The best kid-friendly brunch spots in NYC that families will love

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What is it? A New York institution since 1990, Bubby’s has built its reputation on homestyle comfort food made from scratch. Originally a pie shop, it’s grown into a full-fledged brunch destination where families, locals and tourists all crowd in for a taste.

Why we love it: Bubby’s doesn’t just tolerate kids—it embraces them. The lively (albeit slightly chaotic) atmosphere is part of the fun. The staff’s easygoing warmth makes it one of the rare spots where nobody cries over spilled milk—literally. Families can dig into towering stacks of buttermilk pancakes, buttery biscuits with fried chicken, or perfectly poached eggs over sourdough. Comfort classics like matzo ball soup, grilled cheese and mac and cheese feel like they came straight out of a family kitchen. And of course, you can’t leave without a slice of pie, a sweet nod to the restaurant’s roots.

Time Out tip: Arrive early. Bubby’s doesn’t take reservations, and weekend lines move fast but long. Snacks, coloring sheets, and fresh juice help keep kids happy while you wait.

Address: 120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013

Opening hours: Daily 8am–10pm 

What is it? Barking Dog is a casual, family-friendly restaurant with two Manhattan locations—one on the Upper East Side and another in Hell’s Kitchen. Both spots are known for their lively, welcoming atmosphere and a playful devotion to dogs, with pup-themed murals indoors and water bowls on the sidewalk patios. Whether you’re fueling up after a morning walk or settling in for a leisurely brunch, Barking Dog strikes the balance between neighborhood hangout and kid-approved destination.

Why we love it: The menu is broad enough to keep everyone happy. Eggs shine in every form—fluffy omelets, scrambles, and Benedicts—but the options don’t stop there. Salads and sandwiches are great for grown-ups, while kids (and, well, pretty much anyone with a sweet tooth) can dig into griddle favorites. Pancakes and waffles come loaded with fruit, berries, chocolate chips or even topped a la mode for an extra-indulgent twist. All of this, coupled with the dog-friendly outdoor seating and the hum of neighborhood energy, makes it clear why both locations are so beloved.

Time Out tip: When the weather’s nice, sit outside. Kids will be entertained by the steady stream of pups parading by, while grown-ups can linger over coffee or a mimosa in the sun.

Addresses: 1678 Third Ave, New York, NY 10128 (Upper East Side); 329 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019 (Hell’s Kitchen)

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 8am–10pm; Fri, Sat 8am–11pm; Sun 8am–10pm (Upper East Side); Daily 8am–10pm (Hell’s Kitchen) 

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What is it? Serendipity 3 is one of New York’s most whimsical restaurants, beloved by kids, families, and tourists for nearly 70 years. The flagship on the Upper East Side has been serving oversized desserts and playful comfort food since 1954, while the newly opened Times Square location brings the same over-the-top fun to the heart of the theater district. With its quirky décor and fanciful menu, Serendipity 3 feels like part café, part fantasyland.

Why we love it: The signature Frrrozen Hot Chocolate—a massive goblet piled high with whipped cream—is a must-order, decadent enough to share among the whole table. But the menu is far broader than the sweets it’s famous for: omelets, burgers, pastas, sandwiches and extravagant sundaes mean everyone can find something they’re craving. Families especially appreciate the variety—whether a kid wants breakfast for dinner or a burger bigger than their head, it’s all here. The whimsical presentation of every dish makes dining here feel like a special occasion, whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth.

Time Out tip: If you can’t snag a table at the Upper East Side flagship, try the Times Square location—ideal for pairing dessert with a Broadway matinee or evening show.

Address: 25 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022 (Upper East Side flagship); 157 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036 (Times Square)

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri 11:30am–11pm; Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–10pm (Upper East Side); Daily 11am–11pm (Times Square)

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What is it? Sarabeth’s is a New York brunch institution with several locations across the city, but it began as a small bakery and café on the Upper West Side in the early 1980s. Today, it has grown into a beloved brand, but each outpost — there are four in New York City and several more across the globe—still manages to capture that cozy, welcoming atmosphere that made it a household name.

Why we love it: Sarabeth’s strikes the rare balance of being both elegant and approachable—a place where brunch feels like a treat but never intimidating. The menu covers all the basics and then some, from pillowy stacks of pancakes and thick-cut French toast to beautifully poached eggs Benedict. The runaway favorite is the lemon and ricotta pancakes: bright, fluffy and indulgent without being heavy. Prefer something savory? Select from hearty soups, fresh salads or satisfying sandwiches. Families, in particular, find Sarahbeth's a winning choice: kids love the waffles, hot chocolate and baskets of muffins, while parents appreciate knowing they’ll always get consistent quality. 

Time Out tip: Beyond the sit-down meal, the bakery counter is worth a detour of its own—stock up on scones, muffins or the housemade jams (the peach-apricot is legendary) to take home as a souvenir. 

Address: Multiple venues, inc. [Upper West Side, Central Park South, Park Avenue South, Tribeca, Greenwich Village]

Opening hours: Vary by location

What is it? A Brooklyn institution since 1936, Tom’s Restaurant is a family-owned diner that has become a neighborhood landmark. Located on Washington Avenue just a short walk from Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum, it’s the kind of old-school spot where the staff knows regulars by name and the menu hasn’t strayed too far from its roots.

