Special lunch for 9 year old girl near 5th Ave & 49th Street

[dwbee]

My 9 year old is having a special trip to the city and we want to give her a special lunch--must be special atmosphere. I thought about the Palm Court but it's uber pricey...Any other suggestions?

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Palm Court
768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

[City Kid]

I remember the thrill of special occasion restaurants as a child, and I can think of nothing more special than the Palm Court, especially if they are Eloise fans. There is also the Astor Court tea at the St. Regis for about the same price, the Waldorf, etc. I love La Genouille (cost wouldn't be much less) but the 9-year-old girl in me would delight at the thought of high tea with mom and a friend -- a memory for a lifetime!!!

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Palm Court
768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Astor Court
2 East 55th Street, New York, NY 10022

[Elizabeth E.]

When I was that age, I loved being taken to department store restaurants like the "ladies who lunch." Cafe SFA (Saks Fifth Avenue) is right at your location. There are also several restaurants in Bergdorf Goodman up the avenue; one has a view of Central Park.

[pauliface]

Oh my god when I was a kid, on our annual fall shopping expedition for school, my Mom would take me to the Bird Cage at Lord & Taylor, where I'd order the finger sandwiches. It was my reward for the torture of trying on 80 pairs of pants. (Yes, I know realize I was being priveliged and spoiled to think of it that way, but give me a break, I was 9).

[anrf18]

American Girl Cafe (49th and 5th Ave) - Young girls love it and food is decent

Rockefeller Center Cafe (50th and 5th Avenue) - Lovely restaurant, decent food, great view of skating rink

Le Bonne Soupe - (55th off of 5th Avenue) - Affordable really nice bistro with good food and great fondues (kids love the cheese and chocolate fondue)

I really would not recommend taking young girls to La Grenouille. Although the food is very good and its a lovely restaurant, I really think they would feel a bit intimidated there.

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La Grenouille
3 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022

American Girl Cafe
609 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017

[dwbee]

Thanks for the suggestions! Fondue sounds fun.

[gutsofsteel]

I have taken several children to La Grenouille on separate occasions, and they loved it - dressed up, behaved beautifully, service was so solicitous....a real treat for all concerned.

When I was a kid I went to high end restaurants with my parents. I was never "intimidated." I appreciated it. Lutece, La Caravalle, The Russian Tea Room...

American Girl Cafe is a kitschy tourist trap and not worthy of such an occasion. La Bonne Soupe is a step above a diner. Rockefeller Center Cafe is another tourist trap.

If you want luxurious, a treat, opulent...go to La Grenouille. Children rise to the occasion. Make sure everybody dressed up a bit - it will be a really special memorable day for her.

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La Bonne Soupe
48 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

La Grenouille
3 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022

American Girl Cafe
609 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017

Russian Tea Room
150 W 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

[pauliface]

I think La Grenouille is a fantastic suggestion.
Lunchtime there is an absolute delight, and very well priced.

Also: Girly girls love high tea. If the Palm Court is too pricey, does anybody know a good alternate suggestion? I had tea at the Waldorf once and it was really fun and nice. But I don't know how the prices are/compare.

This site mentions some that I don't know:
http://gonyc.about.com/od/restaurants/tp/tearooms.htm

I see a lot of mention of "Lady Mendi's":
http://www.innatirving.com/default.as...
which seems to have a 5-course afternoon tea at $35.
Starts at noon on Wednesdays it seems...

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La Grenouille
3 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022

Palm Court
768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

[ml77]

I haven't been there, but from everything I've read and seen (I've happened to pass by a few times) Alice's Tea Cup is a good option for tea for young girls. There's a location on E 64th near Lexington Ave, not far from where you'll be.

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Alice's Tea Cup
220 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028

[gutsofsteel]

But Alice's Tea Cup is not luxurious or opulent or really special at all.

This is a 9 year old, not a 5 year old, and they want to give her a fancy treat with a very special atmosphere that will be memorable. It shouldn't be a child-oriented place.

I took a 7 year old to Eleven Madison Park not long ago for lunch. It was wonderful - he loved it, the staff couldn't have been nicer, he was beautifully behaved, asked intelligent questions, and ate everything.

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Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010

Alice's Tea Cup
220 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028

[ml77]

Fair point, GOS. As I wrote, I haven't been there but I was trying to suggest an option that I had heard was good for kids. Thanks for chiming in and sharing your thoughts.

[gutsofsteel]

What types of food does she like? Do you want it to be a formal type of place?

[dwbee]

To be honest, I'm the only one who will care about the food. She and her friend will be all about the atmosphere. We live in the country, so something either opulent or fun that will make her feel luxurious or transported to a new world!

[gutsofsteel]

I recommend La Grenouille. They have a reasonable prix fixe lunch. The atmosphere will definitely transport her and make her feel luxurious!

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La Grenouille
3 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022