It's known as the ultimate foodie mecca, but the Brooklyn scene isn't just for grown-ups. The cool kids (and even toddlers) can be found at amazing tables all over the borough.
For starters, check out Pasta Louise. This Park Slope eatery got its start during the shut-downs of the pandemic and customer lines snaked around her block. Now there's a brick-and-mortar with a flower-filled patio where families love to chill. Everything is made from scratch, and a good proportion of the entrees can be made vegan. In addition to the tasty food, the restaurant sponsors a scholarship fund to benefit high school students who have lost a parent to cancer. How delish!
Then there's Greenwood Park which has a beer garden vibe after 7 p.m. But the daytime caters to families. We love that there is plenty of outdoor space and a kinda loud environment (so a temper tantrum here or there won't cause much of a stir). We're talking guac and chips, hand-cut fries, the house veggie burger, and the nutella pizza. This place used to be an old gas station and mechanic shop. But now, rev your engines and let the meals begin.
Speaking of blending into the cacophony, head over to Bogota Latin Bistro. This Colombian and Argentine restaurant has been in business for almost 20 years. There's always at least one vegan entree, and a special kids' menu featuring veggie tacos, black beans, yellow rice, and sweet plantains. You can sense the Latin love of family in the air, and you can taste it baked into the food!
If your crew prefers freewheeling food halls, we can highly recommend Time Out Market in DUMBO. There are 24 "unique food concepts" (er, restaurants) with plant-based options everywhere. The one called Bkln Wild is fully vegan and tempts with eye-catching bowls and salads such as the Diablo (spicy tofu and Mexican street corn), the Beast (ancient grains and sausage), and Feliz (red quinoa and papaya pico de gallo).
Another area to find multiple eating options contained in a giant kid-friendly neighborhood is Industry City in Sunset Park. Avocaderia tops our list here, because of the numerous avocado-forward menu options. But there's also Ejen for Korean comfort food. And Toast Burger Joint for Beyond burgers and vegan cheeseburgers. After eating, you can wander around outside and discover the kids-only sandpit, musical acts, and all-around festive atmosphere.
Yeah, yeah there's something to be said for getting dressed up, and booking the sitter, and escaping into the night for a fine dining experience. But for really scrumptious fun, prevail upon the kids to let you accompany them out to eat!