lunch in theatre district with 9 year olds
 

I am looking for a restaurant to bring two nine year old girls before the theatre. However, I do not want to eat at a theme or chain restaurant. Any suggestions? The girls are not adventurous eaters, they eat chicken, pasta and burgers. Thanks.

If they like pizza, there is a branch of John's Pizza on West 44th. John's makes some of the best pizza in NY, pies only though.

If they'll eat Chinease, Ruby Foo's has a location on Broadway and 49th.

You might try Joe Allen's on West 46th Street or Virgil's BBQ on West 44th.

Carmine's could be fun -- family-style Italian. Also the big Chinese restaurant, what's the name?, where you can watch them make the dumplings.

I believe the above poster is referring to Ollies Chinese Noodle House (next door to Carmines).

These are all excellent suggestions for the 44th-46th st area. The portions at Carmine's are huge though so beware. The Chinese place you're thinking of is, I think, Ruby Foo's lisettemac, that Ryan mentioned. I'll also add Sam's on 45th between broadway & 8th for burgers or pasta.

If your theater is further uptown (ie Hairspray) Island Burgers & Shakes on 9th ave betw 51-52 is not attractive but very good for-burgers & shakes.

Sounds like my son! I agree, that John's makes a great pizza. Another possibility is Vernon's BBQ. There are also many deli's around where you can sit down and have a sandwich (it doesn't have to be the big restaurant type delis, but just little places with some seating available). There's a very good Italian place on 9th avenue called Cascina (I think near 46th st). It has pasta and also a brick oven for pizza. They offer a 10% discount if you show them your theater ticket.

Just realized, I put the wrong name, it Virgil's BBQ not Vernon's.

For two little girls you have to go to The Stardust Diner. It's on Broadway around 49th ST.

It's a 50's style diner and all the servers sing and may get the girls up singing with them.

The food is pretty good fare, burgers, sandwiches and shakes, soda, etc and the prices are reasonable.

Hope this helps, have a GREAT time.

I'd suggest Un, Deux Trois (123 W 44th St.). Something for everyone on the menu *and* you can draw on the tablecloth!

Ollie's! That's the one! Thanks.

How about Sardi's? I haven't been in a while, so can't testify about the food recently, but it's a fun restaurant. It's the one with the caricatures all over the walls of famous people. If your girls have seen "Muppets Take Manhattan", there's a scene in that movie in Sardi's. Kermit's picture is actually in the restaurant. :) It's a little nicer restaurant, but a fun experience.