Manhattan with a six year old

[jeffandnat]

A good friend of mine is coming to NY to watch the Macy's TG parade with her 6 year old daughter, and I am looking for some recommendations for good restaurants that are kid friendly, but are not awful chain restaurants. They will be staying in Midtown. She is a foodie, but not sure if Babbo is going to be on her list for this trip. Italian is always a safe bet, but she is up for anything. Also, they are looking for a good Thanksgiving Dinner spot. Thanks in advance!

[annandale]

The best place for a foodie with kids is Blue Smoke on 27th Street. Great Barbeque, kids menu, and nice things for kids to do like decorate cookies - run by Danny Meyer. If it's a nice day, buy take out at Eataly and eat in Madison Square Park.

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Blue Smoke
116 East 27th Street, New York, NY 10016

Eataly
200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

[lulumoolah]

Serendipty 3, though it's on the UES. A place not to go - I would avoid Alice's Tea Cup or whatever it's called. There's an UES and UWS location, both of which I had the misfortune to go to (against my will). Horrible food and weird combinations not to mention the creepy decor. I found the Alice in Wonderland murals creepy, partly because of the painted colors used.

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Serendipity 3
225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022

Alice's Tea Cup
102 W 73rd St, New York, NY 10023

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

[gutsofsteel]

The OP said the kid is a foodie. Serendipity is the opposite of what might be good for such a kid. I reccomend Otto or Lupa.

Then again I have taken a 6 year old to Sushi of Gari and a 7 year old to Eleven Madison Park. It really depends on the kid.

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Lupa
170 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012

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

Otto
1 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Gari
370 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10024

[jeffandnat]

Thanks for the posts! I will research Blue Smoke, and an early dinner at Lupa could be the perfect spot. These are all great ideas. I will pass them along.

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Lupa
170 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012

Blue Smoke
116 East 27th Street, New York, NY 10016

[annandale]

You must go early to Blue Smoke to avoid waiting. They only take reservations for groups over 6 people(that might have changed but you should check)

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Blue Smoke
116 East 27th Street, New York, NY 10016

[kathryn]

Blue Smoke takes reservations for parties of all sizes 28 days in advance. They are, however, quite popular.

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Blue Smoke
116 East 27th Street, New York, NY 10016

[rockycat]

My 8 year old LOVED Lupa (she made up return the next night)). Go fig - she also liked Serendipity. I think it was the sheer excess that appealed to her. The adults merely tolerated it as we were guests. I wouldn't consider doing a NY BBQ place with my child as we are Southerners and Danny Meyers or not, we are all major BBQ snobs. Speaking of Danny Meyers, though, Shake Shack was a big hit, not so much for the burgers as for the wild custard flavors.

Some of your choices may depend on where your friends are from. For us, Italian and non-Chinese Asian are always the first choices as we don't have good renditions of either at home

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Lupa
170 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012

[lulumoolah]

Hmm... I think the friend is the foodie, not the kid which is why I suggested Serendipity. Reread the post and still concluded that friend is the foodie. Oh, well.

[kathryn]

It will help more if you can tell us about their preferences (favorite cuisines/foods) and budget. How much do they want to spend, before tax, tip, and wine/drinks for Mom?

[jeffandnat]

Kathryn-
For this special trip, I do not think that budget is an issue. They want to have at least one special occasion meal, where price could be high. It's more about finding a great foodie meal for the parents and something that works for the six year old. I always lean toward Italian with my daughter, as I know there will always be a pasta or flatbread that will work. But the kids also love Dim Sum, and Thai.

[kathryn]

Maybe Maiailino? I've seen kids there at dinner but they're usually a tiny bit older (like 8-12).

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Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010