MiniMunchers is a new site that has a database of kid friendly restaurants and a rating systems that tells you the best of the bunch (those get 4 crayons!). When I last checked, one of my favorite family-friendly places did get a 4 crayon review, Cowgirl in the west village. The review about my old haunt Kitchenette in Tribeca received only 3 crayons and the review that it wasn’t kid-friendly during prime hours was spot-on. The site will be expanding to other boroughs in 2011, including Brooklyn. The founder of MiniMunchers, Carla Sullivan (Mommy Muncher), agreed to share with us her list of top 5 hidden gems in Manhattan for kid-friendly dining.
Not sure where to go? Here are a few spots that MiniMunchers has discovered that my two little Munchers (15 months and 4 years) and I agree are worth a visit in and of themselves!
1. Cercle Rouge– A typical French bistro during the week – but on the weekend’s this adorable TriBeCa spot features a very entertaining magician at brunch! Tots of all ages are enthralled by his magic and balloons – a great diversion so adults can actually enjoy what they eat!
2. Brother Jimmy’s BBQ – Yes, Brother Jimmy’s is a bar, but who knew that Kids eat FREE, YES FREE with an adults entrée – AND the food is good. The menu is also a fun diversion – instead of spelling out the entrée selections – there are pictures for Munchers to guess – like a “chicken” and a “hand” for Chicken Fingers.
3. Blue Smoke – Tots love digging into the RIBS at this Murray Hill joint – and the Wikki sticks and cool communal bathroom sink are fun kid features. A great bonus – the server brings your child a cookie to decorate, which is then baked during your meal – and presented in a “to go” bag with the check.
4. Landmarc – One of the most extensive children’s menus that I have ever seen, Landmarc really knows what kids want – from standards like macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers with fries to green eggs and ham and PB and Nutella. If your kids/your tip are really good – your server might bring cotton candy to the table for dessert!
5. Moomah – A great spot to bring your tot in TriBeCa. Not only is the extensive menu local, seasonal AND organic (with dairy-free and gluten-free choices) but kids are encouraged to play while they eat with incredibly beautiful and engrossing (yeah) art projects!
To check out these restaurants children’s menus or to see reviews on these and many more NYC kid-friendly spots, check out MiniMunchers.