The 21 best kid-friendly and theme restaurants in NYC right now

The young and young at heart alike love this update of the classic soda fountain. The kitchen turns out delicious short-order fare: like 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.

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).

Head down unda at this Australian-inspired “experience,” that, while not designed specifically for children, will certainly appeal to them: the meaty is juicy, the potatoes are creamy, the salads are colorful, and the desserts are decadent. Bonus for parents (and their offspring with old souls): there’s live jazz every Thursday night.

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 everything from the classic Margherita to more adventurous selections like the Nightmare on Moore Street, made with 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.

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 neighborhood joint that has been around forever. Now so beloved, it’s this spot that comes to mind when you hear the phrase "Harlem Shake," –not the 2013 dance meme.

Stop by for a delightful afternoon at this downtown “cat cafe” and you’ll earn major brownie points with the cat lovers in your brood (and if you’re particularly enamored with the feline friends onsite, you can apply to adopt one). While you and your kids play with these purrfect pals, nibble on the cafe’s funky takes on Japanese pastries like the matcha crack pie or the peanut butter miso cookie.

This Brooklyn venue is the perfect place to munch on some meaty–think: baby back ribs, the Pig Beach Burger and its delicious secret sauce, brisket–dishes in a fun picnic-style setting. Kid-friendly sides including mac n’ cheese with Goldfish and house pickles and while the grown ups may prefer the smoked 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.

When street gear and sneaker store Kith opened up shop in Prospect Heights, it added a cereal bar to the mix. The Kith Treats Cereal Bar offers more than 20 different cereals, including classics like Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. 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.

This Asian-inspired 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.

We'll make it easy for you: Take the kids to Shake Shack. This homegrown favorite successfully reinvented the wheel, by introducing juicy burgers (including a “shroom” burger for the non-meat eaters) and thick milkshakes for a new generation. Best of all, a kid can be a kid, and be a little bouncy and a little loud and not throw off the scene.

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 pies, every sweet tooth will be plenty satisfied. If “real food” is necessary precursor to the treats, kids can choose from several different burgers and a variety of sandwiches like the Ultimate BLT on challah bread.

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 out for 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 (or perhaps the 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.

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: choose from burgers made of beef, bison, lamb, turkey, chorizo, and falafel. The signature “Crazy Shakes” are well-curated to youthful interests, with names like The Cotton Candy Shake, Sour Power, Sweet ‘n Salty and The Cookie Shake.

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. You’ll also find delicious sandwiches (think curried chicken salad, black forest ham and gruyere, tuna melts, BLT) and tasty tea service options on the menu.

The kid's menu at this Southwestern-influenced 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).

 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 Italian culture, offering tours, classes and other events that make the experience worthwhile.

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.

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.

At this Union Square-adjacent 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” that’s made to share. The whimsical kids' menu includes such delicacies as the Chocolate Oatmeal Trophy and the Melting Marshmallow Crepe. Sweet tooths, rejoice!