NYC Summer Bucket List – Fun Summer Restaurants for Kids
If you have been a longtime follower, you know that we don’t typically go for “family” establishments, instead we prefer great adult-catered restaurants that are ALSO good for kids. (A BIG difference!) Most importantly – we go for good food, good ambiance, and in the Summer months – views and outdoor seating are our everything. Read on for our most-frequented summer favs.
Island Oyster in Governors Island. We love the summer vibes and amazing views of the Manhattan skyline at Island Oyster, the seasonal bar and restaurant on Governors Island. If you haven’t been you MUST add this gem to your summer list. It is gorgeous. Island Oyster also offers a ping pong table, plenty of space to roam, and a (albeit small) children’s menu to curb hungry belly groans. You’ll find us here all Summer. Read more about our previous adventures in Governors Island HERE.
Boat Basin Cafe. The Boat Basin Café is a casual open air treasure overlooking the Hudson River. It has a lovely terrace overlooking the boat filled marina, and the indoor restaurant space resides in a grand arched (and beautiful) pavilion. Super casual and filled with locals and their four-legged friends, it is the perfect place to spend a lazy summer afternoon with the fam.
Gilligan’s. Can’t get to the Hamptons? Bring your little skippers for a brunch at the beach themed Gilligan’s at the SOHO Grand Hotel. Gilligan’s is the ultimate, luxurious, stay-cation experience, and is jaw dropping gorgeous. The restaurant is perfectly decorated in nautical stripes, beach chairs, and island flair throughout (and thus has seemingly been written about in every design magazine in the world!). There is no a children’s menu, but if amazing pizza and a raw bar will do – you’re in for a fun beachy experience with this NYC favorite.
1 Rooftop Garden & Bar. Downtown skyline and gorgeous bridge views await you at 1 Rooftop Garden & Bar, at the beautiful One Hotel rooftop in DUMBO. The restaurant offers a very (very!) limited bites menu, but with options such as guacamole and crudites, to lobster rolls to hotdogs with chips – it has everything you need to feed a finicky fam. After – hit Brooklyn Bridge Park and all of its activities for a perfect summer day in the city.
Shake Shack. Sit outside in the lush surroundings of Madison Square Park and grab a bite to eat at Shake Shack – the mother-ship of the beloved chain, and its first location in NYC. Flanked by the Empire State Building and the Flat Iron Building, and among the gorgeous park fountain and greenery, it doesn’t get better then this. Our go-to when we are in the Flatiron District. (Tip: Avoid the INSANE line by ordering ahead on the Shake Shack app and pick up from the window!).
Brooklyn Crab. Built on two decks in Red Hook overlooking the New York Harbor, Brooklyn Crab is a hub of year-round fun, games, and incredible food. Brooklyn Crab offers the freshest and most sustainable seafood, as well as a great children’s menu with lots of options. Our favorite part is the massive back yard which boasts (FREE!) mini golf, games, and a sand box to play. Eating here feels like you were transported to a Caribbean island. Trust us – you will not want to leave.
Pier A Waterfront Restaurant. For gorgeous sunsets and unobstructed views of none other then Miss Liberty – take the family to the (massive!) outdoor dining area of Pier A Harbor House. Located directly on an East River pier, the restaurant is not only stunning, but at over 28,000 square feet, the chances of you nabbing a seat are pretty great. No children’s menu, but the seafood-heavy offerings could be split with the family.
Stay tuned for more of our Summer favorites as we expand on our NYC Summer Bucket List article series!
