NYC: good family friendly lunch and dinner spot?

[2CMickey]

Lombardi's pizza in little italy is amazing. Then hit mulberry street for some gelato and fresh canolis. Pure heaven!!!

 

[disykat]

oops. double post.

 

[disykat]

I agree with you! I am in no way a food snob, but being a New Yorker all my life it has always amazed me to see that tourist go eat at chains here when they can have the same food at home. NY has so many dinning options that eating at a chain would be a waste of opportunity!

Actually one of the reasons some tourists like to eat at chains is because they DON'T have them at home! Last trip we were with the kids, and although we ended up not finding time, we were hoping to do Dave and Buster's. We'd gone there one other time on a vacation and the kids really wanted to go again!

Same with the Times Square area - locals say stay away, it's what some of us want to see - all the lights, people, etc.

 

[cornflake]

Actually one of the reasons some tourists like to eat at chains is because they DON'T have them at home! Last trip we were with the kids, and although we ended up not finding time, we were hoping to do Dave and Buster's. We'd gone there one other time on a vacation and the kids really wanted to go again!

Same with the Times Square area - locals say stay away, it's what some of us want to see - all the lights, people, etc.

Seeing the lights I can understand. Seeing the people... you're seeing other tourists!

As for wanting to eat at chains because you don't have them, I still don't get it. I mean eat where you like but I don't understand... Chains, generally, have godawful food. I mean... Olive Garden is really gross. I ate at one once. It's disgusting.

There are literally hundreds of good, authentic Italian restaurants on this island, serving everything from a really good $2 slice to a $8 plate of decent pasta from a local hole in the wall to a $25 dish of pasta that someone made by hand out of imported Italian semolina 5 minutes before you ordered it. Why go to the Olive Garden? Even if there's not one near you... that one I just don't get.

I mean if I'm in Paris I'm not getting a coissant at a Dunkin' Donuts (no, I don't think there are Dunkin' Donuts in Paris, just as an example), even if I like haven't ever been and always heard how great Dunkin' Donuts is or love Dunkin' Donuts coffee or whatever. It's Paris, I'm getting a real, handmade coissant from a little hole-in-the-wall parisian bakery.

 

[shefor24]

Carmine's at times Square is awesome! We always eat there everytime we go. It is family style, and very filling. I recoomend the good ol' lasagna, wonderful. Be sure to make reservations though, they get pretty busy. This is a place that Kelly Ripa visits once in a while and mentions on the show.

 

[disykat]

Seeing the lights I can understand. Seeing the people... you're seeing other tourists!

As for wanting to eat at chains because you don't have them, I still don't get it. I mean eat where you like but I don't understand... Chains, generally, have godawful food. I mean... Olive Garden is really gross. I ate at one once. It's disgusting.

There are literally hundreds of good, authentic Italian restaurants on this island, serving everything from a really good $2 slice to a $8 plate of decent pasta from a local hole in the wall to a $25 dish of pasta that someone made by hand out of imported Italian semolina 5 minutes before you ordered it. Why go to the Olive Garden? Even if there's not one near you... that one I just don't get.

I mean if I'm in Paris I'm not getting a coissant at a Dunkin' Donuts (no, I don't think there are Dunkin' Donuts in Paris, just as an example), even if I like haven't ever been and always heard how great Dunkin' Donuts is or love Dunkin' Donuts coffee or whatever. It's Paris, I'm getting a real, handmade coissant from a little hole-in-the-wall parisian bakery.

I'm not trying to argue with you - just saying why. Whether you understand it or not, for some people seeing large crowds is unusual, being able to eat somewhere you see advertised on tv is unusual - so they might want to take advantage of the oportunity.

It's not about me, it's not about you. It's about the concept of why people might WANT to see other tourists or eat at a chain.

I think you're flattering yourself as a NewYorker if you think everyone goes to NYC for authentic NYC experiences. Some people are simply going because it's a city. Paris is really in a different category.

 

[java]

No offense but olive garden when you are in NYCAnd Mars2112 is my personal quest. I do all I can to stop people from wasting their money here. It stinks. short and sweet.

Those Doughnut Plant donuts are to die for good. (Cornflake told us about it last time we went in and oh la la were they good!)

