Dining With The Minis

Navigating the restaurant scene in Manhattan can be daunting for even the most seasoned New Yorker. Then throw a kid or two or three into the mix (yes, I have three), and the task of finding the perfect place to eat can be impossible—or, worse, a complete disaster. That’s why I started MiniMunchers.com, to help families sift through thousands of restaurant options in NYC and pinpoint exactly what they want. And while determining the “best” restaurant to take kids to in Manhattan is like finding the best museum in the city—it depends on what you’re looking for—over the years I’ve found a few golden standards for every occasion. Happy munching!

Best Place When Stuck In Times Square
Ellen’s Stardust Diner

1650 Broadway at 51st Street
ellensstardustdiner.com

Yes, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is touristy, but what child (or adult) can resist a 50s style diner with singing wait staff? The food is a bit pricey—and not gourmet—but there is really something for everyone here, and the fun of listening to your waiter belt out Broadway tunes and top hits is really what you come for anyway.

Best BBQ Joint
Blue Smoke

116 East 27th Street or 255 Vesey Street
bluesmoke.com

This recommendation is coming from a girl who doesn’t even eat ribs, but I attribute my son’s rib addiction to Blue Smoke. It’s unclear whether it’s the ribs themselves or the ultra kid-friendly ambiance in either location (think: great kids menu and the cookie “pig” that kids decorate, which is then baked while you eat) but Blue Smoke is a serious go-to for great family-friendly BBQ.

Best Place To Take Your Princess
American Girl Café

609 Fifth Avenue
americangirl.com

This one might surprise you, but the food is actually extremely tasty both for kids and adults. (And I love the set up for the dolls: little high chairs so they can sit next to their “mommy.”) The pink-and-white décor is adorable, and you will have a great time “interviewing” your daughter with the age-appropriate questions, like what she wants to do when she grows up. The biggest drawback? You might not get out of there without buying your daughter a new doll.

Most Hip Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Schiller’s Liquor Bar
31 Rivington Street
schillersny.com 

You know the LES is getting gentrified when the “hot” restaurants are including kids menus! If you are a NYC hipster and are looking to take your kids along for your culinary adventures, then Schillers is the place to go. A set price ($12.50) gets kids a drink, entrée and dessert—plus bragging rights for being “seen” at somewhere so cool.

Best Place to Shake It At Sunday Brunch
Ideya

349 Broadway
ideya.net

One Sunday a month, this Latin bistro hosts a SalsaBaby brunch. Kids are encouraged to get up and shake their groove thang to the live tunes of the Jose Conde band with maracas on each table. Minis who don’t like to dance will enjoy decorating the table paper with stickers and crayons; adults, the margaritas are heavenly!

Best View of Central Park
Landmarc

10 Columbus Circle (in the Time Warner building)
landmarc-restaurant.com

Landmarc has one of the greatest children’s menus I have ever encountered. Serving up everything from green eggs and ham to PB & Nutella to whole wheat quesadillas, Chef Marc Murphy really knows how to satisfy even the pickiest eater. The breathtaking view of Central Park South alone is worth the trip.

Best Outdoor Dining
Gigino at Wagner Park

20 Battery Place
gigino-wagnerpark.com

Not only is there a beautiful view of the Hudson River from Gigino’s patio, but there is also a large lawn (yes, grass in NYC) that the kids are encouraged to run around on while waiting for their food. With ambiance like this, who cares what’s on the menu! (But in case you were wondering, it’s definitely good.)

Most Unexpected “OMG They Have a Kids Menu”
The Palm Tribeca

206 West Street
thepalm.com

Mahogany bar, steaks big enough for two, Businessmen drinking martinis, lobsters served by the pound, kids at the bar. Believe it or not, at The Palm TriBeCa, it’s a winning formula. Kids are welcomed at this tried-and-true NYC steakhouse (which only seems befitting, considering that TriBeCa has become the newest kid-friendly neighborhood.) The prices and portions are on the large side, but it’s a nice alternative when looking for an upscale dining option with the little ones.

