Kid Friendly restaurant by Madison Sq Garden?

[MrsReber]

My mom and I are taking my kids into the city next month for a show. I need somewhere fun to take them for lunch. I used to work in the city, but I haven't been there for a good 4 years (kids will do that to you!) so I'm not sure what's right in that area that they might enjoy. I don't want to go too far with them since they're going to be wiped out in no time.

Does anyone know of anywhere that we could go that would be fun for them and more interesting than McDonald's for me and my mom?

[mlynn]

Susan--

I'm sure you're looking for a tried and true recommendation from somebody who's actually been there, but since those people haven't chimed in yet...

we just got back from the East Coast yesterday. We had toyed with taking DS to the city one day, but it didn't work out. I got a lot of information about places to eat at this website http://www.newyorkmetro.com/urban/guides/family/food/listings/manhattan1.htm Maybe it will help.

BTW, I thought of you and your family when we were in New Jersey--we landed in Newark, then went to Mahwah.

[MrsReber]

Sorry you had to land in Newark! It's certainly not the prettiest place in NJ. I come here to work everyday. We're about 15 minutes from the airport.

Thanks for the link. I was kind of surprised that nobody chimed in. I want this to be fun for the kids and not too difficult for me and my mom.

[paula]

Susan,

I asked about NYC restaurants in a thread in late August. (See http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61878&highlight=NYC+and+kids) I didn't get many specific restaurant recommendations, but several people suggested other websites. One of the sites was www.urbanbaby.com and another was www.gocitykids.com. Maybe you will find one of these helpful. Enjoy the Wiggles - I hear that they do a great show.

Paula

[gertdog]

Susan, in my experience there just isn't a lot around Madison Square Garden. There's some fast food and a Lindy's (I think) right across the street, but nothing particularly kid-friendly or fun. We've gone to several events at MSG and have always ended up trekking elsewhere for meals.

If you have the time and inclination to take a short cab (or subway) ride up to Times Square, you might find more family-friendly stuff there. There are a few listings in the "Midtown" section of the Urban Baby restaurant recommendations that fit the bill- I've never heard of Mars 2112 but it sounds like fun!

Urban Baby restaurant recommendations (http://newyork.urbanbaby.com/community/kidseatout_main.html)

[MrsReber]

Actually, I went to that site that mylnn posted and found a cute dog themed restaurant a few block away. It's on 34th and 3rd. I used to work right in Times Square and I didn't want to trek up there with the kids. I'm a bit paranoid about taking them for a cab ride. Those drivers scare me plenty! Hopefully the weather will be nice.

I will check out the other links to see if there's anything else listed. I know there's a Friday's right there (or there used to be) and there's always Houlihan's in Penn Station. I was just trying to find something a little out of the ordinary.

Paula, the kids are so excited about taking the train to see the Wiggles. I may have told them a bit too early! I'm excited to see them. We have a video that has a portion of a live show on it. It looks like so much fun. And to think, I used to be excited about tickets to Eric Clapton and The Who. I have to laugh.

[gertdog]

Is it the Barking Dog? We went to their Upper East Side location and it was good- very kid-friendly, but food for adult palates as well (we had brunch there). Didn't realize that they also have a midtown restaurant. Enjoy!

[MrsReber]

Yes, that's the one! Glad to hear you liked it. Seems they have a restaurant on 34th and 3rd, in a hotel. I just hope we can find it okay. I have the phone number so we'll call first. The woman who reviewed it on line must have had a horrible experience. She gave it a 1 out of 10. Since you are a fellow foodie, however, I certainly value your opinion more.

[MrsReber]

And just wait, Stephanie- this will be you in a few years!

[greysangel]

Susan 34th and 3rd is not exactly close to Madison Square :D If you are willing to trek that far, you may want to check out Times Square or Mars2112 which I've heard is a lot of fun though have never been...distance wise it's not that much different as the blocks going crosstown are longer than ones going up/downtown. Plus you have the big toys r us in that area as well :D There really isn't much around Madison Square. You could walk over a couple blocks to the Macy's area, but it's pretty much fast food type places there as well.

j

[MrsReber]

Jeanne, I did come across the listing for Mars 2112. It sure looks interesting! I do realize the avenues are longer than the blocks. It just seemed like the closest option, other than Fridays. I refuse to bring a stroller along!

[greysangel]

well the good thing is it is literally right outside of the 1/9 subway so you could do the subway as well if you didn't feel like walking it.

j