New York City with kids
 

Mid January we are planning a trip to NYC with our 2 sons 7yrs. and 4 yrs. old. I'd <BR>love suggestions on restuarants to eat at <BR>with the kids around Rockerfeller Center, <BR>SoHo, Upper West Side, and around Radio <BR>City Music Hall. We'd love any help you <BR>can give us!

I haven't beenthere and the food is probably the usual far that's served at theme restaurants but there is a place called "Mars 2020" (or something along those lines) not far from Radio City Music Hall. It has a space theme and seems quite popular for touriusts with children in that age bracket. I've also seen "Jekyll and Hyde" recommended for similar reasons but it might be targeted at slightly older kids. There is a backstage/behind-the scenes available at Radio City Music Hall that might be worth considering also. I'd take the whole crew down to Chinatown and just wander around, checking out the shops with bins of fresh fish and jars full of mysterious spices. It's free, fun and quite intriguing for people of all ages.

As a NY mom I can tell you that Mars has terrible food & your 4yo may find J & Hyde scarry; they also make you wait a long time...I hate it! The only theme restuarant I'd suggest is Ellens Stardust--53 & broadway (50's theme, sining waiters). Go to Pizza Joint 2 on W. 71; EJs Luncheonette --73 & 3rd, 81st & Amsterdam, 9th st & 6 ave, Dallas BBQs, zillions of good chinese restaurants , east in chinatown--very colorful, L'Ulivio in Soho. Zagat's is pretty reliable.

Serindipity 3 near Bloomingdales is a fun place for kids-whimsical decor and lavish desserts. On the Upper West Side Sarabeth's is pleasant and has good food(especially breakfast). Tuscan Square in Rock. Ctr. Lunch at the counter of the Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station is something kids might enjoy. Just beyond Soho in Tribeca Kitchenette is a tiny place with great comfort food. <BR>I agree that you might look in Zagat's Guide they have listings in the back of places that are good for children, or look on their web site. <BR>Another suggestion-Boathouse at Central Park.

John's Pizzeria in midtown (walking distance from Rockefeller Center & Radio City Music Hall). 260 W. 44th St. Great pizza. They have a few other locations too, one on upper west side at 48 W. 65th St.

Take them to a restaurant called "FIRST" on 1st Ave. Have them order the s'mores. They'll get their own hibachi, marshmallows, Hershey bars, graham wafers, and they'll toast their marshmallows and assemble the smores for themselves. My kids loved it!