Hello

I am in the process of planning a family (kids 6 and 3) long weekend trip to NYC. Now that I have gotten over the shock of how much our hotel and parking will be, Courtyard Marriott, can you tell me if dining is also going to cost alot. We are from Boston and perhaps the cost will be the same.

Please advise us on family dining options and if we will be shocked at prices.

Thank you.

You've not given us much information about your family's requirements in terms of price, types of food, etc.

Hello

Further information: We are open to Italian, Chinese and American. Looking to spend no more than $24 on an adult entree.

Hope that helps.

Hi
Where is your Courtyard Marriott?
Also, do you have any already-planned activities, such as theatre?

$24 adult entrees are fairly common, but there are LOTS of places that cost less than that.Let's just narrow down where you're going to be spending your time.

Mars 2112, I've heard mixed reviews on it, but the times I have been there the food had been good and those that I have brought to eat there have enjoyed it as well. It's at 50th and Broadway. You start off by going into a short simulator (it is optional...but most I think ride it, it makes the experience more fun that is a spaceship to take you to Mars in the year 2112. There are aliens that walk around and talk to you in different languages. Pretty much under $20 a plate (check out www.menupages.com) The decor inside looks like you're on mars. It's all done in red rockey walls and whatnot...looks pretty good too.

Ellen's Stardust Diner (50th and Broadway) is another fun inside place. The waiters/waitresses sing (although it can be pretty loud) and everything is as if you are in a 50's diner. I've eaten there once, didn't think it was spectacular. It wasn't bad, I just wasn't overly impressed. I stopped by recently this past weekend to have a banana split though and that was good.

After looking at your other post about how safe NY is, I'm assuming your at the courtyard Times Square. Both of these restaurants are pretty close. Both themed, but with younger kids I think sometimes they enjoy the atmosphere more than the food. I myself have enjoyed them

Enjoy your trip!

Walk or ride a bit out of the Times Square area, it is not real New York City, just tourist central.
Let me suggest that you take the kids to Serendipity, on East 60th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. It's a block from Bloomingdale's if that is of interest. Serendipity has pretty good food, burgers, great sandwiches, even some more substantial main courses, but they are famous for their ice cream desserts. They do take reservations--the line can sometimes be long.

Another place with pretty good food is the Brooklyn Diner, 7th Avenue at 57th Street, across the street from Carnegie Hall. They were recently named by a magazine to serve one of the best hot dogs in NYC, but they have LOTS of other choices of food and of drink. They don't take reservations, so for dinner I'd suggest going early.

again depending on where you are staying but Carmines(sp) I think in Times Square has family type Italian. I love Serendipity's but long lines if you do not have reses

You might check the Travel Inn, if you are coming to the city this summer. They have better rates and FREE parking. Another plus is the pool, which the kids will love.

My cousin and family stayed there last summer and loved it. The room was large enough for all 5 of them and the hotel brought in a foldaway bed for one of the kids.

You should not have a problem finding restaurants that fit your budget. I would suggest picking up a Zagat Guide to all the restaurants in the city, that way you have a handy guide wherever you are in the city.

There are 10,000 restaurants in Manhattan alone.

Also some of the places you will want to visit, like the Museum of Natural History have a cafe, for lunch, which is certainly in the budget.

Also you might check www.hotels.com for more suggestions of hotels. Also you might want to know that the prices of hotels in Boston, is higher sometimes than in NYC. Sticker shock has gone both ways, lol.

I hope you have a GREAT time while you are here, and if you need more suggestions, just let us know.

(PS formerly from Winthrop)

Most responders seem to be forgetting that the children are only 6 and 3! I can't offer any suuggestions, but surely there must be better ones for that age group than what have been mentioned.
For example, Carmine's busy, crowded environment is hardly the place for a 3-year-old.

So HowardR where would you take a 3 year old in NYC? No where, but at least Carmines is a bit more family friendly--yes it is noisy and crowded I agree--but do you know of a " Chucky Cheese" in Times Sq, if so please let us know

The Brooklyn Diner on the corner of 57th and Seventh Avenue would be perfect for a family. Pick-A-Bagel, right next door would be an excellent choice for both breakfast and lunch.

Not right in Times Square but a couple of blocks north.

Ollie's for Chineese food in TS would work and of course there is a McDonalds or two in the area.

On 8th there is a food court for lunch just north of 42nd St.

Another suggetion would be Cafe 1 2 3 just off TS on 43rd. They will even have crayons for the kids to color right on the tablecloth. The creme brule will also make a HIT.

Siestalinda, my point is that most of the restaurants suggested prior to my previous comment were geared more to older children--Mars 2112 and Ellen's Stardust Diner, for example.
Actually, the suggestions after my comment make sense--the Brooklyn Diner, for example. If I was taking children that age to NYC (or any city for that matter), I think I'd want casual dining places, like the 57th Street Diner.
Heck, they might even enjoy getting a hot dog from a street vendor!

Wait a minute Howard, are you agreeing with me? Can't be.

I took my child to New York in November (younger than 1) and we loved Carmine's.

We HATED Serendipity. they do not allow strollers in the building, period, and they are NOT friendly, much less kid friendly! Again, no strollers allowed. This was a huge ordeal for us to unpack our stroller and leave it on the street (literally). Dylan's Candy bar, just down the street was better, though they don't offer dinner.

America was pretty fun. I think the address is 9 E. 18th Street (b/w 5th Ave & Broadway). It features a magician and balloon artist who come by each table while you eat. Standard American fare; okay service. If you go there, be sure to scope out the magician and balloon artist as soon as you arrive and ask them to come to your table...it can take them quite awhile to make the rounds at the restaurant.

Sorry to hear you didn't like Serendipity. The stroller issue aside, I've been there with kids of all ages and they seem to have liked it. Maybe going without a stroller would be a good suggestion, the quarters are not spacious.

I was sorry, too! We'd heard such fun things about the place to be very disappointed. It's really hard to travel much of anywhere without a stroller when you have kids 3 and under. The staff was really rude, too--not to us specifically, but to most of the people around us. One couple got up and left because they got so mad at being treated rudely. Now that I think about it, that part was sort of entertaining!

America on E18th St is GONE. I walked by recently and took a look, after someone here told me it had gone out of business. The location is now empty, so I am hoping a new restaurant will come and take it's place. It was a fun spot.

GoTravel, have we disagreed that much?

Nah, I'm just teasing you Howard