Need a family-friendly meal out in a big way? It can be a good adventure bringing the kids to a restaurant that doesn't have a drive-thru or a "happy meal." Battle the cabin fever with these Queens eateries. Family-friendly means quick service, food that kids and grown-ups get excited about, some elbow room, nice, patient staff -- and even a crayon or two.
Shiro of Japan
Photo (c) Sarah Kiino
What's better than the chef cooking right at your table? Here, the table is the grill. And the chef is a great entertainer, especially for kids. My son loves the onion volcano -- stacked onion rings with flames coming out the top. (Note: Very young kids might get scared.)
The restaurant is on the second floor of the outdoor Shops at Atlas Park, overlooking the central courtyard, a nice place for a post-meal stroll. Diagonally across the courtyard, there's a big wooden train that kids love to climb all over. (Shiro of Japan, 80-40 Cooper Ave, Glendale, 718-326-8704)
Nick's Pizza
Photo (c) John Roleke
Pio Pio
Photo (c) J. Roleke
Donovan's Grill & Tavern (Bayside)
This neighborhood fave was recently remodeled but is still whole-family-friendly. As longtime patron Deirdre Tarrant puts it: "Crayons for the kids and booze for the adults...what could be better?" (214-16 41st Ave, Bayside)Green Field Churrascaria
Convenient to Citi Field and the highways, Green Field Churrascaria is a big Brazilian BBQ place, where the meat is wheeled to you on carts and carved at your table. And sometimes people just get up and dance on the dance floor. Kids eat for free Tuesday to Thursday.Jackson Hole
Photo (c) John Roleke
More to Kid-Friendly and Family-Friendly Restaurants to Try
Here are some restaurants I want to check out with the family:
Sunway Cafe in Flushing
Little Lamb/Happy Family hot-pot restaurant in Flushing
De Mole Mexican restaurant in Sunnyside
Seva Indian Cuisine in Astoria
Carosello Restaurant in Howard Beach
