Family Friendly Dining on Long Island for Less

11/4/09 - By

With all the hullabaloo about Halloween lately, you might have missed another great happening here on Long Island-It's Long Island Restaurant Week. And, aside from giving you an excuse to get out and sample the local flavors and specialties, the restaurants participating are also giving you a chance to save some money. Over 200 venues are taking part in the celebration, and all are offering a 24.95 prix fixe menu. It's your chance to enjoy high end dining at lower end prices.

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So what about the kids? Does the idea of a four star restaurant scare you into staying home? Well, it doesn't have to! After all, Long Island is where people come to raise their families. There are plenty of the Island's most notable restaurants participating in Long Island Restaurant Week who ALSO offer a great environment for families.  Some are even offering deals for the kids, but if not, keep in mind you can share the prix fixe menu among your kids and share a few together. Fine dining at fine family prices! Take a look at some of the great family friendly restaurants offering terrific cuisine under under a $25 prix fixe:
 

NASSAU COUNTY
Jamesons Bar and Grill, Floral Park. The name might feel irish, and there is plenty of irish grub on the menu, but Jamesons also offers great pasta dishes, traditional kids favorites, perfect dinner salads, sandwiches and steaks. 157 Tulip Avenue
 
The Library Cafe, Farmingdale. This is a great spot to bring your kids to if you want to expose them to a more grown up environment. Typically there aren't a lot of kids, but the menu offers great kid friendly items and some of the best munchie food around.  With sort of a hip, city-like enviornment, you'd want to get in early before the bar crowd shows up, but there is something for everyone on the menu and especially great virgin varieties on cocktails, made especially for kids. 274 Main Street
 
7th Street Cafe, Garden City. This spot is located in the heart of Garden City, a town chock full of families. We loved this restaurant because we were able to sit outside and the kids were occupied with all the foot traffic walking by. The italian fare is really great and they offer great items that kids will like, and when all else fails, the meatballs are to die for. 126 7th Street.
 
BK Sweeney's, Garden City. Perfect for traditional American burgers, the enviornment is casual and they have a ton of booths for families. Occasionally the after-work crowd can be a little lively, but most times the noise is all the better to drown out the occasional loud child as well. 636 Franklin Ave.
 
Lola's Kitchen and Wine Bar, Long Beach. This is a great little spot to check out with your kids. Again, you should head there early, one because the space is limited, and too, the crowd can get a little happy after cocktail hour. They have a great children's menu, though and the food is exceptionally priced, with nearly everything UNDER $25. 180 W Park Ave
 
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Tutto Pazzo, Huntington. Huntington is full of restaurants; I think there actually is some stat out there like it has the #1 amount of restaurants per capita on Long Island. The same could be said for its bars, and lots of the restaurants are great for the nightlife scene, but maybe not so much for the family scene. Tutto Pazzo is actually ideal for families. Great Italian food, plenty of kid friendly dishes, and a great staff that will pretty much serve it as you like it. 78 New York Avenue
 
Rookies, Huntington. Rookies is like the sports bar for families. Classic sports entertainment recipes, like wings, ribs, burgers, and pizza are offered in a cool, casual, and sports filled environment complete with 10 televisions. I would suggest staying clear of Rookies on any major game day, or plan on waiting a while, but otherwise, there's usually plenty of seats, including booths. 70 Gerard Street
 
Mirabelle Tavern, Stonybook. One of the newest restaurants, the tavern opened this past March. It is a sister restaurant to the highly upscale Mirabelle. With a chic city-like vibe, the food is great and there is plenty of stuff for the kids, and the desserts here are terrific! 150 Main Street
 
Nick and Toni's, East Hampton. This is a celebrity favorite, which means now is the perfect time to check it out, the Hamptons are quiet, and you'll be able to find a seat at this famous spot. There are plenty of great things, including an entire menu devoted to pizza alone. The environment is great, and even though it is the off-season, you need call ahead to check on availability and grab a reservation. It isn't cheap either, which makes it another great spot to visit during Restaurant week. 136 North Main Street
 
For a complete list of the restaurants participating, click here. Bon Appetite!