With Kids: Five family-friendly spots to dine this winter with your crew
Kids — typically while dining out they’re either throwing a tantrum or wishing they had their own table. During the warmer months, it’s easy-breezy with to-go picnics at the beach and restaurants with casual outdoor seating aplenty, but in the off-season, it feels more like an eat-at-your-own-risk situation. No need to worry: for starters, you’re not alone; but also, we have your back with the rundown on five spots — some mainstays, some new, some you may not have considered — that are sure to make you one happy family at mealtime.
64755 NY-25, Southold
Dinner at a fish market? Yes, hear us out… The food is consistently excellent so you know that at the very least you’ll be eating something delicious. And, while you may be a creature of habit and order the same time each time you dine out, we encourage you to stick to the restaurant’s specials menu for creative and insanely fresh dishes. For the kids who aren’t crazy about fish, perhaps a cheese quesadilla will do. But there are also a few additional reasons why the kitchen at Southold Fish Market warrants a spot on our list. Kraft paper tablecloths and crayons (ask for a box when you order your meal) are always a hit that kids of any age, and adults alike, can get into. A family game of hangman? Why not? Another thing we love about this spot is that their winter kitchen hours are limited which means it’s more than fine to eat at 5 p.m. You’ll be in and out and happy and full in no time flat. Be sure to check Southold Fish Market’s Facebook page for their seasonal hours.
1097 Old Country Road, Riverhead
Give your teen their space at this unassuming Riverhead spot located in the strip center next to Staples. With half of the restaurant dedicated to hibachi and the other half to Japanese cuisine, your young adult and their friends can safely enjoy a meal at their own table while you’re dining under the same roof. Bonus points for suggesting a meal as fun as hibachi, parent! They might even consider you “cool” after this one.
1400 Silvermere Road, Greenport
Too last minute to get a sitter but dying to try out one of the North Fork’s newest eateries? Nookies at Silver Sands Motel has you covered with griddled cheese for them and an elevated (yet homey) brunch-styled lunch for you. (Nookies is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 8 p.m.) Nosh on oysters, omelets, burgers, and more before 3 p.m. and, after, dig into entrees like smoked spaghetti with crab, almond, and preserved lemon. The newly renovated space is vintage-y and fun and waiting for you to check it out!
42155 Main Road, Peconic
Few things go better than breweries and babies, and we’re not making this up! Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. in Peconic is the ideal spot to bring even your youngest for an enjoyable meal. The kid-friendly atmosphere continues indoors during the cooler months with a casual approach and plenty of space to move around. Their menu changes frequently but the food is always good and the beer is always cold. But it’s not the food or even the beer that lands this restaurant on our kid-friendly list of places to eat — it’s the music. Yep, the music. Do you want to know who loves live music more than adults? KIDS. Let them sing and dance until they can barely keep their bright little eyes open because guess what, bedtime is almost here and they are ready for it.
54425 Main Road, Southold (in Feather Hill)
This casual Latin-American eatery is a go-to spot for kids. Not only is the food always freshly made-to-order it’s also a hit with children of all ages. From simple quesadillas to top-notch enchiladas there is something for everyone to enjoy. The restaurant is small with only a handful of tables but they do have high chairs for the youngest eaters. Insider tip: try the homemade hibiscus drink. Its punchy pink feels like a special treat for kids, and for the adults, be sure to order yours margarita-style as Latin Fuzion just released a superb cocktail lineup.