Pierogies, Meatballs and Ice Cream Sandwiches: 14 Fun Specialty Savory and Sweet Spots

One-item specialty restaurants aren't anything new in NYC. This city practically invented bagel, doughnut and pizza spots. Since we first told you about the emerging culinary phenomenon back in 2010, the dining landscape has greatly changed. Some of those eateries, like The Meatball Shop, have opened additional outposts; others have sadly closed. (We do have high hopes that East Village mainstay, Pommes Frites, will eventually reopen after being shuttered by the recent gas explosion.)

That said, this super-specialty restaurant trend is here to stay, which is great news for families since most of these dining destinations offer quick service, and kid-friendly ambiance and menus. Dig in to delicious chicken fingers with a variety of unique sauces, plates of gourmet mac and cheese, sandwiches on homemade biscuits or plump pierogies. Finish off your meal with a sweet treat like an artisanal doughnut, ice cream sandwich or bowl of rice pudding.

Here is our list of 14 single-item specialty restaurants that kids will love in NYC.

Day Trips for Mother's Day: 4 Spots Worth the Drive for Westchester Families

When you're a kid, Mother’s Day is easy. Just make a card and a macaroni necklace, toss some white bread on a tray, and carry it up to the bed and you’re golden. But for grown-ups, Mother’s Day is an EVENT. For many families, Mother’s Day is a multigenerational gala complete with several tiers of moms, kids and grandmothers—not to mention myriad friends, aunts and fathers who are often celebrated for the dual roles they play.

Here in the Hudson Valley, we are lucky to be at the epicenter of so much beauty in early May—so why not make a whole day of enjoying it? We've rounded up four spectacular Mother's Day adventures that are about an hour's drive from various parts of Westchester, and well worth the trip! For more seasonal activities, be sure to check out our Spring Activity Guide and our May GoList.

25 Things To Do With Kids in Cohasset, MA

Cohasset may be small, but it sure does pack a punch when it comes to kid-friendly activities. Nestled on the South Shore, Cohasset is a quaint and friendly community full of active, happy families. I've heard it described as like living in a Norman Rockwell painting. With its beautiful scenery, adorable town, and no divided highway to speak of, it's also a wonderful place to visit with kids. These are my top 25 picks for things to do with kids in this lovely town by the sea. (Be careful—you may never want to leave!)

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Puppetonia, Hiking Adventures, Kids Art, May 4-8

May is officially underway, and this first full week of the month is packed with outdoor fun and indoor creativity. Enjoy springtime weather at Pay the Temp Tuesday, National Public Gardens Day and Hiking Adventures in Tatum Park. Or head inside for Puppetonia and Uptown Storytime. Mix it up a bit and explore nature indoors at Paramus Park Mall’s Mobile Butterfly Experience. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more family fun.

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Fiesta, Disney Channel, & Grunion Running, May 4-8

While the significance of Cinco de Mayo is indeed obscure, any holiday centered on the consumption of Mexican food and piñata festivities is okay by me. Mix up a batch of guacamole, and let the kids press some homemade tortillas. Grown-ups can get some special treats at Duff's Cakemix's P.S. I Made This Cinco-DIY-Mayo event, which involves crafting and margaritas, or the whole family can celebrate the day wandering Olvera Street. Save your late night, though, for Wednesday May 6, when the grunion run by moonlight at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Read on for more of our picks for the week.

Weekday Picks for LI Kids: Butterflies, Mother's Day Craft, Fairy Tale Camp May 4-8

The weather is finally getting warmer, the sun is coming out to play and it's the perfect time to get out of the house and enjoy some family fun. This week, kids can celebrate spring with the butterflies at LICM, make something magical for mom at Abrakadoodle, pretend to be in their very own fairy tale at Kidville in Wantagh and more.

This list is just our top picks, so be sure to check our jam-packed Event Calendar for more options. To receive posts like this in your inbox, sign up for our free newsletters.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Free Fun and Kate DiCamillo, May 4-8

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love free things. I often plan my week around the free events I can hit with my family, and—true confession—I've even started planning ahead for free things to do this summer around town. This past weekend, my family and I spent an afternoon enjoying free events and museum admission at the Harvard ArtsFirst Festival, and this upcoming week is also filled with tons of no-cost activities. From a concert to a big book signing to museum visits, there are plenty of great ways to have a good time without breaking the bank. It's especially fun to get out now that it's May and finally starting to feel like spring.

Read on for our picks of the week, and don't forget to check out our full Event Calendar!

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