10 delicious family-friendly outdoor restaurants: NYC Edition

1. Serendipity3

A New York Staple for families! I used to come here with my mom as a little girl after a day of seeing a show or shopping and walking a million miles. What better way to end the day than with a giant menu with everything you can think of and the most delicious desserts. On the food side, my fav is the reuben sandwich. They used to not take reservations, so we would wait for sometimes an hour but now you can make a res- so book in advance. I recently took my boys and their cousins and we splurged for the banana split and another fan favorite is the famous frozen hot chocolate. Bellies and hearts are always full when we come to Serendipity!

2. Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain

This restaurant is like stepping back in time for the young and young at heart alike. Serving classics like grilled cheese, ice cream sundaes and floats (half sizes are available) this place is definitely a winner for the choosiest of eaters.

3. Benihana

You may be thinking, really? YES really!!!! Entertainment  + Food wrapped into one outing. That’s my definition of success. If you have a picky eater like I do, order the chicken and ask for ketchup on the side. Everyone will have a great time though, so it’s worth it to bring some extra snacks for picky ones if they’re not adventurous with food yet! Also, chopsticks double as drum sticks. Don’t forget to get the buddha drink with the umbrella. You’re welcome.

4. Williamsburg Pizza

Gigi Hadid isn’t the only one who loves Williamsburg Pizza. Zach and Evan Kolnick are huge fans too. This gem of a ‘local’ pizza joint that now has over 6 locations between Manhattan and Brooklyn is a kid (and adult!) pleaser at its finest. They are known for their customized heart shaped pizzas- SWOON! Go for all the fixings or keep it plain- gluten full or gluten free- your pick, either are delish. And as a gluten free eater, this is the best GF pizza I have EVER had.

5. Harlem Shake

Speaking of Nostalgia- As soon as you step inside or choose to dine outside (heaters are provided in the colder evenings) Harlem Shake;  you are met with photos of old school Harlem and the Harlem elite who have dined in this well known establishment. There’s something for the whole family on the menu from hot dogs, chicken tenders to a jerk burger and homemade milkshakes and Froze’s (for the adults of course).

6. Action Burger

This restaurant is for all superhero and comic fans. There’s a fun menu your little ones can choose from (The Villain menu or the Hero menu) and there’s an arcade inside that will keep your family entertained as you await your delicious burgers- this place makes you feel like you just could be a hero after all!

7. Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer

We’ll admit the main attraction may not be the burgers here but actually the dessert. I mean, take one look at the photo of the signature birthday cake shake below and enough has been said.

8. Cabins at Pier 17

For those nights when you want to “get out” of the city look no further than dining in your very own heated cabin at Cabins Pier 17. Each of the heated cabins, can accommodate up to 10 people and includes virtual fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling views of downtown Manhattan, and a Molekule air filter.

9. Ellen’s Stardust Diner

This restaurant definitely brings a star worthy performance! A fun atmosphere with Broadway hopefuls serenading you as you wait for your meal. This is a hotspot for tourists as well so we recommend reservations ahead of time!

10. S’MAC

S’MAC opened it’s doors in 2006 as the first restaurant devoted exclusively to Mac and Cheese. Sounds like our kinda place! They offer gluten free, dairy free, Vegan and a frozen mac and cheese kit you can take home with you if you’ve become hooked after 1 bite.