Any other "kid friendly" restaurants in NYC for us to try? - Timeshare Users Group Online Community Forums

senorak · January 14, 2006, 03:46 PM

We are heading to NYC next month for a long weekend (DH, myself and 2 kids ages 9 and 10). We've been to NYC several times...and have tried a lot of the family friendly restaurants. While there are a few we'd happily return to.....we would like to try a new one or two. Here's our list of "been there/done that" restaurants:

Mars 2112, Europa Cafe, La Bonne Soupe, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock, Ellen's Stardust, Bubba Gumps, Virgil's BBQ, Alice's Tea Room.

WE are staying at the Manhattan Club....and also heading to the Bronx one day for the tour of Yankee Stadium. Any suggestions?

Thanks. DEB

Malibu Sky · January 14, 2006, 06:45 PM

Serendipity http://www.serendipity3.com/

hudson1126 · January 14, 2006, 06:55 PM

Ditto for Serendipity but only for their frozen hot chocolates. Stopped in this week and found it a bit worn, dreary, food very overpriced than in years past.

And brown bag ( but not from Serendipity) it for a round trip ( fare is free ) on the Staten Island Ferry.

The food court level in Grand Central Station is casual, noisy, and visually stimulating with countless excellent cuisines to choose from. If you are near Times Square, take the "S" shuttle non-stop from Times Square to Grand Central. Easy as can be. Better yet, walk across town or ride one of the cross town buses to see the sights from a different angle.

Someone please explain to me what the magnet is for visitors to patronize over- priced tourist traps.

senorak · January 14, 2006, 09:51 PM

I always thought "Serendipity" was just for desserts/ice cream....shows how much (or little) I know! We walked by the place last year (during President's weekend/the "Gates" exhibit in Central Park)...and the line was down the block to get into it. Perhaps we'll have better luck this year, (not traveling on a holiday weekend...tho it will be superbowl weekend).

DEB

Avery · January 16, 2006, 12:05 PM

I took my kids to Rue 57 a couple of weeks ago. It's around the corner from MC at 57th and 6th. I got to eat tuna tartar and enjoy a nice glass of wine, while the kids had banana pancakes and pasta w/sauce on the side....

wauhob3 · January 16, 2006, 02:31 PM

We have a Mars 2112 restaurant.com certificate. How was it?

Mischelle · January 16, 2006, 03:57 PM

I've been there a few times for Bday dinners.The kids would enjoy the atmosphere. Aliens that come up to you and play around , a space ship ride before entering main restaraunt, etc. I've never enjoyed the food because it always seemed portioned small and overpriced. That was at least three years ago.

Chelle

senorak · January 20, 2006, 07:32 PM

WE went there last year...and my kids (14, 9 and 8 at the time) didn't like it. Granted, my kids don't like "costumed characters" to begin with....but thought the characters at Mars 2112 were "cheesy". Even the younger ones thought it was more for "little kids" and "beneath them". LOL I agree that the food is way overpriced....more like TGIFridays menu at twice the price. I was really disappointed, after hearing the restaurant mentioned so often as a " must do".

DEB

ripleysmom · January 20, 2006, 07:37 PM

Mars 2112 was great when it opened but has gone drastically downhill. You might want to consider Jekyll and Hyde. It's pricey but different.

wauhob3 · January 20, 2006, 08:52 PM

We have a $25 certificate which I got with a credit certificate so we'll be going to Mars 2112 for sure. So if its chessy that's OK. I'll check out the Jeckle and Hyde restaurant too. Thanks.

Avery · January 20, 2006, 10:05 PM

Candace,

Your $25 certificate won't go very far at Mars 2112. At least go for lunch and not dinner. Awful food. Jekyll and Hyde's is awful too, imho, but the kids will at least enjoy the "ambience" and a walk around the place.

bigfrank · January 21, 2006, 12:31 AM

Hi Deb, If your kids like base ball take them to Mickey Mantels. I think there might be a GC on Restaurant.com

senorak · January 21, 2006, 09:07 PM

Great idea, Frank, re: Mickey Mantle's....I had forgotten all about that restaurant. And yes, my kids, especially my son, are huge Yankees fans! He will love it!!!!
I did check "restaurant.com"; but no GC showed up. Oh well....we will still make Mickey Mantle's a stop during our long weekend in NYC.

