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Our picks for kids eat free deals are a combination of mom-and-pop local restaurants and national chains with outposts in NYC. Many restaurants offer kids eat free deals as special promotions or rewards for loyalty members. Sign up for email lists or follow your favorite places on social media. This way, you can find out when kids eat free.

Restaurants where Kids Eat Free in NYC

1. The Hop Shoppe – Stapleton, Staten Island

This retro gastropub offers comfort food with a twist, plenty of craft beers on tap, and skeeball. The only thing better than the beer and burgers here is the kids eat free deal. Make this spot your Monday night meal ticket, and your kids can nab a free meal (with the purchase of an adult entree), plus some tokens to hit up the arcade games while you sip your brew in peace.

2. Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar – Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and Staten Island

If you have any diners who have trouble sitting still, the talented chefs at this chain of steakhouses put on a fun show while they cook to keep little ones entertained. With Brooklyn and Staten Island locations, this is a great place to celebrate a special occasion or a family night out. Diners can choose from main courses like grilled chicken, steak, and sushi, and kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3. Smashburger – Multiple NYC Locations

Founded in 2007, this chain burger joint serves "smashed" burgers using a specialized cooking process where the burger is seared on a flattop grill on high heat to add flavor. Kids eat free at Smasburger on Wednesday nights with the purchase of an adult meal consisting of an entree, side, and drink. Deals vary by location, so check ahead before you go.

4. Joyce's Tavern – Eltingville, Staten Island

This upbeat tavern offers Irish and American comfort fare and spirits, plus live music and outside seating. Parents appreciate a generous pour and friendly atmosphere, plus a menu heavy on comfort food classics. Kids eat free Wednesday nights from the kids' menu (with the purchase of an adult meal). Keep an eye out for special guest appearances; you might see fun characters like Elmo, Bluey, Mickey Mouse, and others.

5. Uno Pizzaria and Grill – Upper West Side and Astoria, Queens

The first Uno's was opened in 1943 in the River North neighborhood of Chicago by University of Texas football star Ike Sewell and his buddy former World War II G.I. Ric Riccardo. New Yorkers aren't known for being fans of deep-dish pizza—it's a classic NYC slice that does it—unless it's free, of course. Keep an eye on this chain's social media posts for kids eat free announcements.

6. IHOP – Multiple Locations

Pancakes for dinner is always a great choice. While IHOP's focus is on breakfast, serving pancakes, waffles, French toast, and omelets, it also offers a menu of lunch and dinner items such as sandwiches, burgers, and salads. This popular chain is also known for its kids eat free deals, with many locations offering a free kids meal from 4-10pm daily with the purchase of an adult entree. Offers may vary by location, so confirm before you place your order!

7. Ikea – Red Hook, Brooklyn

With the Småland play area re-opened and plenty of space to run around, many NYC parents head to this purveyor of Swedish meatballs and flat-packed furniture simply to get the crew out of the house. The on-site Swedish restaurant makes it an even better family destination with two free kids' meals (with the purchase of an adult meal) on Wednesdays. We dare you to leave without a few new home goods, though!

8. Denny's – Jackson Heights, Queens

Originally opened as a coffee shop under the name Danny's Donuts in Lakewood, California, this national chain is known for its all-day breakfast at affordable prices. Kids eat free at Denny's on Tuesdays from 4-10pm. Pricing and participation may vary, so confirm the deal before you place your order.

9. Moe's Southwest Grill – Jamaica, Queens and the Bronx

Another large chain, Moe's offers freshly made Tex-Mex fare, including burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and more. Kids eat free on select days—check with your local restaurant for details—and note, the deal is only valid for dine-in customers.

10. Bourbon Street Café – Bayside, Queens

Get a taste of the French Quarter in Queens at the Bourbon Street Café. Enjoy a backdrop of New Orleans-style decor while noshing on classic Cajun fare, including jambalaya, po'boys, and hush puppies. The best part? Kids eat free every Sunday with purchase of an adult entree.

11. Uncle Jack's Steakhouse – Hell's Kitchen and Bayside, Queens

Experience a classic NYC steak dinner where adults can choose from a selection of USDA dry-aged prime steaks and meats. Kids younger than 12 eat free on Sundays at dinner time (with the order of an adult entree), and can choose from a prime burger, chicken tenders, or penne pasta, plus a choice of sides like french fries, mashed potatoes, and veggies.

Bonus: Free Meal Deals on Kids Night On Broadway

Nabbing BOGO tickets is one of our favorite ways to save on Broadway tickets. On the annual Kids Night On Broadway, several Times Square area restaurants offer kids eat free deals. All you need to do is flash your ticket. Participants vary by event, but past years have included some of our favorite family-friendly restaurants in the theater district.

This post, originally published in September 2013, has been updated.