Clayster

Posted this same question earlier...but didn't know enough to use the "New York" search topic. Newbie!

Anyway, to the point(s):
We've got 3 adults and a 20 month old along with about 5 pieces of luggage and a couple of carry-ons, and need to get from Newark to E. 81 St.

Have sussed out what a cab would be (with tip and tolls, about $70 - 75. Yikes). Next best suggestion? (Remembering the luggage and baby)

Second question: Got an idea or two for a toddler-friendly restaurant? He's very easygoing and we take him most everywhere, but we obviously won't take him anwhere too high-end. On the other hand, I can't handle Bennigans/TGIFridays without breaking out in a rash. Much appreciated...

ellenem

I think it's time for you to call a private car service. With all the adults, baby, and luggage, you might need a van. Certainly you wouldn't fit in a taxi (well, just barely anyway). It may be a little cheaper. Definitely skip any public transport options. You need door-to-door service.

suzanne

A taxi is still your best bet. Or, perhaps a car service, but that tends to be the same price or a little more expensive. If you were to take the Olympia bus you'd have to pay per person, and it would take you only as far as Penn Station or Grand Central, then you'd have to take a cab the rest of the way. The Airtrain would be a hassle with so much luggage and a baby, and again, you'd pay per person.

On 2nd Avenue and E 83rd Street is Tony's Di Napoli restaurant. Always full of families, and has outdoor seating. Food is served "family-style", i.e., you order a bunch of dishes and share it. People on this site have been recommending this place for ages.

bk3

just in case....

Author: bk3
Date: 04/20/2004, 09:32 pm
Message: A quick look Avis's website makes it seem they now only have NYC to Newark 1 way car rental specials (@$27) but maybe if ya call they still have Newark to NYC like they used to. I can't recall but I know Avis was not alone in this type of 1 way car rental deal. See http://www.avis.com/AvisWeb/JSP/US/e...way_newark.jsp

For food tips of all kinds, there is chowhound.com This link is to the latest baby-friendly restaurant posting

http://www.chowhound.com/boards/manh...es/118629.html

have a great time here in nyc!

Clayster

Thanks for the tips so far. You're kind of confirming what I thought so far: we need something door-to-door (especially since we're new to NYC). Here's what I'm thinking:

We have 3 trips to/from Newark:
1. Our arrival as a group.
2. One of our group leaves a week later.
3. My wife, son and I leave 3 days after that.

Since we need a minivan for the ride in (can't seem to get all the people and luggage in a car), I'm going to suggest to a car service that we'll book all 3 rides with them at once PROVIDING they give us the minivan ride for the price of a car. Thoughts? (Will let you know how my bartering goes...ha...)

Thanks as well for the restaurant tips (IMO, New Yorkers seem to be extremely helpful)...any other info would be appreciated...

jv827

Since you're a self-proclaimed newbie just wanted to give you another tip that will also help you find your posts. If you click on your username (upper left-hand corner or in the message itself), it will bring up all your posts. Have a great time in NYC!

Gekko

Definitely take a taxi or car service to the Upper East Side from EWR. I also suggest Tony's Di Napoli on Second Avenue at 83rd Street. There are dozens of great dining options with outdoor seating on Second Avenue.

Enjoy!