DEB

ctreelmom · January 22, 2006, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wauhob3

We have a Mars 2112 restaurant.com certificate. How was it?

Last year it was dirty, the aliens' costumes looked like they were WAY overdue for a trip to the drycleaners, the place smelled weird and the food was expensive and God-awful. This was after waiting in line for an hour to get in at 4:00 PM. If you want a theme-y type place I would recommend the Hard Rock or Planet Hollywood instead. Is the All-Star Cafe, where you sit in giant baseball gloves still around?

shoney · January 22, 2006, 01:16 PM

My parents just took my 6 year old son there last week. It is now his favorite restaurant. My mother works in the food industry, dines in the finest restaurants and she was pleasantly suprised at the food quality. Most theme restaurants are not known for there food. I know she had some type of wrap sandwich....probably great for lunch. I don't think I would go for dinner expecting a gourmet meal.

ctreelmom · January 22, 2006, 02:30 PM

Well, it has been a year since I've been there, so maybe they've made some improvements.

January 14, 2006, 03:46 PM	#1
senorak TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 478 Resorts: Shawnee River Village II Sand Pebbles Dikhololo Sea Crest Surf & Racquet	Any other "kid friendly" restaurants in NYC for us to try? We are heading to NYC next month for a long weekend (DH, myself and 2 kids ages 9 and 10). We've been to NYC several times...and have tried a lot of the family friendly restaurants. While there are a few we'd happily return to.....we would like to try a new one or two. Here's our list of "been there/done that" restaurants: Mars 2112, Europa Cafe, La Bonne Soupe, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock, Ellen's Stardust, Bubba Gumps, Virgil's BBQ, Alice's Tea Room. WE are staying at the Manhattan Club....and also heading to the Bronx one day for the tour of Yankee Stadium. Any suggestions? Thanks. DEB

January 14, 2006, 06:55 PM	#3
hudson1126 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 18, 05 Posts: 156 Resorts: Grand Summit Resort Hotel Park Plaza	Ditto for Serendipity Ditto for Serendipity but only for their frozen hot chocolates. Stopped in this week and found it a bit worn, dreary, food very overpriced than in years past. And brown bag ( but not from Serendipity) it for a round trip ( fare is free ) on the Staten Island Ferry. The food court level in Grand Central Station is casual, noisy, and visually stimulating with countless excellent cuisines to choose from. If you are near Times Square, take the "S" shuttle non-stop from Times Square to Grand Central. Easy as can be. Better yet, walk across town or ride one of the cross town buses to see the sights from a different angle. Someone please explain to me what the magnet is for visitors to patronize over- priced tourist traps. Last edited by hudson1126 : January 20, 2006 at 11:16 PM.

January 16, 2006, 02:31 PM	#6
wauhob3 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Valparaiso, IN Posts: 839 Resorts: Christmas Mountain Village Villa week 27 and 30	We have a Mars 2112 restaurant.com certificate. How was it? __________________ Candace

January 16, 2006, 03:57 PM	#7
Mischelle Guest BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Brooklyn, N.Y Posts: 111 Resorts: fairfield Star Island Resort and Spa- 3br Embassy Vacation@Grand Beach-3br	I've been there a few times for Bday dinners.The kids would enjoy the atmosphere. Aliens that come up to you and play around , a space ship ride before entering main restaraunt, etc. I've never enjoyed the food because it always seemed portioned small and overpriced. That was at least three years ago. Chelle Last edited by Mischelle : January 16, 2006 at 04:00 PM.

