Fiddlesticks Pub & Grill – Greenwich Village
56 Greenwich Avenue at Perry Street
This popular pub has a full dining room where you can order Irish staples like bangers and mash and beef stew, as well as American bar food like burgers and fries. There's a pool table and large TVs perpetually tuned to sports. The inexpensive weekend brunch special is a steal, especially in that neighborhood.

Tir Na Nog – Midtown West
315 West 39th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues
Although there are two Midtown locations (one in Penn Station, the other near Times Square), I prefer the latter with its beautiful interior featuring lovely woodwork and stained glass. It's a spacious place with lots of different rooms to hang out in and, of course, TVs showing sports. The shepherd's pie is our go-to dish.

Saints & Sinners Irish Bar & Grill – Woodside
59-21 Roosevelt Avenue near 60th Street
Since we live in the area, we frequent this awesome Irish pub. The diverse menu includes non-Irish dishes like chicken curry and smoked salmon salad. There is a cozy area in the front by a gas fireplace that a small group of people can take over if you go early enough—we've done that many times. The bar is in the middle with a full dining room in the back if you want to order off the restaurant menu.

The Cuckoo's Nest – Woodside
61-04 Woodside Avenue near 61st Street
Another one of our regular spots, the Cuckoo's Nest has lunch specials and serves a tasty brunch, too. The place is spacious and has a relaxed atmosphere. On Sundays at 5pm, you can catch live music with the kids.

Molly Bloom's – Sunnyside
43-13 Queens Boulevard between 43rd and 44th Streets
A Victorian-style bar with an outdoor garden that's surrounded by bamboo—need I say more? There's a children's menu that kids can color, and special cups, too. I have seen many a family here on Sunday afternoons for brunch. The fish and chips are a big hit but the chicken curry is my favorite. Check the Facebook page for special events, and food and drink specials.

The Dog and Duck – Sunnyside
45-20 Skillman Avenue at 46th Street
One of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood, this family-friendly Irish gastropub has plenty of booths, sidewalk seating on the beautiful tree-lined street and a small backyard. There's a kids' menu and brunch is very popular with local families. The bar menu has tons of great appetizers, too. There is live music several days a week including weekends but it's best to call for specific times.

Read about other great kid-friendly eateries in our Restaurant Guide, including family-friendly beer gardens.