DOWNTOWN NYC BABY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT GUIDE
We all have the same concern when it comes to going out to eat with our little ones. It's an ordeal to dress them, pack the supplies, decide on stroller or a Snap N Go with Car Seat and then wander around your hood looking for a restaurant that has the right amount of noise, space to hide you in a corner, enough room up front for your stroller, perhaps a booth for your carseat...
Below are reviews of Downtown NYC Restaurants that are Baby and Stroller Friendly, and will get you in and out fast if your babe has a melt down in the middle of your appetizers. It's safe to assume these restaurants are also kid friendly for your toddler or just plain noisy elementary school set.
Baby and Stroller Friendly Restaurants are reviewed with the following criteria in mind:
Room for Stroller at Table
High-Chairs Available
Steps/Stairs
Changing Station in Restroom
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City Crab and Seafood Company - (212) 529-3800 - 235 PARK AVENUE SOUTH (19TH STREET)
Craving some seafood? City Crab on Park Avenue South has been a local favorite for years and has a great bisque. You can have the lobster and wear a bib just like baby. Little ones are welcome and the restaurant provides high chairs, booster seats and a changing table in the bathroom. The space is wide for ideal stroller rolling and there is also a coat check up front if you need to fold your stroller and keep it out of the way.
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Lamarca - (212) 674-6363 - 161 EAST 22ND STREET (THIRD AVENUE)
This local pasta restaurant is not open on weekends, but for an early dinner (a must when you have little kids), drop in Monday - Friday before 6:30pm and sample the delicious hearty Italian fare. They have two separate rooms, one of which is more a counter for casual dining, so go to the formal sitting area. They have booster seats available or bring your stroller (not in the front room). Another option is to stop in and pick up some pasta to go.
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Rodeo Bar and Grill - (212) 683-6500 - 375 THIRD AVENUE (27TH STREET)
With a kids menue that serves up burgers and dogs for your big boys and girls and high chairs and booster seats for the little ones, it's easy to bring the family to this Murray Hill BBQ and TexMex Grill. There are crayons, coloring mats and balloons to provide distraction while the grownups munch on nachos and BBQ chicken. There is a lot of room to bring strollers to the table but no coat check to store it for you.
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Chat 'n Chew - (212) 243-1616 - 10 EAST 16TH STREET (BTW 5TH AVENUE & UNION SQ WEST)
While a little narrow to maneuver strollers inside, this comfort food restaurant does cater to little ones and high chairs and boosters are available for little babes. Older tots can order from the children's menu and get an ice cream included as dessert. You can enjoy the delicious large salads, grilled cheese sandwiches and Mac N' Cheese.
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Dallas BBQ - (212) 674-4450 - 21 UNIVERSITY PLACE (8TH STREET)
The picture says it all. The Ribs combo meal with a side of fries is finger licking good. High chairs and booster seats are available and you can bring your stroller to the table with you. As with most restaurants in NYC the best time to bring a baby is during lunch or early evenings. Don't let the wait staff stare at you and baby oddly as you order a giant sized pina colada.
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Tortilla Flats - (212) 243-1053 - 767 WASHINGTON STREET (12TH STREET)
The decor alone will wow your 7 month old, and provide plenty of eye candy for a younger infant. You need to get to this West Village Mexican restaurant before the happy hour crowd get there, but high chairs and booster seats are provided for your convenience, and this is one of the only Mexican restaurants in NYC to serve up queso dip. You need to be able to fold up your stroller here because interior space is somewhat limited, but wait staff is friendly and accommodating.
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Two Boots - (212) 505-2276 - 37 AVENUE A (2ND & 3RD STREET)
Two Boots Pizzeria on Avenue A is great for families with small children. There is a cute child friendly menu along with crayons and coloring books for your older tots, and high chairs and booster seats for the little babes. The atmosphere of this Lower East Side restaurant is fun for kids who can people watch and look into the kitchen to see the pizza being made.
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Kelley and Ping - (212) 228-1212 - 127 GREENE STREET
This very popular SoHo restaurant that has served Asian inspired fare since 1991 opens its doors to neighborhood hipsters and families alike. Little ones with teeth and chewing ability can sample some dumplings while infants on formula, breast milk or organic baby food can sit in the restaurant provided high chair and eat sweet potato to their hearts delight. Booster seats and makeshift sippy cups are also available. The best time to visit is in the early evening before the happy hour crowd takes over. There is room for your stroller during the day and a coat check available to store it for you.
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Bubby's - (212) 219-0666 - 120 HUDSON STREET (NORTH MOORE STREET)
With high chairs, booster seats, a changing table and nursing area in the restroom and balloons, crayons and a coloring menu for older kids, Bubby's is at the top of our list for baby friendly restaurants in NYC. This wonderful American home style comfort food restaurant has been a favorite for years and strollers are just part of the decor. Weekend brunch is highly popular for families with small children but for that reason, you may want to do an early evening on Saturday/Sunday instead.
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Gigino Trattoria - (212) 431-1112 - 323 GREENWICH STREET (DUANE & READE STREETS)
High Chairs, Boosters, and Strollers are welcome at this Italian restaurant. Specialties include delicious brick oven pizza and daily pasta specials. The restaurant has wide spacing in between tables so if need be you can bring your newborn in with a stroller and eat at the table without moving anything around.
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Kitchenette (212) 267-6740 - 156 CHAMBERS STREET
This home style gourmet diner with a twist does provide high chairs and booster seats but the narrow and cramped quarters make it difficult to bring stroller. Your best bet is an easily foldable umbrella stroller. Wait staff is friendly and the food is appealing to little kids. Cupcakes and deserts are delicious and fun. Brunch tends to get busy fast so come early to secure a spot.
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Odeon - (212) 233-0507 - 145 WEST BROADWAY (THOMAS STREET)
With high chairs, booster seats, an area for nursing and changing in the bathroom and a special kiddie menu, Odeon is a hot spot for families with little ones. There is a lot of room to store your stroller, or bring it with you to the table. Burger and fries are delicious, as are the duck meatloaf sliders....
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Tribeca Grill (212) 941-3900 - 375 Greenwich Street at the corner of Franklin Street
Tribeca Grill is a neighborhood staple, with room for private parties, weddings, classic dinner fare or weekend brunch which is popular with young families. Highchairs and booster seats are available and the restaurant is large so there's room for strollers. Robert De Niro is a co-owner so you may have a celeb sighting every so once in a while. Seared sea scallops and goat cheese ravioli are fabulous.
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Ferrara - (212) 226-6150 - 195 Grand Street between Mott and Mulberry Streets
This well known downtown bakery is eye candy for adults and babies alike. With booster seats and room for strollers, you can satisfy your sweet tooth and bring baby along to delight her senses. What's better than the delicious smell of baked pastries...
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