Dining near Fitzpatrick Hotel with small children
 

Hi All-

My cousins are in from CA next week, and we're going out to dinner on Monday evening (fairly early). They're staying at the Fitzpatrick Hotel on 44th & Lex. I'm looking for a restaurant nearby to the hotel that will be amenable to children but not necessarily a "kids place" where it's very noisy and chaotic. My Goddaughter is 5 and quite well-behaved in restaurants, the other is a 2-month old baby.

Normally I can pick a restaurant in a pinch but dining with children is not something I do everyday and I'd like to make this as easy as possible. Thanks!

How about Rare at Lexington and 37th (in the Shelburne Murray Hill Hotel). That's within pretty easy walking distance of the hotel, and it specializes in hamburgers (very kid-friendly to me), and it's not horribly expensive. The one thing I don't know for certain is whether or not they accept reservations, but on a Monday I don't know if that will be a problem.

Doug that sounds wonderful, I will look into it. Thanks!

They are right across from Grand Central. Metrazur is very good food and while not really a kids place, they would be able to get some pasta. Looking down onto the main area of Grand Central and watching the people is very entertaining.

Even more kid friendly is Junior's on the lower level.

Thanks McLaurie... I saw Juniors and noticed their cheesecake specialty..just wasn't sure if we wanted to brave GC around rush hour (6-6:30 p.m. with strollers.

And Junior's (though I do like the food) is incredibly cramped. The Mexican restaurant (can't remember the name) might be a better choice.

Thanks Doug - good to know. Is the Mexican place in Grand Central?

The Mexican place is called Zocalo. If you're going early, especially on a Monday, you should be fine. Although, space is tight both outfront and "inside."

The one negative is getting baby up and down the stairs at Grand Central. I don't remember how easy it is to find an elevator.

OK thanks Ryan. If we don't do Rare, then I'll keep looking around :)