Here are the best fun restaurants in NYC for kids and families

Brookyn Farmacy is an update of the classic soda fountain. The kitchen turns out delicious short-order fare: imagine a grilled cheese made with good bread and good cheese and griddled to golden perfection. But who are we kidding? The real draw is the ice cream sundaes and ice cream floats and pie with ice cream... You get the point, and if you bring the kiddos you'll be a hero. Plus, after some thoughtful parents dropped a few hints they now serve wine. Carroll Gardens (brooklynfarmacyandsodafountain.com).

New York's first dim sum house opened in 1920 on a rough crook of gang-riddled Doyers Street. After a near-century in business, the family-owned parlor is one of the most atmospheric rooms in Chinatown, with checkered tablecloths over Art Deco tables and vintage lamps—Nom Wah is completely unlike the chaotic banquet halls that dominate the dim sum scene. (The NoLIta location is also nice, if not as fun.) The food, too, stands apart: Try the ultra-fluffy oversize roasted-pork bun, the flaky fried crepe egg roll and the tender stuffed eggplant filled with a spiced shrimp-and-squid mixture. Chinatown (nomwah.com).

Take a tasty walk down memory lane. S’Mac elevates a childhood staple to the gourmet level with a dozen varieties of mac 'n cheese to choose from. The “nosh” size is perfect for kiddie appetites. Or go in the other direction, and order the “mongo” and plan leftovers tomorrow. And the next day. Any variety, from the textbook all-American to the Spanish-accented La Mancha (Manchego cheese yum!), can be made gluten-free or reduced-lactose. East Village (www.eatsmac.com).

Share a pie with the family at this Bushwick pizzeria that offers the classic Margherita all the way to more adventurous selections like the Nightmare on Moore Street, which has taleggio, marinated radicchio, pickled shallots and habanada peppers. Picky eaters can create their own pizza masterpiece with more than 20 different toppings to add to their pie. The original in Bushwick is a family-friendly restaurant with plenty of non-pizza fare, while the busy Manhattan locations in market halls are better suited for a quick pizza. Bushwick, Brooklyn (robertaspizza.com).

Get your kid a Pat LaFrieda burger and a Blue Marble milkshake at this popular Harlem destination that celebrates the neighborhood’s culture. The devoted local following and classic retro vibe makes it feel like the kind of local joint that has been around forever. Pretty soon, this spot will be what comes to mind when you hear "Harlem Shake," and not the 2013 dance meme. Harlem (harlemshakenyc.com).

This Brooklyn venue is the perfect place to munch on some meaty dishes in a fun picnic-style setting. Your mouth will water at the possibilities—baby back ribs, the Pig Beach Burger and its delicious secret sauce, brisket and so much more. Sides including mac n’ cheese with Goldfish, house pickles and smoke jalapeno coleslaw. Added bonus? Pups are welcome in the outdoor space! Grab a table and squint and you can almost imagine the tranquil Gowanus Canal is a tributary of the San Antonio River. Gowanus, Brooklyn (pigbeachnyc.com).

When street gear and sneaker store Kith opened up shop Prospect Heights, it added a cereal bar to the mix. Kith Treats Cereal Bar offers more than 20 different cereals, including classics like Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, more than 20 toppings and multiple milk options. Not only can you make custom cereal combos, but other cereal-based goodies like cereal ice cream swirls and cereal milkshakes are also on the menu. It's so much fun to eat like a kid. Noho and Flatbush, Brooklyn (kith.com).

This Asian chain turns teppanyaki, a Japanese griddling technique, into dinner theater: The flying shrimp is an act that never gets old. Is it corny? Yes! And it's fantastic fun that your kid will love. You might even enjoy it, too. Midtown West (benihana.com).

We'll make it easy for you: Take the kids to Shake Shack. This homegrown favorite successfully reinvented the wheel, and introducing juicy burgers and thick milkshakes for a new generation. A bonus for contemporary eaters is the good-sized veggie menu: There's something for everyone. Best of all, a kid can be a kid, and be a little bouncy and a little loud and not throw off the scene. Various locations (shakeshack.com).

The menu at this whimsical restaurant is sure to delight all ages! From the signature "Frrrozen" drinks like hot chocolate, strawberry supreme and pink ice to the pies, banana splits and pie, every sweet tooth will be plenty satisfied. Kids can choose from several different burgers and a variety of sandwiches like the Ultimate BLT on challah bread. Lenox Hill (serendipity3.com).

What began in the ‘80s as a mobile concession stand has evolved into a go-to BBQ spot for families. There are plenty of pork, burgers and brisket options, but the typical staples are accompanied by selections with flair—creole deviled eggs, bronzed catfish and the smoked portobello sandwich. Littles will feast on sides such as mac & cheese and creamed corn, though parents will want their kiddos to opt for the simmered greens or broccoli chickpea salad (wishful thinking). Harlem and Gowanus, Brooklyn (dinosaurbarbque.com).

