Brownstone-lined Park Slope has long been known for its family-friendly vibe, boasting plenty of fun indoor play spots, playgrounds, kid events—and great Brooklyn eats. We've pulled together this list of family-friendly Park Slope restaurants perfect for locals or those visiting the area after an energy-burning romp in Prospect Park.
Our curated list of Park Slope restaurants includes the best dining spots for kid staples like pizza, tacos, and gelato, but also more exotic fare for adventurous NYC eaters. Plus we tell you who has highchairs and where the baby changing tables are (and are not). Read on and you might just discover your new go-to Brooklyn eatery.
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Naruto Ramen
276 Fifth Avenue (between First Street and Garfield Place)
Ramen is a staple in our household and Naruto offers delicious options for our vegetarian family as well as our meat-loving friends. Diners have five broths to choose from, including our favorite spicy miso option. Teriyaki chicken, salads, and homemade gyoza are all great kid options here, too. This small restaurant has seating around an open kitchen, which children find enthralling as they wait for their noodles. A handful of tables and highchairs are also available in the back. An early dinner is the best option for patrons with children as Naruto’s fresh noodles are in high demand and the tiny Slope restaurant is known to get packed. There's no dedicated stroller parking, though the accommodating staff will help you find a safe spot to stow away your carriage. Moms to babes: There's no infant changing table here, so pack your changing pad or hustle home in an emergency.
Haenyeo
239 Fifth Avenue (at Carroll Street)
Named after the legendary women divers of Jeju Island in South Korea, this restaurant serves authentic Korean cuisine with a modern twist. You'll find a lot of dishes featuring fresh seafood and traditional Korean fare like bulgogi, japchae, and bibimbap, which my kids love. There isn't a ton of space for strollers, but the staff is very accommodating and high chairs are available. Currently, it's open only for dinner.
Fast, fresh, and delicious, Calexico is a hands-down favorite in our family.
Calexico
278 Fifth Avenue (between First Street and Garfield Place)
Days before Calexico opened its Park Slope location in 2014, a friend and I walked by and were ushered in with four children in tow to enjoy some free, delicious Mexican food. If that doesn’t scream family-friendly, what does? The Calexico brothers started with a single NYC food cart, but they now possess a fleet of carts and several very popular restaurant locations. The food is fresh and incredibly satisfying in a truly family-friendly environment. The menu is refreshingly basic and delicious: burritos, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and salads. But you'll often find a few surprises like the grilled pineapple salsa and Calexico's spin on chipotle sauce. Highchairs and changing tables are available. Currently, Calexico is open for outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery only.
L’Albero dei Gelati and Terre
341 Fifth Avenue (between 4th and 5th Streets)
We're always so eager to discover the latest wild gelato flavor (eggplant, beets, and lavender) at the L’Albero dei Gelati takeout window that we almost missed the Italian restaurant right behind it. Terre is housed in the space formerly occupied by the L'Albero dei Gelati cafe and serves fresh pasta, charcuterie, and organic wines by the glass, as well as a delicious weekend brunch. The family-run business relies on organic ingredients and personal relationships with suppliers to serve super fresh food. A lovely garden is a perfect spot for a meal. With ample space for strollers, plus highchairs and changing table accommodations, this gem is a standout for families.
Bareburger
170 Seventh Avenue (at First Street)
No family-friendly restaurant list would be complete without a burger joint. Yes, Bareburger is technically a chain, but if your family loves burgers, Bareburger’s are the best (and organic to boot!). The concept is simple and the menu offers something for everyone: pick a patty (bison, beef, boar, or black bean to name a few options), pick your bun (or heck, wrap it in a collard green leaf if someone is gluten-free), and pick as many (or as few) toppings as you want. Bareburger also has delicious and large salads. The children’s menu is a lot of fun as little ones get to pick their own meal, side, and drink. Outdoor seating feels a bit cramped with strollers, but there is plenty of room inside for families needing more space. Changing tables and high chairs are available.
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Bogota Latin Bistro prides itself on giving diners a family-friendly experience.
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Bogota Latin Bistro
141 Fifth Avenue (between Lincoln and St. Johns Streets)
The entire staff at this lively Central and South American restaurant seems determined to deliver a delicious and fun experience for the whole family. The food is fresh and satisfying and the children’s menu extends beyond the requisite cheese quesadilla. Our kids love the black bean empanadas, arepas (yummy cornmeal cakes), and fried yucca. If strollers, high chairs, and picky eaters are part of your existence, the folks at Bogota will take care of everything. It does get crowded on weekends, so plan on dining early.
