Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to the LES

Kid-friendly lunch spots

A lunch spot that is genuinely kid-friendly rather than just tolerating their presence.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Fan Szechuan Restaurant & Bar 大宅门餐厅酒吧 image 1
Fan Szechuan Restaurant & Bar 大宅门餐厅酒吧 image 2
Fan Szechuan Restaurant & Bar 大宅门餐厅酒吧 image 3
View all

Modern dining space offers tablet ordering and a full bar with craft cocktails and Asian beers. Kind staff create a kid friendly vibe with candy and boba drinks for children. Lunch specials deliver amazing value with large portions and free appetizers.

Kind staff give kids candy and create a welcoming vibe. The food pleases picky eaters, and the boba drinks are a hit with children. The atmosphere feels comfy and kid friendly.

Lunch specials offer amazing value with copious portions and free appetizers. Prices stay reasonable while the food, service, and ambience impress consistently.

People are saying

"The Szechuan dishes here are bold, flavorful, and have just the right numbing spice."

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh food."

"It's a really kid-friendly spot; my picky eaters loved the food."

Good to know

1

They have a grand opening offer of free steam dumplings if you spend over $30.

2

They offer a free chicken dish if you spend over $60.

3

You can switch to fried rice for a dollar with the lunch special.

02
DupBopBro image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean restaurant with a cozy interior and cheery vibe offers limited seating for quick meals. Atmosphere stays inviting and chill, attracting those seeking affordable, flavorful bowls with customizable toppings.

Kids enjoy the variety of menu items and respond well to DupBopBro. The place offers options that keep children interested and engaged.

Quick and filling food bowls make for a great lunch. The lunch special offers affordable and satisfying options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and well-cooked."

"This lunch spot's rice bowls are customizable with flavorful toppings and sauces."

"The kids loved trying different menu items here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a BOGO deal on select menu items.

2

Expect longer takeout times than advertised, potentially double the estimate.

3

Seating is limited to just four chairs, so plan accordingly.

03
Ivan Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Cozy vintage vibe and heated dog-friendly patio make this ramen spot lively yet comfortable. Staff charm kids with a chopstick trick and tasty vegan or chicken ramen pleases picky eaters. Midday brings a relaxed lunch atmosphere with easy counter seating even on weekends.

Staff are very welcoming and good with children, even offering a chopstick trick to help kids. Both the vegan and chicken ramen satisfy picky eaters, with kids often finishing their bowls completely.

Lunch offers extraordinary ramen with a relaxed atmosphere during midday hours. Seating at the counter is available without overcrowding, even on weekends.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I ever had."

"The ramen here is so good, my kids loved it!"

"This ramen is the best lunch spot I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Make sure to reserve ahead of time to secure your table.

2

You must respond within five minutes if you receive an SMS about your table.

3

You need all members of your party to be present to get seated.

04
Thailicious ( Thai Food) image 1

Small space with modern Thai decor offers a cozy vibe perfect for families. Kid-friendly menu features milder dishes like shrimp and pineapple fried rice. Lunch specials include an appetizer, Thai ice tea, and entree, all served by kind staff in a relaxed setting.

A kid-friendly menu offers milder dishes like shrimp and pineapple fried rice that kids enjoy. Staff show kindness and patience, even helping with homework, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families.

Lunch specials include an appetizer, Thai ice tea, and an entree, offering a great deal. The food is authentic and delicious, served in a relaxed setting with kind and friendly staff.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh, hot, and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and perfectly prepared."

"The staff's kindness and patience make it feel so Kid Friendly."

Good to know

1

Make sure to book a reservation.

2

You should pay cash to save money.

3

Happy hour is between 4 to 6 PM.

05
Toriya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Interior combines neon-soaked decor with wooden booths and paper lanterns, creating a warm, authentic izakaya vibe. Music varies from lively to loud, shaping a bustling atmosphere that suits groups more than quiet dates. Space feels roomy yet retains an underground Osaka bar charm.

Offers a delicious meal suitable for children and adults alike. Welcomes families with a casual atmosphere that fits both kids and adults.

Lunch specials offer excellent value with dishes like $10 gyudon, clam pasta, and udon. Food quality stays great for the price during lunch hour.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is tender and grilled to perfection."

"The lunch special here is a great value at only $10."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot for a delicious meal with your children."

Good to know

1

Don't miss their happy hour from 5-7 PM, where you can enjoy $1 (for 3 pieces) of okonomiyaki.

2

The restaurant charges a mandatory 20% gratuity and a 20% service charge on the bill.

3

The restaurant can accommodate big groups.

06
Gotham Burger Social Club image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small hamburger restaurant with cool counter seating that lets diners watch burgers being cooked. Atmosphere is friendly and lively with good music and occasional free shots. Offers excellent craft beer and highly praised smash burgers.

Kids enjoy the food options here, making it a spot that appeals to younger diners. The menu includes choices that are popular with children.

