This past weekend, my 7-year old sister, Sophie, came to visit New York City, so naturally I tried to find the most kid-friendly eateries in NYC. Below, you’ll find five of our favorites, which have all been kid-approved. With the hustle and bustle of life in New York City, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by school, rent and even filing your next tax return. So when you’re feeling like you just want to be a kid again, check out these delicious NYC eateries that will transport you back in time, even if its just for an hour.
Photo by Chelsea Hawk
Located just blocks away from NYU’s unofficial quad, Washington Square Park, Patisserie Claude is bound to make you feel warm and cozy inside. They have some of the best croissants (and chocolate croissants) you’ll ever have in Manhattan. They also offer a wide assortment of other Parisian-style pastries, savory treats and coffee. Grab a seat inside their intimate cafe-style seating area, unwind and reminisce on the good old days. Cheap and delicious, Patisserie Claude is sure to please.
Location: 187 W 4th St (bet Jones and Barrow)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 8am to 8pm, Sun 8am to 7pm
Photo by Chelsea Hawk
We’ve all read (or watched) the beloved story, Alice in Wonderland. With three locations spread throughout the northern Manhattan, when you walk into Alice’s Tea Cup, you’re taking a step into a real life Wonderland. With an extensive tea menu, delicious sandwiches (I mean really delicious), fresh baked scones and more, Alice’s Tea Cup is sure to make you feel like you’ve entered a fairy tale. And make sure to ask for a sprinkle of fairy dust on your head when you walk in.
Locations: Chapter I: 102 W 73rd St (bet Columbus and Amsterdam), Chapter II: 156 E 64th St (Lexington and 3rd), Chapter III: 220 E 81st St (2nd and 3rd)
Hours of Operation: Daily 8am to 8pm
Photo by Chelsea Hawk
You can’t step back into your childhood without a visit to a candy store. Dylan’s Candy Bar, founded by designer Ralph Lauren’s daughter, Dylan, may even put Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory to shame. This Manhattan-based candy store features three stories of sugary bliss, featuring floor-to-ceiling containers of candy, chocolate galore, an ice cream and dessert bar and even a bar with deliciously sweet cocktails for the 21+ crowd. Next time you’re in Midtown East, be sure to check out this delicious sugar haven.
Location: 1011 3rd Ave (bet 60th and 61st)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Thurs 10am to 9pm, Fri-Sat 10am to 11pm, Sun 11am to 9pm
Photo by Chelsea Hawk
One of the first things that I ask for when I visit home are my mom’s made-from-scratch pancakes or waffles (or both, let’s be real). Sarabeth’s Tribeca will make you feel right at home. Their delicious, fluffy buttermilk pancakes are served with strawberries and real maple syrup, just like Momma makes them. If you’re trying to act a little bit more like an adult, try one of their omelettes or their scrumptious Eggs Benedict. Either way, you’ll leave with one of the happiest food comas you’ll ever experience.
Location: 339 Greenwich St (bet Jay and Harrison)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8am to 10:30pm, Sat 8am to 11pm, Sun 8am to 10pm
Photo by Chelsea Hawk
For a delicious (and gluten-free) twist on French crêpes, hop on over to Eight Turn Crêpe in SoHo, which features Japanese style rice crêpes. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, waiting in line for these delicious crêpes is like waiting in line for cotton candy at the fair: your mouth will water as you watch them fold in fresh and delectable ingredients into house-made crêpes. We taste-tested the banana nut chocolate and strawberry banana crêpes (both were amazing), but for a more extensive look at their menu, click here.
Location: 55 Spring St (bet Lafayette and Mulberry)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sun 11am to 11pm