New York has a great reputation for gourmet restaurants and fine dining establishments, but they’re not always the best options for families. Luckily, the city is packed with fun, family-friendly places to eat that combines a relaxed atmosphere with great food and often comes with entertainment as well.
To get an idea for what’s out there, check out the top 8 fun places to eat in New York.
1. Bubba Gump Shrimp
Located in the heart of Times Square, it’s hard to miss Bubba Gump Shrimp. The Southern seafood restaurant features magnificent views of Time Square and a long list of finger-licking shrimp dishes ranging from scampi to coconut shrimp. As an added bonus, you can test your Forrest Gump knowledge by asking your waiting for the Forrest Gump trivia game at the end of your meal.
2. Junior’s Cheesecake
Known throughout the city as having the best cheesecake, Junior’s is a must-visit for any family. An NYC staple for over 60 years, Junior’s Cheesecake now serves dozens of varieties of mouth-watering cheesecake. If you can’t decide on a flavour, choose a slice of the traditional.
3. Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Ellen’s Stardust Diner takes you back to the 1950s and is famous for its classic mid-century American cuisine, as well as its singing wait staff. Dubbed as “the best free show on Broadway”, the diner is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and will be sure to please with a menu full of American favourites. Regardless of when you choose to dine here, you’ll be entertained by the most talented wait staff in New York and are welcome to sing along to Broadway favourites and other well-known hits.
4. Alice’s Tea Cup
Dive into the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland at Alice’s Tea Cup. The traditional tearoom has been lovingly decorated to Wonderland’s whimsical standards and is the best family-friendly spot in town to indulge in traditional afternoon tea. Choose from a selection of expertly brewed beverages and sit back and enjoy a selection of scones, pastries and finger sandwiches.
5. Ninja New York
Ninjas and dining aren’t typically mentioned in the same sentence, unless you’re talking about Ninja New York. This amazing Japanese and pan-Asian restaurant not only serves great food, but has also been modelled after a ninja village on the inside. Children and adults alike get a kick out of this off-the-wall concept, and lucky dinner guests will catch a glimpse of a rumoured ninja magician.
6. Mamma Mexico
Mamma Mexico serves up high-quality Mexican cuisine in a casual setting. Bring the family along to enjoy delicious burritos, enchiladas and other Mexican favourites. The interior of the restaurant is beautiful and features murals telling the story of Mexico’s history and heritage. As you enjoy your meal, a traditional mariachi band will serenade you.
7. Big Daddy’s Diner
Big Daddy’s Diner will take you through a time warp to the 1970s and 1980s. This traditional burger joint is filled with so much retro decor that a trip to the diner will double as a history lessons for little ones. In between explaining the difference between a cassette tape and an eight-track tape, you can enjoy excellent burgers, shakes, fries and other American specialties.
8. The Burger Garage
The recently opened Burger Garage is an ode to Americana and pays homage to the timeless auto body shops and gas stations that dot the country. Despite the diner’s retro feel, it offers a modern take on burger, hot dogs and milkshakes. The Burger Garage strives to use all natural ingredients and hormone-free meat so that they can serve their customers the highest quality, freshest food available.
