New York City is one of the most child-friendly cities in the world, offering a wealth of things to do that keep your kids happy, from playgrounds and movie theaters to toy stores and of course, the many major attractions all over Manhattan and beyond. But between all that fun, learning and play, where are the best places to grab a bite to eat with your kiddos?

Here are five of our favorite child-friendly restaurants in Manhattan.

Shake Shack

With locations all over the city—including the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side, Grand Central Terminal, Battery Park, Madison Square Park, the Theater District and Brooklyn—this is a handy go-to for child-friendly eating, no matter where you are. The menu may stick to the basics—burgers, hot dogs and shakes—but this is lovingly-prepared fast food that pays close attention to detail and is always a fun environment for families. The fact that this now-booming business started as a single food cart in Madison Square Park is a good indication of the quality on offer at Shake Shack.

Alice’s Tea Cup

With three Uptown locations to choose from (one on the West Side, two on the East), Alice’s Tea Cup is glorious fun for any little girls who enjoy the delicate nature of tea parties and fairy wings, but offers satisfying food options for adults. With a great selection of sandwiches, salads and soups, as well as good breakfast options and a predictably delectable dessert menu, Alice’s Tea Cup is heaven for girly-girls and a delight for any parent with a sweet-tooth. According to InTouch magazine, Nicole Richie and her little ones love the desserts here so much, she has been known to have them shipped all the way to her home in Los Angeles! Call ahead and make a reservation in advance, if you can.
[Read more…]