The 19 Best Family-Friendly Places to Dine With Your Kids Right Now
Two of the things Astoria is most known for is its diverse culinary scene and family-friendly atmosphere. From Italian, to Mexican, to classic American, the neighborhood is overflowing with restaurants that cater to both parents and kids. And during this hectic back-to-school time, there is nothing better than a relaxing and fulfilling family dining experience. So, whether you have picky eaters or adventurous little foodies, be sure to visit one of these kid-friendly establishments soon for a great meal that will satisfy even the tiniest taste buds. Here are the best places to dine with your children right now:
Mom’s Kitchen & Bar
It’s only fitting that a place called Mom’s be the restaurant to kick off this list. Known primarily for its fun diner vibes, Mom’s Kitchen & Bar offers customers a great kids’ menu for youngsters as well. Featuring familiar breakfast favorites like chocolate chip pancakes and waffles along with classic kid-friendly lunch options like grilled cheese and a cheeseburger with fries, there are enough options to satisfy your young one. With a vibrant atmosphere and an abundance of great menu options for parents as well, Mom’s is one of the best spots in towns for a family outing.
33-01 31st Ave I 718.267.0142 I eatatmomsnyc.com I 4.0 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Jack Jones
Featuring a cozy atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating, a kitchen that opens at 11am everyday, and an expansive kids’ menu—Jack Jones really is a perfect spot for families. With traditional Irish Pub fare and many great craft beers on tap, parents can unwind and relax at this gastropub while their kids chow down on flatbread pizza, chicken fingers, cheeseburger sliders, or any of the other great choices Jack Jones has on the kids’ menu. Young ones may even want to stop by Jack Jones’ Siopa Beag—a miniature grocery shop offering a variety of candy, snacks, homemade jams, pickles, Irish goods, bread, and locally sourced food—before leaving.
38-01 Ditmars Blvd I 929.424.3180 I jackjonesbar.com I 4.4 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
La Vecina
La Vecina is a dynamic Latin American fusion restaurant & bar with a small kids’ menu that is sure to leave both parents and children feeling satiated. Although their options for kids seem very traditional, with choices such as chicken tenders and cheeseburgers, they can be paired with rice, beans, and maduros instead of the classic fries or chips for a slightly different dining experience if the parent or child wishes.
30-66 Steinway St I 718.433.9399 I lavecinaastoria.com I 4.4 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Butcher Bar
What started as a traditional butcher shop has evolved into one of the best barbecue restaurants in all of Astoria, and one that is great for families as well. Butcher Bar’s Smoke House opened about 10 years ago, three years after they introduced themselves to the public as just a butcher shop. Today, it is a go-to spot for parents looking for a great family meal. Butcher Bar’s kids’ menu is available to children 10 years or younger and offers plenty of great options for kids to choose from. They even offer a separate kids’ menu just for their brunch service. Parents looking for a great barbecue meal that their kids will enjoy just as much as they will need to look no further than Butcher Bar.
37-10 30th Ave I 718.606.8140 I butcherbar.com I 4.0 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Tufino
A favorite pizzeria among many Astorians, Tufino unsurprisingly has some delectable options for their young diners as well. They offer a simple pasta with butter or marinara sauce, Mickey Mouse shaped cheese pizza, and traditional hand-breaded chicken tenders with french fries. With choices like these, parents are bound to receive no complaints from their kids when they take them to Tufino for a family dinner night. And let’s be honest, there are so many exceptional pizzas offered on Tufino’s standard menu that some kids may even find themselves reaching over towards their parents plates for a bite of their meal as well. So be ready to share a couple slices, call it family style!
