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Top picks in The Heights

Kid-friendly food spots

You need a place where you can actually eat while your children are welcome to be themselves.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
La Bodega Latin Cuisine image 1
La Bodega Latin Cuisine image 2
La Bodega Latin Cuisine image 3
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Dominican restaurant

Old-fashioned bodega style blends with modern decor and Dominican family history murals on the walls. Warm, family-friendly atmosphere fills the clean, newly renovated space. Low merengue music plays softly while a small market offers authentic Dominican products.

Dominican food here is fresh and delicious, prepared by an actual Dominican woman. Meals offer excellent flavors and a strong focus on uplifting the community.

Families find this spot welcoming with a menu that includes morir soรฑando and empanadas kids enjoy. The atmosphere suits children well, making it easy for families to dine together.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"It's a gorgeous and cozy restaurant with a warm, vibrant atmosphere."

"The food here is delicious and flaky."

Good to know

1

La Bodega Latin Cuisine has been a community staple for over 30 years.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Dominican dishes.

3

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

02
Swad Mania image 1
Indian restaurant

Cozy space with authentic Indian flavors and a casual atmosphere creates a warm, inviting vibe. Small but tidy dining area includes outdoor seating with fairy lights. Live music and a live pani puri station add to the lively, welcoming energy.

Food features excellent flavor and spices with generous portion sizes. It offers authentic Indian street food served quickly with consistent quality and value.

Kids enjoy the food so much they order twice. The owner is friendly and helpful with young kids, making the experience smooth. There is something for everyone, even the pickiest eaters.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes authentic."

"I loved the authentic Indian flavors and fresh snacks here."

"It's so kid friendly; my kids ordered twice because they loved the food."

Good to know

1

The live pani puri station is a popular attraction at events.

2

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The menu features unique Indian street food items not found elsewhere.

03
yakitame bento & katsu image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with cozy wood flooring and intimate seating creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Calm and casual vibe suits easy conversation. Simple presentation and large portions make dining feel satisfying and comfortable.

Food comes in large portions and looks very pretty when served. Dishes are delicious and prepared with care, arriving quickly and maintaining excellent quality.

Kids enjoy the fish Katsu and show clear excitement during visits. Families find it welcoming for children, with multiple kids having a great time.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen and katsu, is delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the fresh ramen and katsu."

"The food here is delicious and prepared quickly."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during peak times, especially during lunch and dinner hours.

2

Street parking is difficult; the nearest lot is a 10-minute walk away.

3

The restaurant has only four small tables for dine-in.

04
Griot Cafe image 1

Spacious cafe with artsy decor and calming blue hues offers a kid-friendly corner stocked with books and toys. The atmosphere stays chill and welcoming, supporting work and relaxed conversation. Outlets and wifi are available at each seat, creating a practical yet cozy environment.

Food includes vegan Griot sandwich, samosa, and matcha latte. Dishes like griots, beignets, omelettes, and home fries come out cooked deliciously and fill you up without a premium price.

A cozy nook with kids books, toys, and crayons creates a welcoming spot for children. A dedicated kids corner with small tables and chairs offers space for arts, crafts, and reading.

People are saying

"I had one of the best cups of coffee I ever had."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"It's so kid friendly, with a cozy nook of books and toys."

Good to know

1

Griot Cafe is open until 8 pm daily, while most cafes close around 3 or 4 pm.

2

Parking might be challenging, but there is parking about a block away.

3

Be careful with parking meters in the areaโ€”theyโ€™re closely monitored.

05
Rumba's Cafe image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small space with Latin-inspired decor creates a lively and welcoming atmosphere filled with outgoing locals. The environment often feels crowded and noisy, adding to its energetic vibe. The cafe offers an affordable dining experience with a strong Cuban cultural presence.

Cuban food stands out with excellent quality and great prices. The dishes consistently deliver strong flavors and solid value.

