Rockefeller Center is a top NYC attraction for families and home to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and many stores. It especially comes alive during the holiday season when the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree goes up.
While food options have near Rockefeller Center have traditionally been limited, the area has undergone a bit of a culinary renaissance, and this list of the best family-friendly restaurants near Rockefeller Center is proof that it now has a little something for everyone.
Whether you’re there over the holidays to see tree, ice skate, check out the holiday windows, or enjoy one of the other fun experiences in this action-packed complex, there are a number of family-friendly dining options within a quick walk.
Here are our top picks for family-friendly restaurants near Rockefeller Center. To find more family-friendly dining options in NYC, check out our NYC Kids’ Guide to Restaurants.
2. Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Ellen’s Stardust might be our top recommendation for its combination of decent food and a fun, “theme” atmosphere without a ridiculous price tag. The food is typical diner fare, including burgers and hot dogs, meatloaf, and plenty of breakfast foods, and although prices are about twice what you’ll pay at your local diner, the retro theme takes Ellen’s to the next level. The outside looks like an old railroad car even though it’s built into the side of an office building, and the retro diner theme continues inside. The highlight, though, is the singing wait staff made up of Broadway hopefuls. They keep the energy up belting out show tunes, classic oldies, contemporary hits, and everything in between. They’ll put on a fun show, strutting down the catwalk mid-restaurant. Be sure to bring a little extra cash to fill up the tip bucket for these showstopping performances! Reservations aren’t accepted and there’s often a line, but we think it’s worth the wait.
3. McHale’s Pub
If you’re in the mood for some classic pub food and a brew, head to this Midtown spot. Kids aren’t left out either: McHale’s offers kid-pleasing options like chicken fingers or dishes that challenge their palates, such as shepherd’s pie and fish and chips.
Melt Shop offers grilled cheese and killer tots with two restaurants near Rockefeller Center. Photo by bahstoneats via Instagram
4. Melt Shop
What’s more kid-friendly than an oozing, melting, grilled-cheese sandwich? This mini-chain has a pair of Midtown outposts, and the fast-casual atmosphere makes for a quick bite to prevent a hangry meltdown—kids will like it, too. Side dishes include a variety of tater tots, and you can wash it all down with a milkshake. The best part, though? The price point matches the casual food, a rarity in Midtown.
5. Serafina
This local chain has several New York City locations. Fans flock here for delectable pizzas and Italian specialties. Mouthwatering desserts finish the meal with a flourish. The 55th Street and Broadway location opens at 7am every day for breakfast, and there’s also a weekend brunch option.
La Bonne Soupe offers classic French dishes in an approachable atmosphere.
6. La Bonne Soupe
This cute French bistro has reasonable prices for Midtown. Start your meal with pomme frites, and enjoy everything from a Croque madame to a burger topped with Brie and caramelized onions, and befitting its name, French onion soup.
7. Bill’s Bar and Burger
A reliable spot for a casual bite, Bill’s has something for the whole family. While kids may go for burgers, fries, and shakes, there are plenty of other options, including soups, salads, and even tacos.
8. 5 Acres
Located in the heart of the Rockefeller Center Concourse, this restaurant from Chef Greg Baxtrom serves an elevated menu of American comfort classics. While you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, don’t leave here without trying the french fries—shoestring cut and fried to perfection, we’ve revisited this comfort food spot many times over. During happy hour, they’re just $5. And yes, we’ve sat at the bar with kids to enjoy them alongside a cocktail.
9. Rockefeller Center Concourse
There are tons of fast-casual options lining the lower level at Rockefeller Center, including inexpensive options like Black Seed Bagels. We love Chef JJ Johnson’s Field Trip, which celebrates the humble grain of rice with fresh, flavor-packed bowls at an approachable price point. Pick up your to-go items and bring them up to the Plaza for a picnic. Kids get a kick out of seeing the vast underground world of Rockefeller Center, and grown-ups can get their caffeine fix at cult-favorite Blue Bottle Coffee. For a sweet fix, might we suggest Chip City?
Bagel pizza has never tasted so good as at Bagizza, where bagel dough is rolled flat and fired fast with inventive topping combinations. Photo by the author
10. Bagizza
This new restaurant is famous for its unique bagizza—bagel pizza—choose your own toppings or select from a pre-made menu. You can also choose your bagels rolled into the traditional shape and topped with a variety of spreads, like Nutella cream cheese. Looking for something more hearty: A hot food bar overflows with choices rotated throughout the day. We love the spacious dining room with plenty of seats, which seems to be a rarity in the neighborhood.
11. Utsav
If you’re in the mood for something different, bring your appetite to Utsav, which serves Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Bengali cuisine. This reasonably priced Indian establishment is a comfortable place to bring kids. Order a la carte or get one of the lunch specials that comes with salad, choice of vegetables or meat, rice, and naan.
12. Miznon
This new Mediterranean restaurant is located right in the heart of Rockefeller Center and serves an innovative take on Mediterranean street food. The menu features Miznon’s signature fluffy pitas, folded cheeseburger, and fried cauliflower. There are many vegetarian options, and prices are very reasonable.
13. Food Trucks
Yes, you’ll find hot dog vendors on every corner, but head over to West 50th Street, just across Sixth Avenue, to find a bevy of vendors each weekday, serving the many Midtown office workers. The options tend to rotate, but you’ll find a good variety that usually includes Thai, tacos, lobster rolls, Indian, Halal, and more.
The Apres Skate Chalets are pricy, but worth the splurge for a memorable meal overlooking The Rink! Photo by author
14. Après Skate Chalets
OK, this is admittedly a splurge, but for a special occasion, the experience is worth it. Rent your own private log cabin overlooking The Rink—and, during the holidays, the tree—for a 40-minute sit-down. The menu is heavy on shareable snacks and Instagram-worthy drinks. Each chalet seats six, and reservations are a must. They cost a pretty penny—ranging from $90-$470, depending on the date—and food is extra. So, file this away for a celebration!
Where Not to Eat Near Rockefeller Center with Kids
Magnolia Bakery
While we love these famed cupcakes, they may be a little too famous. There’s always a line around the block, and if you’ve got tired and cranky kids, it’s just not worth it. An alternative option for a sweet treat is Dough, which serves handmade artisan doughnuts. Year-round flavors range from the vanilla-bean-specked glazed to a Nutella-filled number. You can also shop seasonal flavors like s’mores or a white-chocolate peppermint.
National Chain Restaurants
Rockefeller Center has its fair share of chain restaurants, but for a more authentic NYC experience, try one of the restaurants on our list. Many of the restaurants we listed offer excellent food at prices comparable to those at chain restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions for Restaurants near Rockefeller Center
What are the most family-friendly restaurants in NYC near major attractions?
When picking a family-friendly restaurant in NYC, consider what cuisine is familiar to your kids, because there’s nothing worse than paying restaurant prices and watching your kids pick at their plate! Some families prefer a sit-down experience, while fast-casual does the trick for others. Luckily, you can find both types of restaurants near Rockefeller Center.
Do Rockefeller Center restaurants offer kids’ menus?
A: Yes, many of the restaurants on our list have kids’ menus. Just make sure to ask if you’re not offered one.
Are there affordable restaurants for families near Rockefeller Center?
A: Yes, while there many upscale restaurants near Rockefeller Center, there are also lots of options for affordable meals, including Melt Shop, Bagizza, Utsav, and Miznon.
Is there indoor seating available for families during winter?
A: The majority of restaurants near Rockefeller Center have indoor seating available.
Do these restaurants take reservations?
A: Yes, most of the restaurants take reservations. Check their websites.
Originally published in November 2009.
