I went to their website and don't see a kids' menu -- does anyone know if they have one?

Also, I understand that we can only make a reservation if we are having food (as opposed to dessert) -- is that right? Any other limits (# of people, etc)?

Where?

I think it's in NYC, as I recall Rachael Ray going there and having there frozen hot chocolate:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...pity-BR-1.html

lisette, I am almost positive that Serendipity has a kid's menu. The last time I was there I could swear I saw a little girl eating a bowl of mac/cheese.

Please, please DON'T go to Serendipity. I honestly do not understand the appeal--maybe for a child. I have a friend who always insists that we have lunch at Le Train Bleu in Bloomingdale's (horrible, horrible, horrible food!!), then on to Serendipity for dessert. It is like having root canal without Novacaine. The
wait is ridiculous, with plenty of pushing and shoving.

The last time I was there, a woman from Pittsburgh was standing next to us. She had seen an episode of OPRAH, where Oprah raved about Serendipity. I was forced to listen to this woman go on and on and on and on and on about how she went to a charity luncheon and sat next to Teresa Heinz Kerry.

I would rather drink cyanide than go through that again.

Wow, Margie. I guess you didn't like it, huh?

The only reason we were contemplating going is that we will be a group of 4 moms and 6 little girls, coming from a children's version of The Nutcracker. I thought the kids might enjoy it.

I personally think you should go. I think you would all enjoy it as a special treat after such a nice show.

I have heard that you can only make a reservation if you are eating, but can't confirm that.

If you can't make a reservation, do be prepared for a possibly long wait.

I cannot remember a "kids menu" but actually , most of the food is kids sort of food.
Foot long hotdogs, mac and cheese, burgers and sandwiches as well as more fancy stuff.
We took our children to Serendipity all the time for years and years, we used to have birthday parties for them there, we lived nearby and it was one of our favorite spots for afternoon tea also.
Like most places that have become popular over the years as a Tourist attraction instead of just a neighborhood restaurant, Serendipity has lost a lot of appeal due to the crowds and lines and general mob scene every night, but it is still, IMO, worth going to.
You cannot choose who will be in the room or at the table next to you, anywhere you go these days, so if you don't want to deny yourself, for fear of having to deal with other tourists, go and see for yourself.

There is no kids' menu at this over-rated and over-priced joint.

What about Alice's Tea Cup after the Nutcracker. Much more geographically desireable.
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...12&cuisineid=0

If the girls eat Mexican, Rosa Mexicano (where they make guac at the table) might be fun too.

There's no special kids menu but most of the food is what kids like. And there are no reservations (and usually a multi-hour wait) unless you want a whole meal.

Frankly, IMHO a waste of time and nothing to write home about - unless you have small kids that are adamant about going there. (With kids I would do Ellen's Stardust instead - basic OK diner food and singing waitstaff - and doesn't take 4 hours out of your day.)

this is clearly a contentious issue, but the OP seems to have her heart set on serendipity.

i personally (F, age 27) LOVE,LOVE, LOVED serendipity when we went to NYC last fall. we saved it for dinner after a busy, long day and after watching the sun set in central park. it's so whimsical and the food is tasty, in my opinion. a bit pricey, yes, but the decor and the gift shop is great.

i would give it an A+ in terms of being a "must do" in the city, especially if you have a bunch of girls!

I agree with those who believe Serendipity is a waste of time. I understand why one would go there if one lived in the neighborhood, especially if one had a craving for a bucket of ice cream dumped into a sundae cup... (I still wouldn't go).
Mclaurie's and nytraveler's suggestions are good. There is a candy store called Dylan's Candy Bar (owned by Ralph Lauren's daughter) can be a lot of fun for kids and down the block from Serendipity. No food but a fun place for kids. www.dylanscandybar.com

If you want a chocolate experience,visit Max Brenner's, Chocolate by the Bald Man near Union Square. Heavy on chocolate concoctions, plus regular food and drink. Chocolate pizza, anyone?
Here's a link:
http://www.maxbrenner.com/home.aspx

i'm from nyc but i still love going there at least once a year. the line is long but we always shop at bloomies while waiting. great frozen hot chocolate and strawberry cheesecake.

Iagree Max Brenner's is the NEW Serendipity. Please take your advice and don't bother, the food is not great, the place is C R O W D E D this time of year and the wait is LONG.

California Pizza would be a better choice and it is next door, better food and very kid friendly.

An even better idea would be Ellen's Stardust Dinner on Broadway. VERY kid friendly with singing wait staff and the line won't be long, if at all. Also there is the Hershey Store, and the NEW, BRAND NEW, M&Ms store just a block south, and the kids will go nuts there.

Since you are going to be on the west side for the Nutcracker, (which is always wonderful), it would be easier to stay on the west side after as well.

Have a WONDERFUL time.

I would go! But that's just because I didn't get to this summer. We went on a random Thursday afternoon, about 2pm, and the wait was 2-3 hours. So we left. I wouldn't go unless I had reservations for food.

Alice's Tea Cup would be just as good though!

Another vote for Alice's Tea Cup. There are a few around town. One on the west side, believe 70-something street; on the east side, 60-something... and in the Village?

It's rather refreshing seeing young ladies enjoying tea, scones, sandwiches and other goodies, in groups coming from school or with their moms or aunts. And, yes, men do show up here.

Or blow it all at Dylan's for a total sugar high! A click down the road from Serendipity.

How about the cafe in American Girl?

The food in American Girl Cafe is terrible (I have eaten there 4 times!) but girls LOVE it! Serendipity is a total waste of time and money. Ice cream is ice cream! At least the American Cafe takes reservations and is fast. If you can't get reservations, don't worry, 3 of the 4 times we did not get reservations and we got in with cancellations. With ten people I would suggest Moms at one table, girls (and dolls) at another. FYI..the bookshop at American Girl has great stuff at sensible prices. Very clever marketing and you can spend a fortune at American Girl on clothes for girls and dolls. With 10 people how are you planning to get around town? Maybe you can squeeze into 2 cabs (illegal) but some cab drivers will do it with kids.