Take a culinary trip south of the border at these NYC family restaurants offering flavorful Mexican fare that will spice up your kids' dinner routine
It's easy to fall into a lull of less-than-exciting meals when you're feed a family, but when it comes time to kick it up a notch, look no further than these family restaurants serving flavorful Mexican food. Festive eateries like Cilantro provide plenty for the peanut gallery to enjoy while keeping adults interested with spicy and sophisticated dishes; and, as with most Latin American spots, the atmosphere is a whole lot of fun. Rosa Mexicano lets little ones mash their own guacamole tableside and Habana Outpost hosts arts and crafts sessions for families on weekends!
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Cap off a day of exploring the American Museum of Natural History with the family by grabbing a bite at this local Tex-Mex chain. Appetizers like wild mushroom quesadillas ($10) and shredded pork flautas ($8) are perfectly kid-sized. Tots will also love the handmade guacamole. If you’re bored of the traditional weekend brunch fare, try Cilantro’s huevos rancheros ($9) or breakfast burrito ($8).
This eco-conscious eatery serves up Mexican and Cuban favorites like quesadillas ($6–$8), grilled corn ($3.50) and rice and beans ($6.25) in a green environment. The restaurant is solar-powered and you eat with utensils made from corn. Bring your little ones to this seasonal spot on weekends from 11am to 3pm, when they host supervised, earth-friendly arts & crafts projects for kids. Past projects and educational events have included making recycled paper picture frames and releasing ladybugs into the courtyard.
This local chain is critically acclaimed; Martha Stewart herself has given their guac her seal of approval. The Young Amigos menu has tacos ($9.50–$11.50) and quesadillas ($9.50) for the little ones made with market-fresh ingredients. Each kids’ dish comes with a juice box or milk and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For tots with food allergies, there are extensive gluten-free menus for both lunch and dinner.
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