Another family friendly midtown spot (besides Becco - love that place)
Virgil's BBQ

http://www.virgilsbbq.com/

Reasonably priced and yummy Train Wreck fries are a meal in themselves! My kids love them.

My daughter and I loved our Chinatown meal - CHEAP!! And delicious dumplings Joe's Shanghai on Pell Street in Chinatown. It's an experience. There is one in midtown but it's not as good and slightly more expensive.

http://www.joeshanghairestaurants.com/chinatownstore_eng.html

And if you are in Soho- this is great for breakfast
http://balthazarny.com/

 

[crazyme5kids]

Actually one of the reasons some tourists like to eat at chains is because they DON'T have them at home! Last trip we were with the kids, and although we ended up not finding time, we were hoping to do Dave and Buster's. We'd gone there one other time on a vacation and the kids really wanted to go again!

Same with the Times Square area - locals say stay away, it's what some of us want to see - all the lights, people, etc.

Yep, that is very true. My kids always want to stop at a Cracker Barrel and a Waffle House when we travel south. When my Aunt came here from Washington state, she HAD to eat at Bubba Gumps because she loved it when she was in Hawaii. Bubba Gumps in NYC was nothing like the one in Hawaii much to her dismay.

Now, People always rave about Johns Pizza, but I think it stinks. Same with Jekyll & Hydes. As for Mars 2012, it is very cheesy and the food is bad, but I have gone there because my kids think it's fun. Sometimes you just suck it up for the kids sake.

 

[cornflake]

I'm not trying to argue with you - just saying why. Whether you understand it or not, for some people seeing large crowds is unusual, being able to eat somewhere you see advertised on tv is unusual - so they might want to take advantage of the oportunity.

It's not about me, it's not about you. It's about the concept of why people might WANT to see other tourists or eat at a chain.

I think you're flattering yourself as a NewYorker if you think everyone goes to NYC for authentic NYC experiences. Some people are simply going because it's a city. Paris is really in a different category.

I'm not trying to argue either, I was only saying I don't get it.

As for the latter part there... flattering *myself*? .... ok, anyway, I don't think Italian restaurants are authentic NYC experiences, I think they're Italian restaurants.

I DO think people go to NYC for authentic NYC experiences yes. If they're going to eat at Olive Gardens and people watch, there's likely a mall closer to them. There isn't Broadway, the Empire State Bldg, Ellis Island, etc., near them.

The non-chain thing is, imo, about going anyplace with good restaurants. Has nothing at all to do with it being NYC specifically. It's like you don't go to McDonald's while in Venice - because there's actual good food in Venice and there's a McDonald's in your backyard. Even if there isn't, there's probably one closer than Venice. Again, anyone can go wherever they want to go. However, people are asking for restaurant recommends.

If I posted asking for restaurant recommendations for a city I didn't know, I would mean local places. If I meant where's the chains, I could look that up - maybe people mean that, if so, well, luckily someone mentioned.

 

[JediMaster]

Carmine's at times Square is awesome! We always eat there everytime we go. It is family style, and very filling. I recoomend the good ol' lasagna, wonderful. Be sure to make reservations though, they get pretty busy. This is a place that Kelly Ripa visits once in a while and mentions on the show.

I second Carmine's , awesome family style and great food !

http://carminesnyc.com/

 

[cornflake]

Agree Carmine's is nice, cozy, good food - I've only been to the uptown one though. It's on like 92nd and B'way, on the Upper West Side, about a mile from Columbia.

Less of a crowd concern compared to the one in Times Square I'd imagine as well.

 

[herdtoDisney]

Just chiming in to give another vote for Juniors! My family has enjoyed our 2 visits there (the one in Shubert Alley). And the waitstaff both times was great to the kids. Costwise-you'll spend as much or more at one of the chains! My dh is a nonadventerous eater and thought we would go to TGIFridays, I said NO and pulled him to Juniors and he loved it!

It's a funny thing, but many NYC restaurants are actually more reasonably priced than the chains at home. And there are so many good options. Most places have menus posted on the window so you can check prices before you go in. When my mom and I go to the city, this is what we do. Last time we ended up in a fab Greek place (sorry I forgot the name). And to this day, I still recall the amazing lunch I had as a child in Chinatown one day-again forget the name but it's one of those places where the food comes around in carts. Oh, my mom and I like the Edison Cafe too, that is quite inexpensive.



