Best Family-Friendly Restaurants at American Dream Mall

A trip to the mall food court brings with it a bit of nostalgia, but these family-friendly restaurants at American Dream Mall are sure to cure your cravings for throwback snacks.

Like its over-the-top attractions, American Dream Mall's top family-friendly restaurants go far beyond the basic. Read on for our top picks for eating out while you're exploring all the top family-friendly attractions at American Dream Mall.

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Planning a visit to American Dream this spring break? Book tickets to its 26 attractions here using code MPSPRING15 to save 15 percent through Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Around the Clock Diner has the usual pies and pastries in its dessert case, but also hot from the fryer doughnuts.

Family-Friendly Restaurants at American Dream Mall

1. Around the Clock Diner

New Jersey is famous for its diners, and this one serves up delicious comfort food classics in a casual, cool sit-down atmosphere that lets guests relax and refuel. Its doughnut-topped milkshakes are an over-the-top treat the kids won't stop talking about, but a wide-ranging menu ensures everyone can find something they like.

2. Marcus Live! Bar & Grill

Chef Marcus Samuelsson is the new kid on the block at American Dream Mall, recently opening this sprawling spot where flavors take center stage. While mom and dad can sip a cocktail and nosh on brown sugar wings or Old Bay crab cakes, kids can order from the Kid's Feast menu, with options like a party pizza, kid's baller burger, or a Fort Lee hot dog.

3. Vanessa's Dumpling House

For fast-casual convenience that's big on flavor, you can't go wrong with this Chinatown classics first foray outside of NYC's five boroughs. It's boiled and pan-fried dumplings come in a variety of flavors, or opt for kid-pleasing noodles with sesame peanut sauce. Wash it all down with a glass of bubble milk tea.

4. Mozzarella Bar

Small plates are on the menu at this casual Italian eatery, with plenty of familiar and foreign options to please little palates whether they are picky or adventurous. Start with a plate of homemade meatballs before moving on to pizza, pasta, or classic Italian mains, and bribe the kids with a scoop of ice cream so you can finish your wine in peace.

5. House of 'Que

This Austin-style barbecue joint has been a mainstay in Hoboken for years before arriving at American Dream Mall. Enjoy all the classics: smoked chicken, sausage, brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, served alongside yummy sides like mac 'n cheese, barbecue beans, Texas slaw, brisket chili, and more. Make sure to save some room for queso fries, too!

6. Jarana

The name of this traditional Peruvian eatery means "celebration," so head here when you're feeling festive! The bold flavors are a fusion of multiple cultural influences, drawing from Japanese, Chinese, and Italian cultures. Generous portions are best served family-style, allowing you to taste a variety of options from a wide-ranging menu.

7. Little Sheep Hot Pot

If you've never done hot pot with kids, you're in for a treat. This experience is best for tweens on up, but cooking your food in flavorful broth around a community table is a parent-tested way to get your kids to try a few new foods! Choose from six different Mongolian-style soup bases and get creative with your meats, veggies, and specialty add-ins.

8. Mr. Beast Burger

This restaurant from the famed YouTube creator caused quite a stir when it opened, drawing throngs of visitors to try out its fast-food menu that revolves around smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and crinkle-cut fries. Of course, there's plenty of branded merch here, too, but fans will get a kick out of the trip.

RELATED: Kids Eat Free: New Jersey Restaurants with Free Meal Deals

Nosh on Korean street food staples at Ugly Donuts & Corn Dogs.

9. Ugly Donuts & Corn Dogs

I'd never heard of this Korean street food staple before my daughter's bestie ordered one of its cheese-filled corn dogs. It didn't disappoint, and we visited twice that day because its namesake Ugly Donuts was worth grabbing seconds! The menu includes some wild combos, like spicy Cheeto-coated corn dogs, but the long line and smiling customers speak for themselves.

10. Grisini Pizza

Whether you need a quick slice to grab and go or want to sit down and order a custom-made pie, Grisini Pizza is a fit. Locally sourced ingredients ensure high-quality, artisan-style pies are served fresh all day and night.

11. Oreo Cafe

Really, there are plenty of over-the-top options for dessert at American Dream Mall, but how can we not mention the Oreo Cafe, one of our favorite themed restaurants in New Jersey? You'll find Oreos of all kinds, plus a dessert counter where you can buy some truly outrageous Oreo desserts from cheesecakes and sundaes to shakes and more.

Photos by the author