Service stays accommodating for kids and the environment supports families with parking and kid-friendly space. A children's menu includes options like chicken soup that kids enjoy.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The breakfast service here is always friendly and attentive."

"It's a family-oriented place where my daughter loved the chicken soup."

Good to know

1

Most plates at Rumba's Cafe are under $10.

2

Daily specials are available, changing each day of the week.

3

Expect longer wait times on weekends for brunch.

06
The Hutton Restaurant and Bar image 1

Covered patio with heated outdoor seating and a large glass-enclosed space creates a cozy, spacious atmosphere. Live music and a DJ add lively entertainment while guests enjoy outdoor games like corn hole and darts. The bar/lounge area stands out with natural light and a huge tree growing through the roof.

Food comes with wonderful flavors and pairs well with the nice cover patio dining. Service supports a relaxed meal experience.

Parties for young kids happen here with Happy Birthday songs and space for about 50 people including adults and children. Families bring toddlers and infants, and the atmosphere suits small children well.

People are saying

"The food here is always amazing and delicious."

"The outdoor space has a gorgeous vibe with a giant tree growing through the roof."

"It's so kid friendly; the staff made my daughter's birthday memorable."

Good to know

1

The venue accommodates large parties, making it ideal for events.

2

Event coordinators are available to assist with planning and setup.

3

Brunch events can feature live music for added enjoyment.

07
Marty's image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small hamburger restaurant with cozy booths and an energetic 80s rock soundtrack creates a vibrant diner vibe. Outdoor seating adds to the casual atmosphere. Known for fresh, tasty burgers and a standout veggie option.

Food features fresh chicken breast tenders and poutine with warm cheese curds in gravy. Burgers and spicy chicken tenders stand out as high-quality fast food that satisfies cravings quickly and affordably.

Kids enjoy the chicken sandwich here, with both daughter and son liking the same meal. Staff show care by returning forgotten items like a children's thermos on the next visit.

People are saying

"I thought Marty's burgers were the best in the neighborhood."

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"The burgers here are delicious and cooked just right."

Good to know

1

Marty's is not open on Mondays.

2

The pickup option is convenient as they are around the corner.

3

Ordering in-store instead of online offers a special that includes fries and a drink.

08
La Milpa Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful indoor and outdoor spaces create a welcoming atmosphere with a dog-friendly backyard that feels cozy and authentic. The vibe is pleasant and family-friendly, with a focus on traditional Mexican decor and a spacious patio. Energy stays relaxed, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy casual dining.

Traditional Mexican dishes arrive quickly, usually within 10 minutes, featuring authentic flavors and great sauces. The food quality stands out as very good and often surpasses the atmosphere and service.

Kids enjoy the fish tacos and talk about them for days. Cheese quesadillas come as a kid option but taste a bit salty.

People are saying

"You have to try the tacos; they're a 10 out of 10."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"It's so Kid Friendly, my kids loved it."

Good to know

1

La Milpa Taqueria is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

2

The restaurant is open daily until midnight.

3

Expect to pay around $5 for each taco after service charge and tax.

09
The Franklin image 1
Restaurant

Cozy interior with low lighting creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere suited for quiet evenings and small gatherings. Outdoor seating on the sidewalk offers a casual spot to bring pets and enjoy fresh air. BYOB policy and a varied menu including vegetarian options add to the local, lowkey vibe.

Food features fresh ingredients with perfect portions and a seasonal touch. Dishes like French toast and pork carnitas benedict show strong flavor and quality.

Quiet early evenings create a calm space for kids to play. The menu features chicken fingers and fries that kids often ask for. Families tend to arrive early to enjoy the kid friendly atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The brunch chilaquiles and chicken and waffles were great."

"It's quiet early in the evening and kid friendly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is a BYOB, which is a huge plus.

2

Brunch is served at 1:00 pm on Thursdays.

3

There was no parking around The Franklin.

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The Heights, Jersey City

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