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Agnanti – Astoria, Queens

19-06 Ditmars Boulevard
Agnanti is where you go when you want to feel like you're spending a lazy afternoon lounging at a mom-and-pop cafe on a tiny Mediterranean island with not a care in the world and an endless supply of strong, Greek coffee. This neighborhood staple boasts some of the best Greek food in the heavily Greek-populated Astoria neighborhood. It has outdoor dining year-round (enclosed with heaters in the winter) with views of the adjacent East River and Astoria Park. Plus, it's the type of place where five Greek grandmothers will coo over your child and take him to their table to love him up while you blissfully enjoy your meal.

Head to the roof at Alma for delicious Mexican food and an amazing view of Manhattan. Photo by Eric Newhart

Alma – Red Hook, Brooklyn

187 Columbia Street
On the formerly industrial Red Hook waterfront, and just a stone's throw from the water where Lady Liberty stands tall (and really close!), Alma is the antidote to everyday dinner. The Mexican eatery offers multiple, colorful floors of dining options, including rooftop dining that overlooks the harbor. Thanks to the scrumptious food and the lovely views, it's always buzzing at this place, so even if the kids are rambunctious, they just become part of the background noise. Plus, there's queso fundido, which is basically cheese with yummy stuff piled into it, sure to please everyone.

Blue – Snug Harbor, Staten Island

1115 Richmond Terrace
There are few better ways to keep the kids engaged than by having them count tugboats going by. That's one of the perks of going to Blue, an eclectic restaurant with outdoor seating. You can see the water and the passing boats from any seat in the house, whether you're outside or in. The menu is largely adult-friendly but opt for the veggie quesadilla sans shrimp or the delectable chicken wings for the little ones.

Brooklyn Crab – Red Hook, Brooklyn

24 Reed Street
Your kids will have a ball spotting all of the crustaceans at this crowd-pleasing establishment near the waterfront. Brooklyn Crab offers fresh seafood and seating at three different outdoor locations where you can enjoy breezes off the river and enclosed areas where, on a less crowded day, your kids might even be able to run around while you extract every last bite from your crab legs. Plus, a kids' menu means there's a hot dog to fill your child's belly while he makes fun of your shellfish.

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Sip lemonade and soak up the sun at Anable Basin and Sailing Bar & Grill. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill – Long Island City, Queens

4-40 44th Drive
This place right on the East River is one of Long Island City's best-kept secrets. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle and street traffic of Vernon and Center Boulevards, the main thoroughfares in Long Island City, Anable Basin is a simple, no-frills escape that offers a respite from the city without having to leave it. With straightforward menu items that include kid favorites like hamburgers and hot dogs, plus more adventurous options like bison burger and chevapi (Balkan sausage), this spot is a perfect place to grab a bite and drink in the beautiful Manhattan skyline.

City Island Lobster House – City Island, the Bronx

691 Bridge Street
If you haven't been to City Island, now is the perfect time to go. You'll feel like you're in New York City, but strangely also not, on this little island nestled at the north end of the Bronx. City Island Lobster House is right after you cross the bridge, so you don't have to sit in traffic on the one-lane road on a popular summer weekend. The place is huge, and families abound, so you will fit right in. And a kids' menu with chicken fingers and burgers means you can enjoy your lobster or steak without fretting about what your kid will eat. Enjoy the sounds of the seagulls cawing and the views of the Long Island Sound (and sounds of Italian Bronx accents).

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Three Peaks Lodge's open-air tent lets guests take in a stunning harbor view as they dine. Photo by Jody Mercier

Three Peaks Lodge – Governors Island

This restaurant, situated on the ground of Collective Governors Island, the harborside glamping resort, offers an upscale dining experience with a view that can't be beaten, especially at sunset, as you overlook the Statue of Liberty. The focus here is on fresh, farm-to-island fare, and foodies will appreciate the open kitchen that gives it a chef's table feel. You need not stay overnight to dine at the restaurant, and dinner guests are treated to a private water taxi to the island, which is a kid-pleasing thrill.

Cole's Dock Side – Great Kills, Staten Island

369 Cleveland Avenue
This casual eatery overlooking Great Kills Harbor is the perfect place to bring the family any night of the week. While there's no kids' menu, the seafood-heavy selection also offers more child-friendly chicken and pasta alternatives. Enjoy the view of the harbor from inside the restaurant and the deck.

Clinton Hall Beer Garden – Empire Outlets, Staten Island

Empire Outlets, 55 Richmond Terrace
This long-awaited yet-to-open beer garden offers stunning views of the St. George waterfront, Manhattan skyline, and the Statue of Liberty. The space allows plenty of room for big gatherings—or rambunctious kids—with more than 500 seats. Gab a burger, pick up one of its complimentary board games, and enjoy a drink from its beer menu, curated by a Chief Beer Officer. It's the perfect place for kids and adults alike to let loose.

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After a day exploring Brooklyn Bridge Park, head up to Fornino for tasty thin-crust pizza. Photo by Lisa Seibold-Winder

Fornino – Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6
After running around in the acres that make up the ever-expanding Brooklyn Bridge Park—or after hopping off the Brooklyn ferry from Governors Island—enjoy a lovely dinner at this Italian joint with family-friendly offerings, including mac and cheese, fried mashed potatoes, hot dogs, and pizza. There are also healthy options like salads, grain bowls, and sangria (Hey, it has fruit in it, right?).

Tatiana – Brighton Beach, Brooklyn

3152 Brighton 6th Street
Just a couple of blocks down from the chaos that is Coney Island is Brighton Beach. Otherwise known as Little Odessa, Brighton will have you feeling like you've been launched back in time a few generations—and catapulted a few thousand miles East to Russia. Tatiana is a large and very delicious Russian restaurant right on the boardwalk. There are all kinds of people who stumble upon the joint so you won't feel out of place, and the waitresses will chat up your kids (who will be busy with the eye candy that is Brighton Beach). Try the sweet cheese varenyky (dumplings) or a cherry blintz smothered in sour cream. Enjoy the scene, including the vast, far less crowded ocean right in front of you while you dine.

Time Out Market New York – Dumbo

55 Water Street
Perhaps the best part of visiting Time Out's food hall is that it offers something for everyone in the family. From Mr. Taka Ramen and Chote Miya's Indian food to more kid-friendly options, like Jacob's Pickles, Pat LaFrieda (hi, tater tots!), and Fornino's pizza. Everyone in the family leaves full and happy. Grab your food and head to its outdoor seating area, with its beautiful views of the Manhattan Bridge.

Pier 76 – St. George, Staten Island

76 Bay Street
Two words: pizza and craft beer! This joint has an outdoor patio with waterfront views that feel so close to Manhattan you can practically touch it. Wash down delicious thin-crust pizza with cold frothy beer or root beer (there are plenty of other non-alcoholic beverage options, too). The menu also includes authentic Italian dishes and sandwiches, as well as kid-friendly spaghetti, mac and cheese, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, sweet potato fries, and more.

This article was originally posted in 2019 and is updated annually.