Namaste
195 Fifth Avenue (between Berkeley Place and Union Street)
Since Namaste's opening in late August 2015, our family has been compelled to go back every other week to experience some of the most delicious Indian food in the neighborhood. Namaste doesn’t have a dedicated children’s menu, but that's not a problem as most main dishes are meant to be shared. Our go-to starter is the samosa chaat—picture four forks greedily clanking for more. The menu includes cheesy naan bread, delectable dal (lentils), rice dishes, and grilled chicken for less adventuresome eaters. The food is truly outstanding, as is the consistently welcoming, helpful staff. Namaste has an outdoor space with plenty of umbrellas, as well as highchairs but no baby changing table.
La Villa
261 Fifth Avenue (at Garfield Place)
La Villa’s tagline is “family friendly Italian restaurant” and it really means it. The pizzas are made in a wood-burning stove and the toppings range from traditional to the unexpected (our favorites are fried eggplant and sautéed broccoli rabe). This family-owned business prides itself on the freshest ingredients, organic sauces, and homemade mozzarella. La Villa also offers sandwiches, calzones, salad, and pasta dishes, making it easy to please everyone in the family. The restaurant is large and the staff is accommodating, but La Villa does get crowded and waits can be a bit long. Our solution: dine early! Though there is no changing table, staff will help stow the stroller, and highchairs are available.
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Yamato has tasty bites for little hands.
Yamato
168 Seventh Avenue (between Garfield Place and First Street)
Yamato specializes in sushi and dim sum and does both very well. While there is no children’s menu, the dim sum portions are perfect for little ones, as well as the large variety of classic and inventive sushi rolls. Yamato also offers plenty of noodles, soups, and appetizers that my kids go crazy for each time we visit this Slope staple. The staff here is part of the appeal for a parent, too. A while back, my then-toddler yanked a fistful of wasabi from my plate and stuffed it into her mouth! The attentive staff had our stroller, diaper bag, and settled bill ready to go in minutes so we could attend to our howling tot. Yamato gets crowded but it's always helpful to parents, finding room for your stroller. There's no changing table here, though. Better bonus? This cozy restaurant has a lovely outdoor space perfect when the sun is shining (and the kids are rowdy).
Prospect Bar and Grill
545 Fifth Avenue (between 14th and 15th Streets)
This family-friendly South Slope pub is a great spot for kids of all ages. Though it doesn't have a specific kids' menu, its mac and cheese is a definite palate-pleaser. Chicken pot pie, burgers, or an everything pretzel are just a few more kid-friendly options. The space is warm and cozy, and there's a large terrace out back where kids can play while parents enjoy a (reasonably priced) cocktail or beer. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Prospect Bar and Grill is open for dinner Wednesdays through Sundays and has an impressive weekend brunch.
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South Slope Eatery
486 Fifth Avenue (at 11th Street)
Another spot on the southern end of the neighborhood, South Slope Eatery has the family-friendly vibe of a diner, with the food and service of an upscale restaurant. Sit down for lunch or dinner, or grab a smoothie or coffee from its to-go counter. It offers a classic kids' menu with chicken fingers, grilled cheese, and spaghetti, as well as great salads, burgers, and creative wraps for the more adventurous eaters. Finish your meal with a shake or a Nutella royale crepe.
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Sit your little one on your lap and have them dig into giant portions of delicious diner food with you at Little Purity.
Little Purity
390 Seventh Avenue (at 12th Street)
There's nothing like a classic diner breakfast! Wake the kids up early to hit this local favorite. The restaurant offers kids' books to keep children busy while food is being prepared. The bustling, cozy environment is reminiscent of an old-fashioned luncheonette. The friendly staff is patient and kind to even the squirmiest toddler. Try its breakfast—but keep in mind portions are large, so you might want to split your meal. The challah French toast is to die for and is a hit with children. Bonus: Tired parents can enjoy unlimited coffee refills. No changing table, but there's a big bathroom with plenty of elbow room if you need to change a diaper.
Peppino's
469 Fifth Avenue (between 10th and 11th Streets)
This classic neighborhood Italian eatery offers brick oven pizzas and generous pastas in a kid-friendly atmosphere complete with old-school, red-checked tablecloths. Split a pizza, calzone, or a hearty pasta dish—you won't leave hungry! The portions are large and the food is rich and delicious. Save room for dessert, as its specials change daily. Family photos adorn the walls, adding to the casual, family-friendly vibe. You'll have to wait to take them in, though—currently, Peppino's is open only for pickup and delivery.
Jintana Thai Farmhouse
344 Seventh Street (between 9th and 19th Streets)
This Thai restaurant is hands down my family's favorite in Park Slope. It boasts authentic flavors made from fresh ingredients. For lunch, try the Thai "Pinto" lunch box set made of three courses. Jintana also offers a creative kids' menu featuring Thai spaghetti, fried omelet rice, and fried chicken with Thai sticky rice. High chairs are available for indoor dining although there's no changing table in the bathrooms.
Originally published in 2015.
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Photos courtesy of the restaurants