EAT
Murray’s Bagels
Location: New York City
The quintessential New York nosh. Bagels travel well, and you’ve got a lot of ground to cover. All of the bagels are nut-free, and they offer every schmear imaginable although note that several do contain nuts. Udi’s gluten-free bagels are also available.
Details: murraysbagels.com
Bubby’s
Location: New York City
Bubby’s, as the name implies, is all about comfort food. The all-American menu coupled with the laid-back vibe is a dream combo for a family-friendly breakfast or lunch spot.
Details: bubbysnyc.com
Big Daddy’s
Location: New York City
This diner-style menu offers burgers, fries, shakes, a fun vibe, and a piece of mind –the owner not only has two food allergic children but he also has food allergies.The kitchen is nut-free, and they have a variety of gluten-free options, including bread, waffles, and milkshakes made without malt.
Details: bigdaddysnyc.com
Alice’s Tea Cup
Location: New York City
This Alice In Wonderland-inspired spot is perfect for refueling with kids. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about food allergies, and while peanut butter is offered, they will help you navigate the menu including sweets. Offerings include several vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options.
Details: alicesteacup.com
Joe’s Pizza
Location: New York City
New Yorkers take pizza seriously. It’s all about the slice. Ideally served on a paper plate, from a no-frills takeout spot. Eat like a local and skip the wait for the whole pie.
Details: joespizzanyc.com
Quality Italian
Location: New York City
This rustic Italian steakhouse has a wide variety of Italian and steakhouse focused favorites. If allergens allow, they are famous for their “epic’ Chicken Parm Pizza with seasoned bread crumbs, mozzarella, parmesan, and pecorino and served family style.For people with milk allergies, go off the menu and request Pomodoro (a dairy free red sauce) and noodles. The kitchen will gladly serve to those in the know.
Spokin Tip: The bread served to the table comes with pesto, so if you’re allergic to pine nuts make sure to let your waiter know.
Details: qualityitalian.com
ABC Cocina
Location: New York City
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s upscale farm-fresh eatery serves Latin American fusion (read: tacos) in a glam space making both adults and kids happy. ABC Cocina is committed to offering fresh, safe and seasonal ingredients sourced from boutique producers.
Details: abchome.com/eat/abc-cocina
TREAT
Eleni’s New York
Location: New York City
Eleni’s New York is known for its playfully unique cookies, brownies, and cupcakes but they take nut allergies seriously as everything is produced in a peanut and tree-nut free facility. You can find Eleni’s located in the popular Chelsea Market – an indoor marketplace consisting of grocers, specialty food shops, and eateries.
Details: elenis.com
Erin McKenna’s Bakery
Location: New York City
This bakery is full of taste but free of so much – gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar-free, vegan and kosher. They do not bake with peanuts, most tree-nuts or soy but they do use coconut in most of the products.
Spokin Tip: They use gluten-free flours that are processed on equipment that packages hazelnut, almond flours and soy. The manufacturer, Bob’s Red Mill, power washes the machinery between runs. They also discard the initial 30 pounds of flour to prevent cross-contamination.
Details: erinmckennasbakery.com
Dylan’s Candy Bar
Location: New York City
Step into Dylan’s Candy Bar’s three-story flagship, and you’ve entered a Willy Wonkaesque dream store. Ask a Dylan’s staff member for an allergen guide, a handy card that navigates you through the store and to candy bins that are allergen-free.
Details: dylanscandybar.com
A La Mode
Location: New York City
Sweet dreams are made of this. A La Mode specializes in small-batch ice cream, “homemade” in a nut-free facility and offering gluten-free and dairy free options. The shop is almost as cute as the names of their flavors including pink sprinkle, wired, and speed bump.
Details: alamodeshoppe.com
PLAY
The Traditionalist
There is no shortage of impressive historical landmarks or architectural triumphs to visit in New York. However, these grand sites and tours can get very crowded so best to spring for the express passes when possible and opt for the shorter tours, so no one gets antsy.
- Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty
- Empire State Building
- Circle Line
- One World Trade Center Observatory
- 9/11 Memorial Museum
Parks + Outdoors
For a concrete jungle, NYC offers an impressive amount of high quality green space. Whether you are walking The High Line or lounging in Sheep’s Meadow in Central Park there are many options for respite from the bustling city streets.
Museum Lover
New York boasts a phenomenal selection of Museums. We have selected a few of the most kid friendly options to include in your itinerary. To stay up to date on “what’s on” check out the Art Guide to NYC.
- American Museum of Natural History
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Liberty Science Center
- Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The Holiday Spirit
Holiday Cheer is never in short supply in the big apple. The list of places to see and things to do between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is infinite… here are a few of our favorites.
- Union Square Holiday Market
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Holiday Windows & Light Show
- Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
STAY
The Greenwich Hotel
Location: New York City
Decorated more like a high end luxury apartment than a hotel, no two rooms are alike in this TriBeca hotel. Large rooms and fantastic service make you and your family feel right at home.
Details: thegreenwichhotel.com
JW Marriott Essex House
Location: New York City
The Essex House’s prime location allows you to make Central Park your backyard and the incredibly spacious rooms make it perfect for traveling with kids.
Details: marriott.com
The Benjamin Hotel
Location: New York City
This hotel is a hidden gem. Incredibly kid friendly with thoughtful features like a kids club, library of children’s books, and special kid size robes. A fantastic concierge service makes it a pleasure for adults and children alike.
Details: thebenjamin.com
The Soho Grand
Location: New York City
The Soho Grand hits all the high points: beautiful rooms, fabulous location, and kid-friendly services such as babysitting. It is the perfect place to stay in Soho.
Details: sohogrand.com