Why we love it: This Prospect Heights mainstay has been serving Brooklyn families since 1936, and walking in feels like stepping back in time. The retro diner setting—with counter stools, vintage signs and a wall of cozy booths—hasn’t changed much in decades, which is exactly why regulars keep coming back. The menu is as diverse as the city itself: stacks of pancakes with flavored butters, chocolate cake French toast, huevos rancheros, omelets and mile-high burgers. And then there are the milkshakes—thick, old-fashioned, and impossible to resist. What really sets Tom’s apart, though, is its hospitality. While you wait for a table (there are no reservations), staff will often pass around free coffee, cookies or orange slices—a small but memorable gesture that makes families feel right at home.

Time Out tip: After brunch, head to Prospect Park—it’s just around the corner and the perfect way for kids to burn off a pancake-fueled sugar rush.

Address: 782 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening hours: Daily 7am–4pm

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What is it? This Upper West Side café mainstay has been serving hearty American comfort food since the early 1980s. With its corner location, cheery atmosphere, and portions generous enough for sharing, Good Enough to Eat has become one of the city’s quintessential neighborhood brunch spots.

Why we love it: Dining here feels less like going out to brunch and more like sitting down at Grandma’s table. Pancakes and waffles come with the restaurant’s cult-favorite strawberry butter, a sweet touch so good regulars buy it to take home. The menu is loaded with old-school comforts: buttermilk biscuits, fluffy omelets, bacon-stuffed waffles, and thick-cut French toast. Adults can indulge in savory plates like smoked salmon with goat cheese, juicy burgers or crisp salads, while kids head straight for the sweet breakfast options. Sunlight fills the cozy dining room, and the chatter of neighborhood regulars makes it feel lively without being overwhelming. And with Central Park and the Museum of Natural History just blocks away, it’s a perfect launchpad for a day of family fun out on the Upper West Side.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the strawberry butter—it’s so good you’ll want to buy a container to take home. Try it on pancakes, waffles, or spread thick over warm biscuits.

Address: 520 Columbus Ave (at 84th St), New York, NY 10024

Opening hours: Daily 7am–4pm

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What is it? Known for its fresh, seasonal comfort food and family-friendly vibe, this Upper West Side haunt has been a neighborhood favorite for years.

Why we love it: Community Food & Juice is one of those spots where parents and kids can both find something they love without compromise. The bright, airy dining room makes it a pleasant place to linger, even with strollers in tow.

The menu itself is quite egg-heavy (think: savory quiches, fluffy omelets and biscuit sandwiches), though families will especially love the yummy sides. The crispy potato pancakes, served with caramelized applesauce and a generous dollop of sour cream, turn an ordinary brunch into a cozy, homey celebration (Hanukkah or not). For little ones, there’s a kids’ menu filled with familiar favorites like grilled cheese, chicken fingers and pancakes. Wash it down with a glass of fresh-squeezed juice or smoothie, or, for mom and dad, a mimosa.

Time Out tip: This place fills up quickly on weekends, especially with Columbia students nearby, so plan to come early or during off-peak hours.

Address: 2893 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11am–9pm; Sat, Sun 9am–9pm

What is it? Sweet Chick is a soul food favorite that turned fried chicken and waffles into a New York brunch essential. The original Williamsburg and Lower East Side outposts quickly drew cult status, and today the brand has grown to five locations across the city. 

Why we love it: Sweet Chick leans into Southern hospitality from the moment you sit down, offering generous portions, friendly service and a laid-back vibe that puts families at ease. The star of the show here is, of course, the chicken and waffles, though these have a fun twist with the addition of rotating butters and syrups to keep things interesting. The atmosphere is just as fun as the food, with a lively playlist that sets the scene for a fun-filled family meal. Beyond the chicken and waffles, kids can dig into pancakes or mac and cheese, while parents branch out with Nashville hot chicken sandwiches or one of the ever-changing waffle experiments. Nobody leaves hungry—and that’s the whole idea.

Time Out tip: There's all-day service for those impromptu pancake runs.

Address: Multiple venues, inc. [Williamsburg, Lower East Side, Prospect Heights]

Opening hours: Hours vary

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What is it? Friend of a Farmer is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been serving farm-fresh goodness in New York since the 1980s. With its rustic charm and homey East Village setting, it feels more like a countryside inn than a Manhattan brunch spot. Exposed brick walls, cozy nooks, and the aroma of pies baking in the oven create an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and timeless.

Why we love it: The promise of a hearty, farm-inspired brunch right here in the Big Apple is reason enough to get the entire family out of bed early. Eggs are the backbone of the menu—you’ll find fluffy omelettes, savory scrambles and florentines, each made with care. But that’s only the beginning. Sandwiches and crisp salads offer balance, while kids and kids-at-heart can dig into griddled favorites like Carrie Dee’s buttermilk apple pancakes. There are also kid-friendly picks like grilled cheese and chicken fingers served alongside fresh apple cider. And don’t forget the pastry case: brimming with sweets like chocolate–peanut-butter pie and irresistible fruit tarts, it’s a sweet finale that makes this spot feel like a special outing every single time.

Time Out tip: Brunch here is popular and reservations are accepted, so keep refreshing Resy for your best chances at snagging one.

Address: 77 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003 (Gramercy); 68 W 71st St, New York, NY 10023 (Upper West Side)

Opening hours: Daily 9am–9:30pm