Dining out with kids doesn’t have to mean plain menus or boring spaces. NYC is packed with playful, themed restaurants that keep little ones entertained while serving up food the whole family can enjoy.
From Broadway-singing waiters to Wild West ice cream sundaes, these spots make mealtime an adventure.
1. Cowgirl – West Village
Step into the Wild West! Kids love the Tex-Mex favorites and the playful “Ice Cream Baked Potato” dessert (spoiler: it’s all ice cream, no potato).
📍 519 Hudson St
2. Ellen’s Stardust Diner – Times Square
This retro 1950s-themed diner features singing waitstaff, vintage décor with jukeboxes and memorabilia, and an energetic atmosphere that kids adore.
Think burgers, shakes, fries, and the kind of dinner where entertainment comes to your table.
📍 1650 Broadway, at 51st Street, Manhattan
3. Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain – Carroll Gardens
Old-school soda shop charm where milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, and giant sundaes rule. Parents enjoy the nostalgia, kids love the sugar rush.
📍 513 Henry St, Brooklyn
4. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment – Union Square
Over-the-top Victorian interiors with chandeliers, statues, and holiday decorations year-round. Fun for kids to explore while parents enjoy hearty pub-style food.
📍 13 E 17th St
5. Black Tap – SoHo & Midtown
Known for its over-the-top CrazyShake® milkshakes piled high with cake slices, cookies, and sprinkles. Add in juicy burgers, and you’ve got a family crowd-pleaser.
📍 SoHo – 529 Broome St | Midtown – 45 W 35th St
6. Alice’s Tea Cup – Upper East & Upper West Side
A real-life fairy tale come to life, with mismatched teapots, wings for kids to wear, and menus just for “Small Folk.” Perfect for cookies, grilled cheese, or afternoon tea with scones.
📍 UWS – 102 W 73rd St | UES – 156 E 64th St
7. Beetle House, East Village
A Tim Burton–inspired restaurant where every day feels like Halloween. From spooky décor to costumed servers, it’s a dining experience straight out of a movie set.
Fun themed dishes like the “Edward Burger Hands” make it a hit for families with kids who love a touch of the unusual.
📍 308 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003
8. Serendipity 3 – Midtown East
Whimsical décor + legendary sundaes. Kids love the giant Frrrozen Hot Chocolate almost as much as the quirky, storybook setting. Adults can dig into burgers or mac & cheese.
📍 225 E 60th St
9. Gayle’s Broadway Rose, Midtown
Dinner meets showtime at this Broadway-themed spot where singing waiters belt out musical numbers while serving comfort food classics.
Kids will love the fun atmosphere and favorites like burgers, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders, while parents can sit back and enjoy the show.
A lively, theatrical experience the whole family can share.
📍 694 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036
10. Sugar Factory – Times Square
Bright colors, candy-filled décor, and giant smoking “Goblet” drinks (non-alcoholic versions for kids). Perfect if your little ones have a sweet tooth.
📍 694 8th Ave