36-08 Ditmars Blvd I 718.278.4800 I tufinopizzeria.com I 4.1 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Jungly
Jungly is a fun and adventurous establishment that truly celebrates the vibe and energy of New York City, even getting its name from NYC’s “Concrete Jungle” nickname. It also offers one of the more creative kids’ menus that you’ll ever come across. While the food is somewhat similar to what you may find on other kids’ menus—cheese pizza, chicken nuggets, mac n’ cheese, beef sliders, etc.—Jungly puts their own spin on things by naming their menu items after some phrases you might hear from young ones who are dining out with their parents. For instance, instead of ordering chicken nuggets and fries, you would order the “I Don’t Know,” and instead of asking for the buttered pasta, one would request the “I Don’t Want That,” and of course instead of ordering the beef sliders with fries, you would just have to ask the waiter for the “I Want Happy Meal.” Notably, Jungly also hosts Kids Brunches on the weekends which feature live kids DJs and entertainment.
12-23 Jackson Ave I 718.440.9456 I junglynyc.com I 4.1 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Rivercrest
A favorite spot of many locals who reside near Ditmars Boulevard, Rivercrest is a great choice for an easy and simple, yet delicious brunch, lunch, or dinner with the family. Their kids’ menu features popcorn chicken, macaroni and cheese, and grilled cheese—but with a long list of “Shares” and a few creative dessert options, including fried oreos, there is plenty on Rivercrest’s menu that would appeal to their younger patrons. With a 3,000 square foot dining area and sports on the televisions at all times, there is enough space and entertainment available for parents to feel comfortable bringing their children to sit through a complete meal at Rivercrest.
33-15 Ditmars Blvd I 347.808.7887 I rivercrestny.com I 4.2 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
4747
Families should not feel intimidated by 4747’s upscale appearance or their rustic-chic interior. Although their menu prices may be higher than some others on this list, this is still a kid-friendly establishment that is more than suitable for a family dinner night. They offer a brief, yet thoughtful, kids’ menu which includes grilled cheese & kettle chips, chicken fingers, pasta with butter or tomato sauce, as well as beef sliders.
47-25 Vernon Blvd I 718.734.2415 I 4747lic.com I 4.4 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Family Corner Restaurant
As the name suggests, this spot is all about family. Specializing in classic Greek fare and American comfort foods served in an intimate setting with booths and counter seating, Family Corner Restaurant provides customers with a dining experience that feels like home. At Family Corner, they forego flash and gimmicks in favor of good service and delicious, well-prepared food, making it the perfect place to bring the kids for a great meal. Their kids’ menu features familiar favorites like grilled cheese, chicken fingers, and burgers—but their complete menu is full of classic diner dishes that children of all ages are bound to love.
2102 31st St I 718.204.7915 I 4.4 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Brewery Bar & Kitchen
Though the name might suggest this spot is only for those 21 and older, Brewery Bar & Kitchen actually delivers a dining experience that is great for the whole family. It is family owned and operated and they pride themselves on providing the very best of Irish hospitality to all their guests. This is evidenced by their kids’ menu offerings which all come with a scoop of ice cream as well as your choice of a soda or juice. With sports on TV, brunch on the weekends, and a wide variety of craft beer and cocktail selections for the parents, you really can’t go wrong by choosing Brewery Bar as the location for your next family meal.
49-18 30th Ave I 718.777.8007 I thebrewery.nyc I 4.3 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Cronin and Phelan’s
Astoria’s longest standing traditional Irish pub is known around the neighborhood for its extensive menu featuring classic Irish dishes and some of the best pub fare you will find anywhere. From Shepherd’s Pie, to Irish Style Chicken Curry, to Bangers & Mash, there is so much to love about Cronin and Phelan’s menu. And notably for this list, they offer some great options for kids as well. Their kids’ menu consists of sausage and chips, chicken fingers with french fries, burger with french fries, and chicken patty with fries. Cronin and Phelan’s also offers customers a warm and friendly atmosphere that is perfect for families looking to share a meal together.
38-14 Broadway I 718.545.8999 I croninandphelans.com I 4.4 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Trestle
Trestle is a great family-friendly establishment located in the heart of Astoria, which is incredibly accommodating to guests with young kids. They offer kids’ menu staples such as chicken tenders and fries, a simple pasta, and macaroni and cheese. Owned by a 4th generation Astorian, and complete with an ambiance and decor that pays tribute to the NYC skyline, Trestle’s family-friendly vibe comes from the fact that it really feels like a neighborhood staple. Family members should feel at home when they dine together here.
