GO TO:Artie’s Delicatessen

When it comes to staples on children’s menus, there’s nothing more must-have than chicken fingers (or nuggets, or whatever your shape preference). Too often, though, they’re a complete dud—greasy, overcooked, dry yet fatty and lacking that hoped-for crispy crust. But not at Artie’s Delicatessen. Conveniently located on the Upper West Side near the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, this 1930s-era diner transports families back to old-time New York; city memorabilia lines the walls, a blackboard lists the daily specials, and kids have their choice of booth or counter seating. To call the servings at Artie’s enormous would be an understatement—the platter ($9.95) comes with six jumbo fingers and an overflowing, shareable side of fries, while the portion on the kids’ menu has a more modest three pieces and a smaller pile of fries ($6.95). Made from only free-range organic chickens, the all-white-meat tenders are dipped in seasoned flour, egg and homemade bread crumbs, then fried in zero-trans-fat canola oil—a process that keeps the meat juicy while creating an extra-crispy crust. “They’re the top seller among kids,” says general manager Omar Zaras. Looks like the young patrons here know a good thing when they taste it. 2290 Broadway at 83rd St (212-579-5959, arties.com).

Photograph by Sarina Finkelstein

NEXT BEST THING:Heartland Brewery & Rotisserie

While this tourist-friendly, two-floor brewery located in the Empire State Building is typically lauded for its wide selection of beers and ciders and its huge flat-screen TVs, it should also be patted on the back for its high-calorie but oh-so-delicious comfort foods. There’s no children’s menu per se, but the herb-coated chicken tenders with lightly battered crust ($8.25) won’t disappoint even finicky little eaters (or their parents). The honey mustard sauce, spiked with chipotle, does border on spicy, though, so keep the Heinz close at hand. 355 Fifth Ave at 34th St (212-563-3433, heartlandbrewery.com). Visit the website for other locations.

Patty time! | Table talk | Eat with your hands | Dinner theater