind waiting in line for a bit. You can even enjoy beer or wine with your burgers if you sit at one of their tables, rather than in the grass. Save room for a concrete -- soft-serve custard blended with a variety of toppings.
Cuisine: Hamburgers
Address: Madison Square Park on the corner of 23rd Street and Madison Ave
Phone: 212-889-6600
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
Hours: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Subway: R/W to 23rd Street
Price: burgers $3.75-9.50
Reservations: n/a
8. Sripraphai
"Sripraphai (Thai Restaurant)"Heather Cross
Best Authentic Thai Food
You'll have to head to Queens to experience New York City's most authentic Thai restaurant, but it's an easy trip and much closer than Bangkok. I've eaten at Sripraphai more than any other restaurant in New York City, and some of my favorite dishes are mango salad, crispy watercress salad, pork leg with chili and basil, crispy whole fish with green mango sauce, red curry with chicken and crispy pork with Chinese broccoli. They have a lovely garden for eating outside and are very accommodating to children.
Cuisine: Thai
Address: 64-13 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY
Phone: 718-899-9599
Neighborhood: Woodside, Queens
Hours: lunch & dinner, closed Wednesdays
Subway: 7 to 61st/Woodside
Price: entrees $7-19
Reservations: n/a
Read more: http://gonyc.about.com/od/restaurants/tp/favorite-nyc-restaurants.htm
Zagat's Best New York Restaurants
Zagat Survey, publisher of the top New York restaurant and nightlife directories, recently released their 2011 guide to New York City restaurants. The new Zagat guide is based on the opinions of more than 40,000 locals and covers a record 2,115 restaurants. The typical restaurant in the survey was visited by five to six Zagat surveyors every day of the year.
The 2011 Zagat survey shows that New Yorkers are still dining out less and making more frugal choices. The average cost of a meal out in New York City actually declined slightly since last year to $41.76, the first decrease in that number since 2002.
The good news is that Zagat surveyors have noted improvements in hospitality and service and shorter wait times for tables. After all, New Yorkers aren't about to give up eating, drinking, and being merry altogether.
And the big Zagat winners are....
The top-rated restaurants for 2011 include plenty of old favorites and some hot newcomers.
Best Newcomer: Maialino in the Gramercy Park Hotel was rated the best new restaurant in New York City.
Best Food: Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin wins the Best Food title again for 2011.
Best Service: Thomas Keller's Per Se at Time Warner Center earned top honors for service for the second year running.
Most Popular: Gramercy Tavern was rated most popular overall for the sixth time in ten years.
Best Decor: Asiate got the nod for best restaurant decor.
Best Food Trucks: The Zagat experts rated New York City's best food trucks for the first time this year and the top three are Wafels & Dinges, Street Sweets, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.
Best Burger: burger joint at Le Parker Meridien Hotel won the Best Burger in New York title. Check out our Best Burgers picks for more tasty options.
Best Japanese/Sushi:Sushi Sasabune took the title for best New York sushi.
Best Pizza: DiFara in Brooklyn won the pizza prize. Check out our Best Pizza picks for delicious slices in Manhattan.
Best Steak: Brooklyn's Peter Luger was the pick for best New York steaks for the 27th consecutive year.
The 2011 Zagat New York City Restaurant Guide is available online and at bookstores and other retail outlets.
Source: http://manhattan.about.com/od/restaurantsandnightlife/a/zagatrestaurant.htm
The 2011 Zagat survey shows that New Yorkers are still dining out less and making more frugal choices. The average cost of a meal out in New York City actually declined slightly since last year to $41.76, the first decrease in that number since 2002.
The good news is that Zagat surveyors have noted improvements in hospitality and service and shorter wait times for tables. After all, New Yorkers aren't about to give up eating, drinking, and being merry altogether.
And the big Zagat winners are....
The top-rated restaurants for 2011 include plenty of old favorites and some hot newcomers.
Best Newcomer: Maialino in the Gramercy Park Hotel was rated the best new restaurant in New York City.
Best Food: Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin wins the Best Food title again for 2011.
Best Service: Thomas Keller's Per Se at Time Warner Center earned top honors for service for the second year running.
Most Popular: Gramercy Tavern was rated most popular overall for the sixth time in ten years.
Best Decor: Asiate got the nod for best restaurant decor.
Best Food Trucks: The Zagat experts rated New York City's best food trucks for the first time this year and the top three are Wafels & Dinges, Street Sweets, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.
Best Burger: burger joint at Le Parker Meridien Hotel won the Best Burger in New York title. Check out our Best Burgers picks for more tasty options.
Best Japanese/Sushi:Sushi Sasabune took the title for best New York sushi.
Best Pizza: DiFara in Brooklyn won the pizza prize. Check out our Best Pizza picks for delicious slices in Manhattan.
Best Steak: Brooklyn's Peter Luger was the pick for best New York steaks for the 27th consecutive year.
The 2011 Zagat New York City Restaurant Guide is available online and at bookstores and other retail outlets.
Source: http://manhattan.about.com/od/restaurantsandnightlife/a/zagatrestaurant.htm
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