3 Melba’s
On weekend mornings, families join the happy crowds waiting outside Melba’s. The excitement is for Melba Wilson’s yummy Southern comfort grub, but it also reflects the social vibrancy of this sleek corner restaurant in Harlem. Prepare for opulent surroundings and the occasional shock-and-awe expletive uttered by customers (out of earshot of young ones, of course) pleased by the perfectly prepared food: fork-soft, gravy-smothered chicken; mac and cheese that’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside; fluffy vegetable frittatas (don’t be surprised if your kids fight you for the last bite); and potato pancakes with freshly blended strawberry butter. Unfortunately, Melba, a born-and-raised Harlem belle, declines to share her secrets—no matter how many times your adorable six-year-old may ask.
Signature dish Chicken and waffles ($13). Melba’s gets the sweet-’n’-savory combo just right, using only the juiciest buttermilk-fried chicken balanced atop feather-light waffles.
300 W 114th St at Frederick Douglass Blvd (Eighth Ave) (212-864-7777, melbarestaurant.com).H B S

4 Five Front
Park Slope may be the stroller capital of the five boroughs, but Dumbo is pulling a close second. Case in point: This former carriage house, typically thought of as a romantic spot for first dates, is becoming increasingly popular with families. Kids will be wowed by the view of the Brooklyn Bridge—and of the underbellies of passing cars—but make no mistake: The most compelling reason to visit is Chef Paul Vicino’s explosively flavorful food. Your child might not go for the fried, Manchego-stuffed zucchini blossoms with tomato compote or the “duck hash” (shreds of dark meat and cabbage), and he won’t be able to partake of the unusually fine maple margarita. But the oversized, juicy burger and fluffy ricotta ravioli are easy sells—and ample enough for siblings to share.
Signature dish Creamy eggs in a puff-pastry nest ($14). Creamy indeed, these eggs go down more like pudding or whipped cream.
5 Front St at Old Fulton St, Dumbo, Brooklyn (718-625-5559, fivefront restaurant.com).H S

5 Blue Ribbon Bakery
Whether your crew sits in the sun-catching glass box of the main floor or near the 19th-century working brick oven (perhaps inspiring an improvised lesson on culinary history for young diners), the mandate of this cozy eatery is clear: Bread is king. The basket of steaming slices—our favorite is a nutty raisin walnut—is sure to get mouths watering, as are the home-baked hunks in Blue Ribbon’s carefully made selections (including the restaurant’s signature dish; see below). For adults determined to stick with their carb-free diet, the poached eggs—sans bread—are also winning, particularly when paired with peppery chunks of chorizo hash and onions.
Signature dish The Blue Benedict ($15.50). Thin slices of serrano ham and melted Jarlsberg cheese cover silky, firm challah, topped with a perfectly soft-poached egg.
35 Downing St at Bedford St (212-337-0404, blueribbonrestaurants.com).H B S

Look for these icons throughout our Brunch special to help you plan your outing:
H = High chairs, B = Booster seats, S = Stroller-friendly

In this issue:

• The breakfast club
• Sugar shock: Back in the day, a bowl of Franken Berry made your morning. Here’s where to indulge your kid’s more sophisticated sweet tooth.
• Egg hunt: Pizza for breakfast? Woo-hoo! Wean your kids off pancakes at these five savory spots.
• High noon: Waiting lists, long lines: Fuhgeddaboudit. Here are your best bets for a speedy midday nosh.
• Top of the morning: Sometimes only the best will do. Like when you’re hauling three littles ones and all their attendant gear—it better be worth it, right? Here are our Lucky Seven: superior brunch experiences for diners big and small.