Best Value
Brother Jimmy’s BBQ

5 locations between 16th and 81st Streets
brotherjimmys.com

Not only does Brother Jimmy’s offer a great kids menu and allows you to choose accompanying sides (do your kids really need fries every time they go out?), but kids under 12 also eat for free with each adult entrée. Minis who join the “clean plate club” also are treated to free ice cream scoop!

Best “If My Kids Ate Sushi…”
SushiSamba

245 Park Avenue or 87 Seventh Avenue
sushisamba.com

Not that sushi is the only thing on the children’s menu (there is grilled chicken and mini burgers), but for the more sophisticated palates, this fun sushi hot spot offers bite-sized starter sushi. Added bonus: kids absolutely love the rooftop garden at the downtown location.

Best Diner
Big Daddy’s

239 Park Avenue South, 1596 2nd Avenue or 2452 Broadway
bigdaddysnyc.com

Dispel all thoughts of a crowded diner where you have to fight for a table and then are rushed out. Big Daddy’s is a fun upscale diner that loves kids as much as the kids love it. The décor and music are enough of a distraction, without the crayons and balloons, and the tater tots and milk shakes keep my minis begging to return.

Best Museum Dining
Smorgas Chef (Murray Hill branch)
58 Park Avenue
smorgaschef.com

A pleasant surprise in an otherwise tough area for kid-friendly options, Smorgas Chef is located in the Scandinavia House. It has a different kind of kids menu, but my mini devoured his Swedish meatballs and loved the live tree that is in the middle of the café-style restaurant. Scandinavia House also features an amazing indoor playspace that is open to the public for $8 every Saturday.

Carla Sullivan is the founder of MiniMunchers.com, the Internet’s only source and resource for restaurants that are kid-friendly in Manhattan. Carla is also a regular contributor to New York Family’s Yummy Delicious blog and loves to eat out with her kids, Ryan, Keelin and Kelly.

Relevant Directory Listings

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Adventuring Portal

<p><a name="m_-1473885667065203258__Hlk72147528"></a>Adventuring Portal runs Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) games for kids.   We have created a safe online space for tweens and teens to learn and play D&D.</p> <p>Our D&D Summer Camp session are a one-week experience.  Monday – Friday.  Each day will be 3 hours of gaming (with 2 breaks build in).  15 total gaming hours for $180.  If you have played with us before, you are entitled to 10% off.   </p> <p>Need your kids, nieces or nephews, grand kids or neighbor’s kids to be occupied for a bit so you can get work done & take care of your to-do list? Maybe your tween or teen is still a bit isolated and craves connection with their peers? Whether your teen/tween has played D&D before or is brand-new to the experience, this safe space brings players together to have fun and solve problems as a team in ways few other online opportunities do.</p> <p>All our games focus on experiential learning.   Our players leave knowing all the basic game play as well as experiencing: teamwork, bravery, compassion, generosity, negotiation, improvisation, gamer etiquette, strategy, critical thinking, problem solving, cartography and probability - all through online D&D adventuring!</p> <p>We are an inclusive organization and welcome gamers who are LGBTQIA+ and those on any spectrum. </p> <p>All girls’ groups available. </p> <p>I am a parent, a certified elementary school and middle school math teacher and last summer in the midst of the mess started Adventuring Portal, an online Dungeons & Dragons business for kids. There are so many benefits to playing D&D and I hope you will consider us as a great way for your child to safely socialize, grow as people and have a great time.</p>

Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp

<p>Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp offers five daily rotating activities such as swimming, ice skating gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour, indoor/outdoor turf, and courts plus more in its ample 175,000 sq. ft. facility and 35-acre outdoor area. Aviator Summer Camp also offers off-site and on-site field trips such as a day at Green Meadows Farm, Launch Trampoline Park, and a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The summer camp runs from 9 am-5 pm with early drop off and late stay available. Bus transportation is also available throughout Brooklyn. Lunch and an afternoon snack are included. Sign up by February 28th to receive up to $300 off camp with early bird discounts.</p>