Baby, it’s cold outside. Who wants to leave home when they can stay in to eat? Here are 13 comforting family-friendly restaurants that make it worth dining-out in blustery weather. Almost all of these destinations have cozy fireplaces and warm seasonal menus that make you embrace the chill.
57 Napoli Pizza e Vino
Can’t go wrong with wood burning pizza! Their most popular pizzas include the Diavola (tomato sauce, spicy sopressata, crushed pepper, black olives, and mozzarella), the San Danielle (arugula, prosciutto, and Parmigiano), and for kids, the Margherita. The comforting fireplace awaits on the second floor. Midtown East, 120 East 57th Street, 212-750-4586. 57napoli.com
Aegean Cove
Among Astoria’s Greek-dining galore, Aegean Cove is a hidden gem. Though you should come back during summer to enjoy the expansive rooftop terrace, right now, the family can get cozy in the equally impressive indoors, fireplace included. Perfect for family-style meals, with creative Greek desserts; the kids (and adults) can enjoy chocolate baklava. 20-01 Steinway Street, Astoria, 718-274-9800. aegeancove.com
Bistro Citron
A classic bistro that offers French comfort food and seasonal options, Bistro Citron is currently serving fall and winter menus for 2012-2013, with new daily specials like Canard à l’Orange (Crisp duck wild rice and vegetables in an orange sauce). The seasonal menu includes hearty stews, pastas, and roasts and though they offer a kids’ menu, the chef is happy to consult and accommodate your little one with a personalized dish. Upper West Side, 473 Columbus Avenue, 212-400-9401. bistrocitronnyc.com
Chan-An
Winter stressing you out? Stay calm and have cup of tea at this Japanese tea house. Chan-An offers 31 tea options and provides a unique cultural opportunity to teach your children about traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. The teahouse also offers a wide range of savory and sweet bites to accompany your hot tea. Current seasonal desserts include green tea or chocolate mochi, zenzai (sweet red bean soup), and sweet potato apple cake. East Village, 230 East 9th Street, 212-228-8030. chaanteahouse.com
Chio
Comforting Italian cuisine can easily warm up a wintry day. Here, potato gnocchi and Margherita pizza are popular with kids and the large fireplace near the bar always garners comments. Lower East Side, 117 Columbia Street, 718-237-4300. chio-restaurant.com
The Chocolate Room
Melt away winter blues with a satisfying cup of hot chocolate at this Brooklyn cafe. This dessert haven offers thick and rich cocoa that’s more like a main dessert than a beverage. Other warm delights include the molten chocolate cake and brownie sundae–a warm, gooey brownie topped with a snowy scoop of ice cream of your choice. Park Slope, 86 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-783-2900 & Cobble Hill, 269 Court Street, Brooklyn, 718-246-2600. thechocolateroombrooklyn.com
The Delta Grill
Can’t expect NOLA in NYC, but the festive atmosphere and menu of this cajun and creole spot is a respectable close. Decorated with themed signs, Mardi Gras and Jazzfest posters, with wood panels similar to a roadhouse, and a fireplace; it’s a kid-friendly French quarter. Come enjoy hot crawfish, overflowing macaroni & cheese, and classic banana foster set ablaze tableside to keep you warm and the kids excited. Midtown West, 700 Ninth Avenue, 212-956-0934. thedeltagrill.com
Faros Restaurant
A Greek-faire destination in Park Slope. Soft lighting, exposed brick, and not one or two, but four fireplaces warm up the homey two-story restaurant. Large portions makes great for sharing. Popular items include fish dishes from their Psaria kai Thalassina (from the sea) choices, Paidakia Skaras (lamb chops), and moussaka baked in clay pots. Kids’ menu favorites include fish and chips and chicken fingers. Park Slope, 84 Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-623-2767. farosny.com
The Green Table
Located at the Chelsea Market, The Green Table only uses local, sustainable, and family-farmed ingredients. Offers a seasonal menu, that changes weekly, with winter comfort foods like their crowd favorite chicken or mushroom pot pies, and macaroni & cheese made with local cheese and organic pasta. (Families can also take home frozen versions.) This season you’ll find pigs-in-blanket made from all grass-fed beef hot dogs wrapped in puff-pastry. Green Table doesn’t keep a fryer, so parents can avoid the traditional fried food often found on children’s menus and green dining allows parents to expose kids at an early age to the benefits of local foods. Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue, 212-741-6623. cleaverco.com
Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn
A lively, Bavarian destination, with an authentic German menu, buffet feasts, live music, German beer, and rich history–Killmeyer’s is a good ole time. They offer a kids’ menu and kids eat free on Thursday nights, accompanied by an adult. Even without the popular summer beer garden, you can enjoy the interior; they no longer light the stone fireplaces of the 154 year-old building, but the ambiance is still that of a fortified, warm inn. 4254 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island, 718-984-1202. killmeyers.com
Moran’s Chelsea
For Irish-English cuisine, bring the family to this civil-era themed venue and all the traditional dishes. With fireplaces in every room, and the focal point, a wood-burning one in the main dining room. Moran’s is great for large events like weddings, family reunions, or just a nice dinner. Chelsea, 146 Tenth Avenue, 212-627-3030, moransrestaurant.com
Rambling House
To satisfy your family’s Irish home-style cravings and more from the Bronx. Warm fireplace included. Popular choices on the kids’ menu include kid’s shepherd pie, chicken tenders, and mini burgers. 4292 Katonah Avenue, Bronx, 718-798-4510. ramblinghouse.com
The Sea Fire Grill
For an elegant seafood and steak dinner that welcomes the kids too! Although they don’t offer a kids’ menu, the chef will make made-to-order dishes, like mini burgers or pasta dishes specially for your little one. Your family will easily find the pleasant modern fireplace in the back and can appreciate Sea Fire’s take on social responsibility and use of seasonally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Midtown East, 158 East 48th Street, 212-935-3785. theseafiregrill.com
