Being new to the area, or simply a new parent, can make things a little harder when deciding where to dine out. Luckily, Hudson County is full of family-friendly options that are not only ideal for kids, but serve delicious food. So if you find yourself out on the town, don’t let stroller storage or unwelcoming venues stop you. With these kid-approved restaurants in your arsenal, any day is a good day to eat out.
Hoboken
Bareburger
515 Washington St,
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Since its opening in Hoboken, Bareburger has quickly become one of our favorite local chains. A burger and fries might not be the first thing that comes to mind when taking the kids out for a healthy lunch, but Bareburger has centered their menu around serving organic and free-range items. In addition to a kid’s menu—which includes salad, apple slices and fries—the brand caters to children with crayons, balloons, colorful decor and more. Downtown spots aren’t known for being incredibly spacious, but the staff here is always accommodating no matter how busy it gets.
Elysian Cafe
1001 Washington St,
Hoboken, NJ 07030
With so many things changing since Hoboken’s early days of gentrification, it’s not always easy to find a trendy place that calls back to the city’s history. Even harder still, one that is accommodating to parents with kids in tow. Like other venues on this list, Elysian Cafe is another great outdoor option. But on a more unique note, on Tuesday’s from 5-8pm the French-American bistro allows kids under 12 to eat for free with the purchase of your entrée (two children per adult).
Pilsner Haus & Biergarten
1422 Grand St,
Hoboken, NJ 07030
If you’re new to Hoboken, Pilsner Haus may not sound like a place for kids. But on the contrary, provided you’re not going after 8pm on a Saturday night (when there’s more of a party vibe), the Grand St venue has long been a great place for families to get together and have a meal. With tons of space for kids and a large outdoor seating area, it doesn’t matter how deep you roll. Pilsner Haus also has an additional kids menu featuring favorites such as grilled cheese, chicken fingers and french fries.
Johnny Pepperoni
4323, 219 11th St,
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Not only did Johnny Pepperoni’s pizza garner an exceptional 7.6 score from Barstool Pres. Dave Portnoy, but this venue has long since established itself as a Hoboken family-favorite. Yet another spot with great outdoor seating, their thin crust pizza (and children’s menu) is an instant hit with kids. From its warm, inviting interior details and much-welcomed BYOB option, Johnny Pepperoni’s is not only a perfect fit for families but cost-effective, too.
Jersey City
Brownstone Diner and Pancake Factory
426 Jersey Ave,
Jersey City, NJ 07302
There are countless reasons why Brownstone is considered one of the best diners in Hudson County, but there are few greater than the fact that the idea of “family” is ingrained into the bedrock of this business. Established in 1968, owned and operated by a close-knit family, Brownstone just feels like home. We’re talking first-name basis with the wait staff and food that tastes homemade. Not only are the menu options ideal for kids (as the name implies) but its centralized location in Jersey City makes it an easy local hotspot.
The Hamilton Inn
708 Jersey Ave,
Jersey City, NJ 07302
The Hamilton Inn’s corner location might be unassuming when it comes to picking a family spot, but it’s a neighborhood family favorite for a reason. Though it’s advised to come during weekday afternoons with little ones, The Hamilton Inn features a kid’s menu that includes mini pizzas, chicken fingers and pasta with tomato sauce or butter (for the picky eaters). In addition to its close proximity to Hamilton Park, the restaurant also has high chairs and a changing station—all the conveniences any parent needs while out on the town.
Left Bank Burger Bar
194 Newark Ave,
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Left Bank Burger Bar is one of those spots that just gets it when it comes to kids. Aside from becoming a Jersey City staple for a great grass-fed burger, their menu is just naturally appealing to kids. Mini sliders and coloring books at Left Bank are sure to hold their attention while you indulge in one of their house-made specialty burgers. Affordable prices for both kitchen and bar items don’t hurt, either.
Torico Ice Cream
20 Erie St,
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Another budding local business that’s been open since the ‘60s, Torico has been serving ice cream to families for decades. While the interior may not be spacious and a visit is only meant for a sort of sweet retreat, it’s hard to leave Torico off this list. In fact, Downtown summer walks with the fam just aren’t the same without a pit stop for Torico’s homemade ice cream and gelato. A waffle bowl (or two) filled with a custom flavor is the perfect way for you and the kids to cool off.
Gold Coast
Brownstone Pancake Factory
860 River Rd,
Edgewater, NJ 07020
If you’re up north (or just need to get out of the city for a hot minute) Brownstone Pancake Factory is the Gold Coast’s breakfast and brunch king. Directly related to its sister property in Jersey City, the restaurant’s upside-down interior will capture your kids attention just as much as the outrageous milkshakes and seemingly mile-high stacks of pancakes. River Road isn’t always the most parking-friendly area, but Brownstone offers free valet parking. A true diner at heart, there’s just about nothing they don’t have on the menu.
House of Que
500 Ave at Port Imperial,
Weehawken, NJ 07086
Like its Hoboken counterpart, House of Que is very much a family-friendly venue. Bonuses for the Weehawken location, however, are more parking options and a massive indoor space to complement their delicious barbeque offerings (which also features a kid’s menu). Through the restaurant’s event staff you can even set up family gatherings or birthday parties. Often House of Que will host fun activities on weekend days such as balloon making and face painting—making those lunch trips extra fun for the kids.
About the Author/s
Michael is the Editor-in-Chief of New Jersey Digest, COO of X Factor Media, and an avid writer. Growing up in Bergen County, he discovered his passion for words while in Friday detention. Michael loves kayaking, a fat glass of Nebbiolo, and over-editing.