January 20, 2006, 08:52 PM	#10
wauhob3 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Valparaiso, IN Posts: 839 Resorts: Christmas Mountain Village Villa week 27 and 30	We have a $25 certificate which I got with a credit certificate so we'll be going to Mars 2112 for sure. So if its chessy that's OK. I'll check out the Jeckle and Hyde restaurant too. Thanks. __________________ Candace

January 14, 2006, 06:45 PM	#2
Malibu Sky TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Posts: 595 Resorts: Desert Breezes in Palm Desert, CA; Sweetwater @ Park City, UT	Serendipity http://www.serendipity3.com/

January 14, 2006, 09:51 PM	#4
senorak TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 478 Resorts: Shawnee River Village II Sand Pebbles Dikhololo Sea Crest Surf & Racquet	I always thought "Serendipity" was just for desserts/ice cream....shows how much (or little) I know! We walked by the place last year (during President's weekend/the "Gates" exhibit in Central Park)...and the line was down the block to get into it. Perhaps we'll have better luck this year, (not traveling on a holiday weekend...tho it will be superbowl weekend). DEB

January 16, 2006, 12:05 PM	#5
Avery TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 16, 05 Location: New York Posts: 1,182	I took my kids to Rue 57 a couple of weeks ago. It's around the corner from MC at 57th and 6th. I got to eat tuna tartar and enjoy a nice glass of wine, while the kids had banana pancakes and pasta w/sauce on the side....

January 20, 2006, 07:32 PM	#8
senorak TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 478 Resorts: Shawnee River Village II Sand Pebbles Dikhololo Sea Crest Surf & Racquet	WE went there last year...and my kids (14, 9 and 8 at the time) didn't like it. Granted, my kids don't like "costumed characters" to begin with....but thought the characters at Mars 2112 were "cheesy". Even the younger ones thought it was more for "little kids" and "beneath them". LOL I agree that the food is way overpriced....more like TGIFridays menu at twice the price. I was really disappointed, after hearing the restaurant mentioned so often as a " must do". DEB

January 20, 2006, 07:37 PM	#9
ripleysmom TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 17, 05 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 52 Resorts: DVC-Boardwalk	Mars 2112 was great when it opened but has gone drastically downhill. You might want to consider Jekyll and Hyde. It's pricey but different.

January 20, 2006, 10:05 PM	#11
Avery TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 16, 05 Location: New York Posts: 1,182	Candace, Your $25 certificate won't go very far at Mars 2112. At least go for lunch and not dinner. Awful food. Jekyll and Hyde's is awful too, imho, but the kids will at least enjoy the "ambience" and a walk around the place.

January 21, 2006, 12:31 AM	#12
bigfrank TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Middle Village, NY Posts: 721 Resorts: Orlando Int18,FLSV IND7,Brassie Knob&Sky Valley GA50,3,7,Flagship NJ38,Telemark WI 25,Hotel on D Cay St Croix,Melia Cozu	Hi Deb, If your kids like base ball take them to Mickey Mantels. I think there might be a GC on Restaurant.com __________________ Join me in the Hot Tub at www.bigfrankshottub.com

January 21, 2006, 09:07 PM	#13
senorak TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 478 Resorts: Shawnee River Village II Sand Pebbles Dikhololo Sea Crest Surf & Racquet	Great idea, Frank, re: Mickey Mantle's....I had forgotten all about that restaurant. And yes, my kids, especially my son, are huge Yankees fans! He will love it!!!! I did check "restaurant.com"; but no GC showed up. Oh well....we will still make Mickey Mantle's a stop during our long weekend in NYC. DEB

January 22, 2006, 01:16 PM	#15
shoney Guest BBS Reg. Date: Jul 8, 05 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 155	My parents just took my 6 year old son there last week. It is now his favorite restaurant. My mother works in the food industry, dines in the finest restaurants and she was pleasantly suprised at the food quality. Most theme restaurants are not known for there food. I know she had some type of wrap sandwich....probably great for lunch. I don't think I would go for dinner expecting a gourmet meal.

January 22, 2006, 02:30 PM	#16
ctreelmom TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Fairfield County, CT Posts: 721 Resorts: Smuggler's Notch, week 30 plus float	Well, it has been a year since I've been there, so maybe they've made some improvements. __________________ We are all angels with one wing; it is when we help each other that we truly fly.

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