Steak Frites For 8-Year Old

[pastrychica]

I am taking my 8 year old to NYC next weekend and she LOVES steak. I want to take her to a great place for steak frites that won't break the bank. Does not necessarily have to be a place that has a children's menu. We are staying midtown, so we can travel anywhere within the city. She has been to Balthazar and Pastis -- we sort of like the noisy, funky, bistro-type places. I heard Landmarc has good food for kids, but also heard they don't take reservations. Is it worth the wait at Landmarc?

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Pastis
9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014

Balthazar
80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

Landmarc
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

[somervilleoldtimer]

I'm so happy to hear about a child who likes real food!

[mariacarmen]

What about Bourdain's old place? It's been about 10 years since i've been..... it has a nice fun Bistro feel to it, and since he's so famous now, your daughter might enjoy that..... but again, don't know if the food has held up.

http://leshalles.net/brasserie/

[pastrychica]

I haven't been there in ages either. Not sure if I want to risk it . . . we are only in town for two nights. Taking her to Katz's Deli on first night.

[ellenost]

Les Halles (even 10 years ago) wasn't great. Way too noisy, and the food was "okay". Definitely nothing special. I doubt that things have improved. BTW, Bourdain hasn't been involved with Les Halles in a number of years.

[pastrychica]

I totally agree!

[pastrychica]

You are right AdamD, that is my dilemma. When she is older I will take her to Keen's/Luger's/Wolfgang's, etc -- now I just want her to have fun, and I want to eat well too. I will check out the other suggestions. Thanks everyone!

[gutsofsteel]

Cafe d'Alsace makes good steak frites.

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Cafe d'Alsace
1695 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

[ellenost]

Good to know since it's in my neighborhood. Thanks.

[RGR]

I've had the steak/frites at Cafe d'Alsace. They do a very good job with both the steak and the frites. What I particularly liked is that they use my favorite steak cut, hanger steak.

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

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Cafe d'Alsace
1695 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

[pastrychica]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I went to DBGB in October, and I thought the service was pretty bad. Landmarc only takes reservations for parties of 6 or more. Le Relais de Venise looks interesting, but they don't take reservations either -- do you think I would have difficulty securing at table at 6:00?

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Landmarc
179 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013

DBGB
299 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

[AdamD]

That is a bit early for dinner, so I think you would be OK. Even if there was a wait, Id guess it would be fairly short. I dont want to hype it up, as you can get better steaks elsewhere, but its a very nice experience for what they charge.

Another place I really like for a strip steak and fries ($30) is Bill's nineties, but its an OLD rickety bar-a true NYC place. It is a bit divey though.

That is basically your dilemma, go to a place where you can get out for well under $100 or go to a place for prime steaks like keens or wolfgangs and spend some cash.

[ellenost]

The steak isn't great, but the fries are!

[Chuck Lawrence]

Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecote is a great choice. What 8 year old who loves steak wouldn't like a steak THEMED restaurant from Paris? And waitresses in those cute uniforms! At 6pm, you'll be able to walk in and have a choice of seating. It's $25 per person, and midtown east. Enjoy!

[AdamD]

Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecote
I think would be perfect for a child. Plus you wont have to spend $$$ like you will at a steak house.
Its a french place that only serves one thing: Steak Frites. Skip desert at this joint.
Les Halles has good steak frites, but service, noise and quality can vary.

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Les Halles
15 John Street, New York, NY 10038

[CookieLee]

+1 for Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecote. I've dined at the Paris one and the NYC one, and they're both great. I shouldn't think you'll have a problem at that early time.

[thew]

there are a million bistros in teh city that do an excellent steak frites - place like orsay, b cafe, chez oskar (ok thats brooklyn) etc -

there's no reason an 8 year old couldn't go into any of them

[simichow]

Le Relais de Venise... imported to Manhattan from Paris, and it's a trip! The only choice you make is rare, medium, or well... literally. Everything else is a standard menu. And it's excellent value.... not if you're looking for the best steak in Manhattan, but a really nice meal and a fun experience perfect for an 8 year old.

[JMJD]

Would say Landmarc....not as interesting as Balthazar or DBGB overall but very kid friendly. I think they bring the kids cotton candy for dessert. Not sure about reservations but just call...

[coasts]

i believe Landmarc at Time Warner only takes reservations for large parties and on holidays.

Nice Matin and Marseille both manage to maintain the bustling bistro vibe while still being kid friendly.

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Nice Matin
201 West 79th Street, New York, NY 10024

Landmarc
179 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013

[pastrychica]

I like Nice Matin -- I ate there a few years ago when I stayed at the Lucerne. It was very nice. I will check out the menu, thanks!

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Nice Matin
201 West 79th Street, New York, NY 10024

[gutsofsteel]

Cafe d'Alsace is owned and operated by the same group that owns Nice Matin.

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Nice Matin
201 West 79th Street, New York, NY 10024

Cafe d'Alsace
1695 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

[ellenost]

and also Marseille.

[RGR]

Both Landmarc locations take reservations. (They're on OpenTable.) We've never been to either one, so I can't vouch for the food.

Bar Boulud has steak-frites on the menu. I've not had it there, but the food is very good, so imagine it would be. Although the name says "bar," it's a bistro with a nice upbeat vibe. They take reservations.

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

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Landmarc
179 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013

Bar Boulud
1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

[gutsofsteel]

DBGB

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DBGB
299 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

[ellenost]

A few months ago I saw a mother and son (probably about 10 years old) eating the steak frites at Ma Peche. The boy seemed to really enjoy everything (so did the mother). FYI, the "frites" are made from rice and are cut to look like steak fries. They're very yummy!

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Ma Peche
15 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

[loratliff]

New York Magazine thinks Ma Peche has the best steak frites: http://nymag.com/bestofny/food/2011/s...

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Ma Peche
15 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019