Always get great info from this site so here goes - coming to NYC Veterans Day w-e with 13-yr-old son. Need suggestions for good restaurants that won't treat him like 2nd class citizen because of age. Last summer we hit Piccilo Angelo and Rosa Mexicana and he loved them! Looking for a good dim sum lunch and maybe pre- and post-theater suggestions. Staying at Novotel, B-way and 52nd. Thanks!

Cindy == I always hit Jing Fong on Sunday a.m. for dim sum. The earlier the better due to crowds and quality of food. It is in Chinatown on Elizabeth Street.

Topping so hopefully I'll get some more great responses!

Carmines in the theater dist. is a popular choice for Italian. Sara Beth's for brunch is always worth a visit [upper west side]

Ruby Foo!!!It is perfect for what you have described. Make reservations. 1626 Broadway @ 49th St. 212-489-5600. Fun, noisy, good dim sum, great decor, and close to the theater. Also, take him to John's Pizza 278 Bleeker St. between 6th & 7th Ave. A pizza legend, in the heart of the village.

The John's Pizzeria recommendation is a good one and there is a more convenient location (from your hotel) at West 44th Street in the heart of the theater district. The food is good for quick pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches. Not gourmet but one of the best coal oven pizzas in town and located in a former church complete with stained glass ceiling. Lots of seating so you can get in and out quickly before or after the show.

Be sure to order the desert sampler at Ruby Foo's. It was one of the most fun deserts I've ever ordered.

My kids loved Jeckyll & Hyde (i think there are two locations-one in Greenwich Village, the other I don't know where) Wait Staff all in costumes, teasing the customers, weird stuff on the walls, very amusing. Also, their absolute favorite was ESPN Zone in Times Square. They actually do some shows live from the restaurant. Theres an arcade on the top floor where you can blow lots of $$ while you wait for a table, but your son will love it. Also, my sons reported TVs in the bathrooms which was, in their words, "sweet." My 12 year old's favorite were the street vendors. He could buy a hot dog for a buck on almost every corner. A four block walk could be a four hot dog walk. Have fun.