Here are some restaurants you might not be bold enough to try that might surprise you- some gems to consider....
Disclaimer: We tend to eat dinner with the kids early (before 7:30 p.m.), so I can't vouch for these recommendations after that time! Also, these are not necessarily KID restaurants-- no toys, games, flashing lights, etc., but they are FRIENDLY to kids- either they have good food for kids or the staff is very accomodating.
American
121 Restaurant, North Salem, NY
I know, now I am pushing it-- 121 is a killer restaurant and bar with my favorite food in Westchester-- great American fare with delicious appetizers (try the hoison wings or duck spring rolls) and gourmet pizza with such special toppings as tuna with wasabi or truffle oil and mushrooms (although you can get a good plain margherita pizza for the kids too). Take the kids VERY early or sit downstairs in their less formal pizza area and you can enjoy an adult meal with happy little people on the side. Just FYI-- this is our most adult recommendation so be prepared-- the little bag of toys is definitely a good idea here. 914-669-0121.
The Blazer Pub, Purdy's, NY
The Blazer Pub harkens me back to college days with the feel of its dark bar, juke box, and bar games. They serve the best burger in Westchester County with thick potato slabs and blooming onions to top off the menu. Not a good one for the diet, but if you're looking for a beer and a burger, this is the spot to hit. Despite the bar atmosphere which could be deemed inappropriate by the faint at heart, this is as family-friendly as you can get. It is loud, crowded, and no one will notice your baby dropping things! Go early or call ahead if you have a large group-- The Blazer is often packed, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. The kids will love the games and the juke box, so bring your spare quarters. 914.277.4424.
Cosi, Mount Kisco, NY
Cosi is an excellent place for lunch or dinner. The food is delicious, although I have to say some young children think the special bread is too hard. Lunch is fun and different when you are tired of fast food, but the lines can be difficult-- I would recommend this more if you have older children (over 5) or really young ones (who don't eat or move yet) during lunch time. At night though, they turn the restaurant into a sit down pizza-type place- which is great- if you go early (before 7:00 p.m.), the lines are short and the service is fair. They play loud music, so no one notices the kids, and the specialty pizza, salads, and appetizers are good and definitely more interesting than the usual pizza fare.
914.242.4881.
Route 22, Armonk, NY
A classic kids place, they have a menu full of burgers, macaroni, and chicken fingers. Coloring menus and crayons at the table, vintage cars and swag hanging from the ceiling. Not a quiet dinner for the romantic at heart, but it will certainly amuse the kids. 914.765.0022.
Asian Flavor
David Chen's Chinese Restaurant, Armonk, NY
An excellent Chinese in Armonk. The food is great, the service is fine, and they have a whole room dedicated to kids! There are no toys here and they have a fairly nice dining room-- but they do have a huge television which plays cartoons, and several large fish tanks for little ones to look at. Make sure you specify that you want to sit downstairs in the children's room- the upstairs is less
kid-friendly. If your kids are squeemish about trying new things, order the sesame noodles (aka peanut butter noodles) and the sweet and sour chicken with sauce on the side (aka chicken fingers)-- it's certainly worth a try anyway. By the way, their delivery service is fast and fantastic- and I know that they deliver as far as Bedford/Mount Kisco faster than the local guys! 914.273.6767.
Mount Fuji Japanese, Mount Kisco, NY
Kids will be charmed by the great seating arrangements in this cute and casual Japanese. Small booths line one wall of the restaurant with bench seating and sliding doors which close to allow your family private seating and other diners peace and quiet! The staff is wonderful, treating the kids with interest and welcoming smiles. No way your kids will eat sushi? Try the tatsuta-age (small fried chicken pieces) and pass is off as chicken fingers. Ask for the special chop sticks made for the kids-- it's fun to eat anything with a new implement! Make sure to order the fruit platter for dessert and your kids will be sure to return-- fried bananas, orange slices, and other fruit with whipped cream on the side-- healthy enough for you, treat enough for them. 914.666.2348
Myong Private Label Gourmet
In need of a coffee spot, some prepared dinner, or an incredible salad? Myong's is the place for you. Myong Feiner, chef and caterer, provides a friendly spot to meet up for coffee with a friend, grab an after-school snack or treat between errands, and pick up a great dinner at the same time! Try out the Asian Slaw or Bok Choy Salads, the fantastic muffins, smoothies and chocolate chip cookies-- all made from healthy, natural ingredients and baked fresh in the kitchen while you watch. Myong, 360 North Bedford Rd. (Rte 177, next to CVS), Mount Kisco, NY. 914.241.6333,
www.plgourmet.com
Reka's Thai, White Plains, NY
Take the kids before they learn what a McDonald's is and they may love the "funny peanut noodles" (pad thai) or chicken on a stick (chicken satay). Reka's is an old school Thai restaurant, usually quiet and not crowded, definitely worth a visit. The owner is a child-lover and once came out to our table, made a doll out of a napkin, drew a face on it and gave it to our son who played with it quietly the rest of the meal...who wouldn't love that? They also have a huge basket of children's books and the walls of the powder rooms are covered in puzzles- very cute.
914.949.1440.
Italian
Bellizzi
Great pizza, pasta, and salads in an over-the-top kid paradise-- there is a play area with little guy games and things to do and another room with video games and carnival style games for the slightly older kids. The food is excellent and appeals to both kids and adults and the atmosphere is perfect for those long winter days or rainy sundays. You can find Bellizzi in two locations: Bellizzi Mount Kisco, 153 Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY 10549, Tel 914-241-1200. Bellizzi Larchmont, 1272 Boston Post Rd., Larchmont, NY 10538, 914-833-5800. Or visit
www.bellizzi.us
Il Forno, Somers, NY
If your kids refuse to eat anything other than pizza and pasta, this is the place for you. The pizza is real, wood fired and delicious with as many or as few toppings as you can handle. This restaurant is simple with good food and a comfortable atmosphere. This is a great place for a Saturday or Sunday spent wandering around Westchester. IL Forno is also a good spot to take visiting grandparents or family members who don't think they can stomach eating in an loud arcade or fast food joint! 914.277.7575.
Spanish/Mexican
Casa Miguel's Mexican Restaurant, Mount Kisco, NY
A wonderful Mexican restaurant with a side of barbeque-- most restaurants don't mix flavors with success, but Casa Miguel's has achieved success with this odd mix of flavors. Try the incredible chips and salsa (warmed over a candle at the table) and the taco salad or the excellent cole slaw and pulled pork from their very own smoker. A varied kids' menu allows for even the pickiest diner-- the usual kid fare (burgers, french fries, or chicken fingers) along side quesadillas and nachos. The wait staff is incredibly friendly and makes an effort to talk to the kids and always have warm smiles and time for you. 914.666.7588.
Mango Cafe, Mount Kisco, NY
The food is a bit wacky and they don't seem to have decided what their focus is yet-- south american-mexican-american-whatever, but this is a plus with the kiddies as far as I am concerned! Kids can order whatever food they like and parents are happy too. Early on the atmosphere is casual, but rumors are that they run a dance club later, so eat early!
914.666.3238.
Tequila Mockingbird, New Canaan, CT
Our highest regards for both food and kid-friendly atmosphere. Tequila Mockingbird not only has a clever name, but is a wonderfully loud, fun restaurant which provides lots of great food in an atmosphere rich with things to catch your youngsters' attention (with no need for kids-y games or craziness, so it still appeals to your adult sensibilities)! 203.966.2222.
Date Night???
In case you have been lucky enough to actually pin down that elusive babysitter and are headed out for an uninterrupted conversation with your spouse, here are some favorites to consider!