Quiet atmosphere suits a late Sunday lunch. Food tastes delicious and the overall experience feels great.

People are saying

"I found the smash burger here to be the best I've had."

"You have to try the smash burgers; they're delicious."

"The staff here is so welcoming and friendly, it's great for kids."

Good to know

1

Customers order at the counter and are texted when their order is ready.

2

Expect a 15-20 minute wait time during peak hours.

3

Street parking is the only available option.

07
Dhamaka image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant inside a market with lively atmosphere and fun Bollywood music that keeps energy high. Decor blends modern Indian style with a casual, cafeteria-like setting. Cocktails are cleverly smoked and add to the engaging vibe.

Staff show patience with toddlers and adjust dishes to be less spicy for kids. The menu suits both children and adults, but a rat fell from the ceiling onto a table where a family with children was eating.

Weekend lunch features a $45 menu that offers a solid value. Meals suit both lunch and dinner times with consistent quality.

People are saying

"The goat biryani is huge and a must-try."

"This Lunch Spot's paneer tikka and crab dishes are rich and flavorful."

"The food here is rich, spicy, and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required in advance via Resy to secure a spot.

2

The restaurant has a policy that main courses cannot be ordered twice.

3

Expect queues for the bathroom as there is only one available.

08
Mughlai Grill image 1
Indian restaurant

Narrow dining room filled with intense spice aromas and intricate South Asian décor creates an authentic Indian atmosphere. Soft lighting and subtle music set a cozy, traditional vibe where friendly energy prevails. Small space often fills early, making it a popular spot for casual, flavorful meals.

The owner treats kids with kindness and even brings them a sweet dessert at the end. Kids enjoy the authentic Indian food and feel welcomed like family.

Lunch specials offer great portions and include items like Chicken Tikka Masala with Mulligatawny Soup, naan, and papri for about $14. Vegetarian and vegan lunch boxes come in generous servings that can cover multiple meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and flavorful."

"The staff is patient and kind with middle schoolers."

Good to know

1

The parking received a rating of 1/5, so plan accordingly.

2

The place is small and gets crowded early, especially on weekends.

3

Mughlai includes a complimentary order of papadum with every takeout and delivery order.

09
Clinton St. Baking Company image 1
American restaurant

Small, busy restaurant with cramped seating and wrap-around windows offering city views. Atmosphere is warm and noisy, with fans instead of air conditioning and frequent interruptions. Popular spot known for best pancakes and a message-alert system for table readiness.

Staff shows great accommodation for toddlers and kids. Boosters and highchairs are available, and dishes like chicken and waffles appeal to young diners.

Cozy atmosphere suits lunch well with a menu that includes guest beers and fries. Options cover breakfast and lunch all day, making it a solid spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"These pancakes are fluffy, flavorful, and worth the price."

"The pancakes and chicken and waffles are fluffy, delicious, and flavorful."

"The blueberry pancakes at this Lunch Spot are delicious and fluffy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required on weekends and highly recommended during the week.

2

Expect wait times of up to an hour during peak hours.

3

Get there early to avoid long lines, especially for breakfast.

10
Katz's Delicatessen image 1

Rustic deli with tight seating and a nostalgic 70s decor creates a crowded, lively atmosphere. Meat carvers serve as a focal point, offering tastings that engage diners. Walls display celebrity portraits, adding to the historic vibe.

Kids try new foods like pastrami and brisket, even picky eaters. Sandwiches come in large sizes that kids can enjoy, and the atmosphere supports family connections with friendly staff.

Arriving just before the lunch rush means no queue. This spot fills up quickly for downtown lunch.

People are saying

"The pastrami sandwich here is piled high and melt-in-your-mouth tender."

"The pastrami sandwich at this lunch spot is fabulous."

"The brisket, corned beef, and pastrami were so tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

The wait for the Katz Pastrami Sandwich can be an hour long.

2

You can only pay with cash at the front of the restaurant.

3

Do not lose your tickets even if you haven't used them to order anything.

11
Essex Market image 1
Produce market

Spanning three floors, the market blends authentic NYC energy with a lively bar scene. Kids enjoy soursop juice in a busy, welcoming space. Basement offers diverse lunch options like pasta and sandwiches, plus Korean and Puerto Rican flavors.

Kid friendly atmosphere includes options like soursop juice that appeal to children. The area feels busy with tourists and young adults, which has impacted some food shops downstairs.

Basement restaurants offer a variety of options for lunch with pasta and sandwiches standing out. Diverse choices include Korean food, Puerto Rican coffee, smoothies, and dessert bars.

People are saying

"This market has so many delicious food options to explore."

"This is a great lunch spot with fantastic food options."

"It's a kid friendly place with food options for them."

Good to know

1

Restaurants close at 7 PM on Saturday night.

2

The market gets crowded during the lunchtime rush.

3

Management frequently closes the seating area for events, disrupting diners.

Discover more

Lower East Side, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...