Do you have a favorite place to eat in the neighborhood? We asked our readers and compiled great picks for dining out with kids, sure to provide a delicious meal and a fun time for all.
Wherever you go, remember to pack paper and some crayons and stickers…and your patience. One of our dads also supplied this handy tip: Order the kids’ food first and tell the waitress to bring out ice cream with the adult entrées. The kids will be ecstatic—and occupied—while you enjoy your meal. Maybe.
Please note that these are all popular places and may have lines during peak times, so you may want to call before you go.
Bergen County
Country Pancake House and Restaurant
140 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
201-444-8395
They are especially well-known for their oversized dishes, particularly pancakes which come in tons of flavors.
The Kosher Nosh
894 Prospect St., Glen Rock
201-445-1186
This kosher deli is a local institution, with specialties including matzoh ball soup, corned beef sandwiches, and pickles.
Chit Chat Diner
515 Essex St., Hackensack
201-820-4029
This classic diner also serves dishes with a twist, like cheesesteak dumplings and buffalo chicken egg rolls.
Kiku
365 NJ 17, Paramus
201-265-7200
Families will enjoy the classic hibachi fare as well as “knife acrobatics” from the chefs.
Woodstone Pizza Bar & Grill
352 W. Passaic St., Rochelle Park
201-845-7600
Known for delicious, authentic pizza cooked in a wood stone oven, there are also lots of other choices, too!
Cape May County
Erma Deli & Pizzeria
635 Breakwater Rd., Cape May
609-884-0958
Enjoy a pleasant atmosphere with a good selection of deli sandwiches and salads. Some even go as far as to call it the "best diner in town!"
Harpoon Henry's
91 Beach Dr., Lower Township
609-886-5529
Catch the sunset at Harpoon Henry' situated directly on the Delaware Bay. The kids can play in the giant sandbox before (or after) dinner, and even the pooch is welcome at the umbrella tables.
Essex County
Due Amici
450 Main St., West Orange
973-669-0027
This family owned and operated restaurant has everyone feeling at home. Italian specialties include garlic bread, cheese ravioli, and chicken parmigiana.
Nevada Diner
293 N. Broad St., Bloomfield
973-743-9393
This classic diner has a 14-page menu and a patio for outdoor dining in warm weather.
Stony’s
10 Sloan St., South Orange
973-763-3330
Burgers and fries, as well as kid-sized “pup dog” hot dogs are all served in a casual setting. In the summer there’s outdoor seating with a beach theme and live music on weekends.
Toast
700 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair
973-509-8099
Open for breakfast and lunch, Toast offers lots of vegetarian options as well as sweet choices like Bella Nutella, which is Nutella-stuffed French toast. On weekends, make sure to get there when they open at 7:30 am, or be prepared to wait in line.
Hudson County
Pilsener Haus & Biergarten
1422 Grand St., Hoboken
201-683-5465
This lively German beer garden has music, outdoor seating, Bavarian soft pretzels, and Family Fun Days.
Mercer County
Americana Diner
359 US Highway 130, East Windsor
609-448-4477
This place has excellent diner food and fun retro décor. Make sure you don’t miss the legendary homemade bread.
Middlesex County
The Fontainbleau
1050 Stelton Rd., Piscataway
732-981-0090
This bustling diner is open long hours and is great at accommodating large groups.
Le Peep
561 Highway 1 S., Edison
732-819-7666
This spot is best known for breakfast, especially their skillet dishes and gooey buns. Lunch options include sandwiches, wraps, and pasta.
Old Bay
61 Church St., New Brunswick
732-246-3111
For a festive occasion be sure to try this New Orleans-style restaurant, which makes a special effort to accommodate kids and large groups.
Jose Tejas
700 US Hwy 1 North, Iselin
732-283-3883
Enjoy some authentic Tex-Mex and cajun cooking at Jose Tejas (find their additional locations here).
Morris County
The Famished Frog
18 Washington St., Morristown
973-540-9601
Great booths, bright and fun décor, and children get a free kids meal with an adult entrée on Monday nights.
Chimney Rock Inn
800 North Thompson Ave., Bound Brook and 342 Valley Rd., Gillette
Bound Brook: 732-469-4600; Gillette: 908-580-1100
This popular spot specializes in casual American and Italian food. Reservations are only available for groups of 6 or more, and they are recommended.
Nicky’s Firehouse
15 Central Ave., Madison
973-765-0565
You can’t go wrong at this place that serves traditional brick oven pizza with a firehouse theme. There’s also an extensive menu that includes subs, salads, and traditional Italian specialties
Sogo
248 US Hwy. 46 W., Denville
973-784-4981
Table-side hibachi and sushi are both available at this Japanese restaurant, which has modern décor indoors and plenty of seating on the terrace outdoors.
Billy & Madeline’s Red Room Tavern
60 Parsippany Rd., Whippany
973-887-9771
Eclectic nautical décor and a warm welcome await all who visit this neighborhood institution. Their large menu has lots of options from burgers to seafood. Kids leave with Swedish fish and a dollar, usually given to them by Billy himself.
Pompton Queen Diner
710 State Rt. 23, Pompton Plains
973-835-2086
This classic diner has big portions and an equally big menu. If you can, save room for one of the amazing desserts.
Sunset Pub and Grill
425 Beaverbrook Road, Lincoln Park
973-694-8700
Enjoy just what you'd think—some seriously good pub food. From sandwiches and wraps to burgers and pizzas, at the Sunset Pub and Grill you can get just about anything. Watch the planes fly by while you dine!
Passaic County
Red Robin
265 NJ 3 E., Clifton
973-470-9222
They’re best-known for gourmet burgers, but you won’t go wrong trying one of the other choices in this casual eatery.
Union County
Ikea Elizabeth Café
1000 Ikea Dr., Elizabeth
888-888-4532
Best known for Swedish Meatballs, but they also offer plenty of other meal options and Swedish desserts—not to mention a large kids play area, and adjacent furniture shopping, of course.
Joanie’s Café
29 N. Union Ave., Cranford
908-709-7300
This super friendly diner is a local favorite, and owner Joanie always has a warm welcome. Most tables have games, and cartoons are shown on Friday nights. Menu standouts include homemade corned beef and chocolate chip pancakes.
Vicki’s Diner
110 E. Broad St., Westfield
908-233-6887
Right in the center of town, this friendly diner has lots of choices to please everyone. Favorites include the pumpkin pancakes and Greek salad.
Winberie’s
2 Kent Pl. Blvd., Summit
908-277-4224
Go for Sunday buffet brunch, which serves all the usual breakfast favorites as well as weekly specials. The waffle station and dessert table are both big hits with kids, and kids pay their age. Also open for lunch and dinner.
Warren County
Pita Grill and Creperie
66 Mountain Boulevard, Warren
908-753-7482
Feast on homemade meats, pita and French crepes made daily at the Pita Grill and Creperie.
Contributing editor Anna Sandler is pleased to report that her two daughters are pretty good in restaurants. Jealous!
Where are your favorite places to dine out with the kids? Please add to our list!
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