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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Riverside

Kid-friendly date spots

A kid-friendly space that still feels like a legitimate date spot for the parents.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Stray Dogs Coffee image 1
Stray Dogs Coffee image 2
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Minimalist coffee shop with bright spacious interior and dog-friendly atmosphere welcomes both people and pets. Ample seating options include large tables, cozy corners, and outdoor spots, creating a relaxed vibe. Decor features Polaroids of visiting dogs and farm-style touches, adding charm to the space.

Ample space includes about 10 large tables with 4 seats each and a cozy corner for kids. A custom strawberry milk offers a flavorful option for children.

Banana pudding matcha appeals even to those who usually avoid matcha. Drinks like the corn latte and cold foam stand out for their flavor, making it a cozy spot for a coffee date.

People are saying

"The corndog latte was heavenly and a great new flavor."

"You'll love their delicious lattes and matcha for date spots."

"It's so Kid Friendly with a cozy corner for kids."

Good to know

1

Stray Dogs Coffee hosts worship nights monthly.

2

They cater parties and events with a coffee cart.

3

Parking can be challenging; street parking is available on 2nd Street.

02
Palenque kitchen by Mezcal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines dark, lively interior with two dance floors and a central bar. Music energizes the space, creating a family-friendly yet vibrant atmosphere. Colored lighting and Mexican art add to the trendy, festive vibe.

Staff offer creative suggestions with appropriate portions for kids and listen carefully to all requests. The menu includes a generous portion of quesadilla with rice and beans and enough variety so every child finds something appealing.

Frequent celebrations mark this spot as a solid choice for date nights and special occasions. It offers a mix of great music and food that fits both intimate and group gatherings.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

"The food and drinks here are delicious and cooked perfectly."

"The kids' burritos were a hit, and the churros are phenomenal!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6:30 PM with $10 margaritas and discounted appetizers.

2

Palenque offers bottomless mimosas on Sundays.

3

The restaurant has only one restroom for all guests.

03
Beignet Spot Flagship Store image 1

Small, quaint family restaurant with large glass window showcasing fresh beignet preparation. Atmosphere is quiet and calm with jazz music creating a cozy, friendly vibe. Seating is limited, emphasizing an intimate and inviting experience.

Staff show kindness and active listening toward children, engaging them warmly even after tough days. The owner offers free beignets to kids, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families.

Plenty of seating fits a date or quick meeting comfortably. Coffee and beignets create a casual, relaxed vibe for conversation.

People are saying

"These beignets are hot, fresh, and fluffy."

"These beignets are so fresh, warm, and fluffy."

"The staff's kindness made it feel so kid friendly."

Good to know

1

The card payment machine often malfunctions, so bring cash just in case.

2

Expect to pay around $80 for breakfast for four, including tip.

3

The place has plenty of seating, but some tables may be sticky.

04
Fairmount Park image 1

Large open space with rose gardens, playgrounds, and a lake offers a peaceful and scenic setting. Amenities include sports courts, an amphitheater, and paddle boat rentals, attracting families and groups. The atmosphere stays calm and friendly, with natural beauty and recreational options.

Plenty of space lets kids run and play freely. Awesome playground and Kids Playland provide fun spots. Trails around the lake and fishing areas add variety for family outings.

Open spaces invite picnic dates and relaxed walks. Couples often stroll together, making it a calm spot for spending time with someone special.

People are saying

"This park is really beautiful and large."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot with an awesome playground."

"It's a beautiful place for relaxing walks and dates."

Good to know

1

Summer concerts occur every Wednesday night at 6pm.

2

Parking can be difficult to find at Fairmount Park.

3

Kids Playland offers great activities for children.

05
Riverside Game Lab image 1
Video arcade

Arcade space combines vintage pinball rooms, modern VR games, and a full bar for a lively mix. Atmosphere stays loud and dark, with a clean environment and an adult vibe. Visitors range from kids to adults, enjoying classic and cutting-edge games in private booths or open areas.

Arcade games from childhood create a fun experience for kids and adults alike. Kids have a blast playing classic games alongside adults.

Competitive games create a lively atmosphere for a date night. Pricing stays reasonable, making it easy to enjoy a fun evening together.

People are saying

"It's a cool spot with a great collection of pinball machines."

"It's really Kid Friendly; my kids had a blast playing games."

"It's a great spot for an inexpensive date night."

Good to know

1

Parking costs only $5 and is super close.

2

The policy change now excludes minors from visiting Riverside Game Lab.

3

They offered a Happy Hour when they opened, during which the credits to play were halved.

06
Maki Sushi & Cocktails image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant blends modern and cozy elements with chill sushi bar vibes and festive patio feeling indoors from big windows and sunlight. Atmosphere ranges from undisturbed and relaxing to fun, vibrant, and energetic during busy hours. Music varies from classic plays to old school reggaeton, enhancing the welcoming mood.

Mommy daughter drinks include a mocktail for kids and tasty options for adults. Kids enjoy ordering rolls like the DTR ROLL during meals.

Suitable for first dates and date nights, the spot offers a relaxed vibe with sushi and cocktails. It also works well for celebrating with friends.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be the best I have ever had."

"The DTR roll is a great kid-friendly option."

"The sushi and cocktails here are amazing, perfectly crafted."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day every day with drinks priced at $7.

2

A special happy hour menu is available throughout the day.

3

Expect wait times of over 30 minutes during peak hours.

07
Taco Station image 1
Mexican restaurant

Gas station-themed Mexican restaurant offers an open outdoor area with a large patio and outside bar featuring live music and a massive drink selection. Atmosphere is fun and inviting, with heaters and misters making it comfortable year-round. Vintage gas pumps and car-shaped topiary add unique charm to the setting.

The place has a gas station theme that appeals to kids, especially those interested in automotives. It offers a kid-friendly menu with items like carne asada burritos and nopales breakfast that children enjoy.

Popular choices include the carne asada taco plate and enchiladas. Nachos also stand out as a shared favorite. Meals typically cost around forty dollars for two.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has a cool vintage service station theme."

"You'll love the tasty tacos and carne asada plate here."

"It's a really kid-friendly spot, especially with the gas station theme."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos and is popular among locals.

2

Happy hour offers half-price drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Parking is available nearby, but can fill up quickly during peak hours.

08
Mariscos Ixtapa Riverside image 1

Small restaurant with live weekend music and old-school Banda vibe creates a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere. Dim lighting adds a cozy feel while families, couples, and friends share the space. Seating is cramped, with a family area on one side and a bar on the other.

Family friendly atmosphere includes a kid's menu with options like hamburgers and chicken nuggets. Drinks cater to both adults and kids, though some items like grilled cheese may not be melted.

Dim lighting and old-school Banda music create a cozy vibe for couples. The menu includes dishes like chicken mole and seafood, with meals and drinks suitable for special occasions.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes like homemade."

"They have nice live music on weekends."

"The food here is excellent, and the drinks are great for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday night from 8pm until 1am.

2

Live entertainment is available on weekends, including impersonators.

3

Parking can be very difficult to find near the venue.

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Downtown Riverside, Riverside

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