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Best Restaurants near AMNH for Families

1. Alice's Tea Cup

The UWS location of this beloved Alice in Wonderland-themed mini-chain features lovely Lewis Carroll-inspired murals. Before you're seated, the staff sprinkles your kids with fairy dust and offers them fairy wings (although they're on loan, you can opt to buy a pair). The spot specializes in a British-style tea of scones, clotted cream, and jam, but also serves savory sandwiches and salads, perfect for a light meal. For kids, there's a Menu for the Small, or you can order The Wee Tee, which includes a scone, kids' menu item, dessert, and a beverage. Service is leisurely, so don’t expect to be in and out. Also, it's best to make a reservation as the place is often packed, but still, it remains one of our favorite spots for a fancy tea outing with the kids.

2. Carmine's

This family-style restaurant serves delicious Italian food in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for post-museum dining. The extensive menu provides plenty of palate-pleasing options for the whole family, including spaghetti, meatballs, eggplant parmigiana, and a range of chicken and seafood options. For dessert, there's chocolate cannoli, tiramisu, and more.

3. Fred's

Named after a seeing-eye dog, this beloved neighborhood spot is just around the corner from CMOM. A perfect spot for dinner, parents can sip on wine or beer while children color, then everyone can enjoy salads, finger foods, and burgers. This spot is popular with the brunch crowd, too.

4. Good Enough to Eat

The staff here really goes out of its way to please families. The decor evokes a Vermont farmhouse, and the kids' menu offers mini burgers, macaroni and cheese, pasta, and pizza. The homemade desserts are uniformly delicious, and include American classics like pie, fruit crisp, and layer cakes. Good Enough to Eat is a hopping spot for brunch, but beware, it turns its space over to the Greek restaurant Telio Taverna come dinner service.

5. Gray's Papaya

Snappy hot dogs and an array of tropical fruit juices keep this take-out place packed. Its "Recession Special"—two dogs and a drink—costs about $7.50. Waiting for your grub is a quintessential New York experience. As you watch the franks sizzle on the grill, you rub shoulders with a veritable cross-section of the world, everyone from panhandlers to the rich and famous. Warning: Hot dogs are pretty much the only option here, so if your brood doesn't like 'em, skip it. The line often spills out onto Broadway and there is no seating, just counter space, so take your meal and eat in Verdi Square across the street.

6. Old John's Luncheonette

For classic diner food, head to Old John's for omelets, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and old-fashioned desserts like ice cream sundaes. The menu is extensive and even the pickiest eater can find something they like. The decor is sleek-retro, service is friendly, and prices are very reasonable. It's a comforting place to recharge after being on your feet all day.

7. Parm

This Italian diner has a kids' menu full of favorites like chicken tenders and spaghetti and meatballs. Kids can also build their own pastas or sandwiches ("sammies"). Don't forget to end the meal with Parm's famous ice cream s'mores cake.

8. Patsy's Pizzeria

This longstanding institution of pizza serves up the perfect NYC-style pie. It's one of our favorite pizza parlors in NYC. Thin crust, fired to a crisp finish, with a few spots of flavorful char make it a crowd- and kid-pleaser! If you crave something more refined, there's all manner of Italian classics on the menu, too.

9. Peacefood Cafe

This comfy vegan eatery is a great choice for a healthy snack or meal, especially if your family is looking for tasty gluten-free or vegetarian options. There are lots of kid-appropriate choices, including delectable baked goods like brownies and chocolate chip cookies with no refined sugar, dairy, or eggs, plus a variety of smoothies. For more substantial fare, try a panini, pizza, or salad.

RELATED: Best Restaurants near Rockefeller Center for Kids

Kids don't have to be quiet at the lively Playa Betty's.

10. Playa Betty's

The bright flavors of California's coastal scene, infused with plenty of Mexican influences, take center stage at this colorful, lively spot. Street tacos are the main draw here and come in a variety of styles. A kids' menu includes quesadillas, a chicken finger taco, and veggie-forward brown rice bowl. There is ample sidewalk seating during the warmer months.

11. Sarabeth's

Classic American fare is served in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere in this restaurant near AMNH. Brunch is served until 5pm on weekends, so you can follow a museum visit with a stack of fluffy pancakes and a side of crispy bacon. Outdoor cafe-style seating is a plus, too.

12. Shake Shack

Sitting directly across the street from AMNH, this spot is as kid-friendly as they come. The chain's trademark burgers, hot dogs, and crinkle-cut fries are kid pleasing in their own right, but you'll likely have a hard time turning down dessert, too. There is additional seating downstairs, but it's still a struggle to snag a seat at times.

13. Popup Bagels

It's hard to resist the freshly baked bagels at this spot, which are doled out straight from the oven—still piping hot—and served simply with schmears on the side. Schmear flavors rotate on Wednesdays and include seasonal picks like cinnamon sugar cream cheese and chili lime butter or the always available scallion and plain cream cheese. There are some standing tables or you can take your hot bagels to one of the benches outside AMNH and nosh there.

And for Dessert...

14. Levain Bakery

Known for its ooey-gooey, decadent double chocolate-chip cookies, Levain Bakery has two locations easily walkable from our favorite favorite trio of neighborhood museums. Buyer beware: These cookies are gigantic and have a brownie-like texture; they're easily shareable!

15. Mochi Dolchi

For something unique, head to Mochi Dolchi, a pan-Asian inspired cafe and restaurant. Try its unique donuts made from rice flour, or one of its flavored boba teas. It also sells a dessert bubble waffle filled with a combination of ice cream, fruit, honey, syrup, and even cheese.

16. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

The well-known artisan ice cream company (one of our favorite scoops in all of NYC) a perfect stop for a post-museum scoop, especially on a hot day.

Originally published in November 2011.