The next time you're venturing on a family outing, make sure your kids' American Girl Dolls are in tow. Rockefeller Center's American Girl Place Cafe offers patrons a chance for little ones to dine with their dollies, whether that includes afternoon tea with scones and buns, or a satisfying chicken tender lunch (perhaps Bow Tie pasta for those with a more mature palette). Once you've finished up your meal, let your crew explore the store and find cute outfits and accessories for their BFFs. Midtown West (americangirl.com).

Burgers, shakes (and craft beer for the 21+ crowd). Is there anything else a tried-and-true New York foodie needs? Black Tap channels a classic American luncheonette and gives it a New York twist, meaning it has an edge. The décor is old-school hip-hop and rock & roll, and the food is anything but boring: burgers made of beef, bison, lamb, turkey, chorizo, and falafel, and sides that include Teriyaki Broccoli, Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Mexican Avocado. The signature “Crazy Shakes” have been well-sought after with names like The Cotton Candy Shake, Sour Power, Sweet n Salty and The Cookie Shake. Soho (blacktap.com).

Come for the food, stay for the tunes. This kitschy Times Square diner has singing waitstaff—many of them Broadway actors—will keep the kids entertained while they wait for their pancakes or burgers. The performing servers even take requests. Just think how much your little ones will adore hearing a live rendition of “Let It Go” during their meal. There are also nightly scheduled performances. Times Square (ellensstardustdiner.com).

Consider this your ticket to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. At this cute café, little ones can enjoy service tailored especially for them. Breakfast and brunch are prime time for visits—you can order delicious omelets, eggs, scones, smoked salmon benedict and a variety of pancakes and waffles. On the menu, you’ll find delicious sandwiches (think curried chicken salad, black forest ham and gruyere, tuna melts, BLT) and tasty tea service options. Upper West Side, Upper East Side (alicesteacup.com).

The kid's menu at this Southwestern spot features lots of reasonably-priced dishes, including the famed Frito Pie, which little ones will enjoy eating straight out of the bag. Other old frontier-themed favorites include “corndoggies” and pulled pork sammys, served with French fries and corn on the cob. Finish off a gut-busting meal with the “#1 best dessert ever,” a sharing-sized ice cream sundae that looks like a baked potato. West Village (cowgirlnyc.com).

There’s really something for everyone at this canine-themed mini-chain of luncheonettes: a Philly cheese steak wrap, po boy sandwiches, burgers, hearty salads, fried chicken and special desserts like the Barking Dog Banana Split, Barking Dog Sundae and Chocolate Brownie Sundae. With such a hearty array of pancakes, waffles, omelets, frittatas and wraps, there might even be enough leftovers for a doggie bag. See what we did there? Upper East Side (barkingdog94.com).

If you can’t book a flight to the Amalfi Coast, enjoy a taste of Italy right here in NYC thanks to Eataly—the mecca for all-things pasta, seafood, meats and, of course, gelato. Part grocery store, part restaurant and completely fabulous, Eataly serves as more than just a location to dine if you’re craving pasta—it’s a gateway to the Italian culture and offers tours, classes and other events that make the experience worthwhile. Flatiron and Financial District (eataly.com).

Cereal is a Saturday-morning staple for all kids that oftentimes includes a Kellogg's product. But make no mistake, this Union Square hotspot is no ordinary breakfast outpost. Expect a unique twist on classic flavors you know and love, such as Life in Color (which is a combination of Fruit Loops, lime zest, marshmallows and passion fruit jam). Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi created the menu selection, so you know you're in for something special. But for those with a creative mind (and appetite), use your visit to the restaurant as an opportunity to create your own wonky morning meal. Sure it's a cereal restaurant, but by the time you're through, expect a sugar rush. But no complaints here! Union Square (kelloggsnyc.com).

This New York institution's claim to fame is the rich, fluffy cheesecake, which comes in several varieties like red velvet and devil’s food—but we like to work our way up to the sweet slab of loveliness. Beginning with the perfectly salty-sour pickles and other crunchy bites that are served before every meal, little ones can peruse the appropriately-titled Junior Menu and choose from a selection of kiddie diner favorites like grilled cheese and chicken fingers. Various locations (juniorscheesecake.com).

We know, most New Yorkers avoid Times Square, but this Hard Rock Café is nirvana for little music fans raised on the Beatles and the Stones. While you wait for your table, ooh and ahh over the memorabilia filling the walls: James Brown’s golden suit, Billy Joel’s motorcycle, the doors from the Abbey Road studios and signed guitars everywhere. The music is loud and the beats are rockin’—even the most cynical New Yorkers will be air drumming and chair dancing. Times Square (hardrockcafe.com).

At the Union Square emporium, chocolate-filled pipes weave around the ceiling and decadent confections sit atop the tables. With a menu that instructs guests to "Get addicted, be happy," this isn't a place for self-control. Expect chocolate to show up in some unexpected places, like waffle fries dusted with chili and cocoa powder and a dessert pizza made to share. The whimsical kids' menu includes such delicacies as the Chocolate Oatmeal Trophy and the Melting Marshmallow Crepe (with gummy bears, vanilla ice cream and, of course, more chocolate). Sweet tooths, rejoice! Greenwich Village (maxbrenner.com).