You have a brood with you, or maybe just one young brooder. Either way, here’s a list of some of the easiest child-friendly restaurants in Brooklyn that will make the experience enjoyable for you, and not give you guff for being a parent of little ones- go ahead and try one this weekend!
In the warmer months, sitting outside this Mexican restaurant is a pleasure. My 4 year-old has brought her tea set numerous times, and the staff is more than happy to accommodate her whims at our table. In the winter, the inside of this Clinton Hill Restaurant is so cozy, and the booths in the back are incredible and spacious. All other tables can fit a stroller, and the entire staff if child-loving, so don’t worry.
The pinball machine, the giant sequin-covered camel, and great high ceilings are all just some of the snares that kids love about this place. It’s right on the edge of Greenpoint’s McCarren Park too, which is a plus for parents who need to refuel before or after a play session.
I cannot praise this place and their pizzas enough. Boerum Hill is blessed to have Sottocasa, and everyone that works there is so sweet and child-loving that it makes our Friday nights a pleasure (often before going to the Court Street Cinema right down the street). This pizza is super fresh, and the salads are incredible. It is hugely delicious, impressive, and a delight to be a guest at.
If you find yourself in the mood or situation where fine dining and major sophistication is required, but you have children with you too, this is the place. They are extremely polished, cutting-edge, and avant-garde with their menu, which makes the fact that they also welcome children so refreshing. I also recommend this for a date-night spot as well, sans the youngins.
We are regulars to the one in Greenpoint, where crayons and Mexican folklore coloring pages are gladly provided to children. The Jarritos sodas and tiny Chicklets gum boxes that come with the check are also pluses. Nothing beats their burritos and they keep it real with the service too.
This is a large, spacious place in Williamsburg that is great if you are in need of a healthy, good meal or some warm tea. Throughout its incarnations, it has always been a friendly, rather awe-inspiring place to sit in for a spell. Getting the stroller up their front stairs is the only issue (but I’ve done it a million times), and for older kids who are walking it’s no problem.
Bed-Stuy/Clinton Hill’s parents all know and love this wood oven pizza restaurant that is host to Hopalong Andrew’s sing-alongs once a week, and what has naturally turned into a nightly kids’ hour at around 5-6pm.
Greenpoint’s secret little gem, this Korean place is incredible and very friendly to children of all ages. I recommend it for any time of day or night, and guarantee you will love it as much as we do. It is cash only but there is an ATM machine in the restaurant. It is a “little” place, which makes the charm even bigger.
Bed Stuy’s very healthy, charming restaurant where any time of morning or night is fine to bring children. The owners are seasoned restauranteurs from Italy and super-friendly, and the staff has provided my kids with crayons many times without any fuss. Natural light floods the room, and the meals are truly great.
This place has been around forever in Williamsburg on Grand Street, and recently I started taking my kids. They are very welcoming, and have no trouble with the stroller. You will love it! The menu includes food that you can easily share with small kids, yet feel like an adult as well. They are cash only, but there is an ATM right outside the door.
Rebecca Conroy is an artist, stylist, and Editor of A Child Grows in Brooklyn. She is from New York City, and has an MFA from Columbia University in screenwriting. Rebecca often finds herself on film and photography sets making things run or look better, and is the mom of two outrageously wonderful kids.