34-02 Broadway I 347.808.0290 I trestleastoria.com I 4.3 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Sotto La Luna
This pizza and pasta bar is truly proud to be part of the neighborhood, and families that visit it will instantly recognize that fact. Their menu is full of pizza and pasta dishes that are appealing to customers of any age. Chiatarra al Pomodoro, which is homemade spaghetti with Italian cherry tomato, garlic, and fresh basil as well as their Pizza Margarita are their most popular dishes for kids. Sotto La Luna is also very accommodating to requests of a simple pasta with just butter or olive oil for children.
34-39 31st St I 631.380.3569 I sottolalunanyc.com I 4.2 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Uno Pizzeria and Grill
Though they are a chain, Uno Pizzeria is still a great option for an easy family dinner night in the neighborhood. This is due to their extensive kids’ menu which features macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, kids cheese or pepperoni pizza, chicken tenders, as well as make your own pizza and make your own ice cream sundae options. If your goal is to find a family-friendly establishment with affordable food that kids will enjoy, Uno Pizzeria is worth considering.
37-11 35th Ave I 718.706.8800 I unos.com I 3.3 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Mad For Chicken
Due to their comfortable ambiance and unique Korean inspired dishes, Mad For Chicken locations have been a go-to for families looking to dine out together since they were first established in 2005. Their menu is full of options that are great for children, including their “Mad Tenders,” macaroni and cheese, popcorn, and sweet potato fries. Families with young kids should look towards their “Family Meals” though. They are available in three different sizes and come with enough chicken to feed the whole family and your choice of different appetizers and sides as well. When trying to find something that your kid will actually eat, it is hard to go wrong with fried chicken.
36-10 30th Ave I 718.433.9272 I madforchicken.com I 3.2 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Tacombi
Tacombi is the neighborhood taqueria that prides itself on sharing authentic Mexican taco culture. It has a simple, yet delicious menu and a lively and fun atmosphere that young kids will undoubtedly love. They offer a kids’ menu complete with crayons and coloring, as well as smaller portions of their tacos and quesadillas.
27-10 43rd Ave I 929.296.0316 I tacombi.com I 4.1 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Milkflower
The importance of pizza, when it comes to finding a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will actually want to eat, cannot be overstated. And Milkflower’s wood-fired pizzas are among the most beloved in all of Astoria. Their favorite offering for their youngest customers is of course their plain Margarita pizza. They also offer a simple pasta with butter, cheese, or tomato sauce for young kids as well.
34-12 31st Ave I 718.204.1300 I milkflowernyc.com I 4.3 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Palermo
Palermo is a family owned and operated business which believes as much in the importance of traditional homestyle cooking as they do in the use of high quality ingredients. Their menu consists of some of the best that traditional Mediterranean cuisines have to offer. For young kids, they offer side portions of their pastas, individual pizza, chicken fingers with fries, and mozzarella sticks. A casual atmosphere combined with their commitment to cooking as if they are preparing a meal at home makes Palermo an excellent spot to take the whole family. Furthermore, their close proximity to Astoria Park makes this the perfect place to visit before or after your next family outing or event at the park.
23-92 21st St I 718.267.0010 I palermoastoria.com I 4.3 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Oliver’s
Known for its fresh takes on classic dishes, Oliver’s features a vast and creative menu with something for every member of the family. They have a kids’ menu available but their standard kitchen menu also features kid favorites such as tater tots, fries, burgers, mac & cheese, and pretzel sticks. Having been a fixture in the neighborhood for over a decade, Oliver’s is also a favorite for brunch, served on weekends until 4 PM. It is also worth noting that Oliver’s offers a private party room, which may just be the ideal spot for your next family event.
37-19 Broadway I 718.806.1476 I oliversastoria.com I 4.1 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