A PP mentioned traveling south and hitting Waffle House-now THAT is where it's at on the interstate We leave for Disney Wed and are going straight through and I plan on hitting a Waffle House for breakfast Thu! And a Chik-Fil-A for a meal!

 

[sduck]

OP no disrespect to the poster who talked about chains, but seriously, you can do that at home. If you are going to NYC, why would you want to do that. There are so many places that are FAR LESS INEXPENSIVE, and 1000% better.

For example Olive Garden - an entree in our hometown is $12.99 it is 22.99 in Times Square. Also, they condense their menu. So your favorite quite possibly is not there. And it is crazy busy and they push you out.

As for smaller local businesses - They want your business. They will work with you on the menu and making a great kids meal.

Mars2112 is cute, but very expensive and the food is well blah....

Try looking for the following:

Carmines
John's Pizzeria
Otto's
Rosa Mexicano
Small Deli's
AuBon Pain
Ellen's Stardust Diner
Little Italy and China Town have their own webpages with all the restaurants, great resource.

**Ask your concierge for restaurants in the neighborhood of your hotel.

Eat from a hot dog cart and sit in Central Park - Then have Pinkberry for dessert.

I have tons more we ate at, all were wonderful. Just through NYC local restaurants in google.

 

[Swan4Me]

We tried to eat at the Stardust Diner at 2pm on a sat-the line was out the door
That's what is bad about the really popular places


Totally agree about finding a unique new York diner over a chain that u can eat anywhere

 

[JediMaster]

oh and find a Carvel Ice Cream for dessert. Best soft ice cream!

 

[crazyme5kids]

I agree, chains are not my choice when dining in the city, or most places for that matter, but it's a comfort level for some people.

Getting back to the original question, Carmines is ok, the portions are huge, but it is family style so everyone needs to agree on what to eat.

One place I like, not at all fancy, is Molly's Shebans, great burgers, outrageously delicious chicken pot pie. Cozy fireplace. I think it is on 3rd Ave., between 22nd and 23rd St.

I'm another one who likes Rosa Mexicana. Philip Marie is good, sorry, can't remember where it is located off hand. Jack's, I think it it might be called Jack's Steakhouse something or other and it is more of a midtown location (I'll remember later today).

If you are feeling adventurous, Awash on 6th street and 2nd Ave is fantastic Ethiopian food, I highly recommend the vegetarian platter . Another place I really enjoy is Soy & Sake, a vegetarian place, but even meat eaters will enjoy it. It is on 7th Ave, between Bleecker and Morton Streets.

Also, I find many places will make children size portions from the adult menu if you ask them too.

 

[shoney]

If you feel like taking a walk around Greenwich village...I have eaten at

Home for lunch

http://www.homerestaurantnyc.com/lunch-menu.html

Cornelia Street for brunch (also had a burger here once and it was very good)

http://corneliastreetcafe.com/restaurant.html

Mary's Fish Camp for dinner

http://www.marysfishcamp.com/2010/dinner.html

 

[crazyme5kids]

Oh I forgot to put Brooklyn Diner on the list. I've only eaten at the one on W57th St., I don't know how the Time Square one is.

 

[KCMiller]

Our favorite French restaurant in town is called Les Sans Culottes. It's a prixe fixe place, and I've been going there for over 30 years. It's Midtown east, on Second Avenue - check out the Yelp reviews. We never miss it when we're in town - the kids have been enjoying this place since they were toddlers.

We also love Wo Hop in Chinatown (downstairs, NOT upstairs, and don't let the run down appearance fool you), Vanessa's Dumpling House, and although the prices are high, you haven't lived until you've had a pastrami sandwich at Katz's (take my advice, get the half sandwich and soup, and get the matzoh ball soup). And no NYC visit is complete, in my estimation, without a trip to Grays Papaya or Papaya King for the BEST hot dogs in the city.

There are a million fabulous little restaurants in NYC, and I beg you not to waste your time in the Big Apple going to a chain restaurant.

KC

 

[java]

Our favorite French restaurant in town is called Les Sans Culottes.

KC

Oh good to know we used to LOVE Le Cote Basque which sadly closed around 2004. We've been trying to find a substitution. We'll try this one.