Artie’s Deli
2290 Broadway, near 83rd St.
212-579-5959
arties.com
With deliciously gruff deli waitresses who seem like they’ve been working the counter for decades, it’s hard to believe Artie’s is only four years old. The menu is a child’s dream—fries, chicken fingers, grilled cheese—and the signature kids’ treat, a hot dog wrapped in a knish, is for the more adventurous. Free dishes of pickles (garlic and half-sours, with peppers, too) come before the meal, and you can order a slice of birthday cake even if it’s not your birthday. (I–M)

	Macaroni and Cheese
• Blue Smoke 116 E. 27th St. 212-447-7733 bluesmoke.com These days, most restaurants gussy up their mac and cheese with fancy ingredients like Gruyère and Black Forest ham. But Blue Smoke’s ultra-creamy version, made from American and cheddar cheeses, is deliciously lowbrow (think fancy Stouffer’s) and comes as part of an $8.95 prix fixe kids’ menu that can include hushpuppies and ice cream.

The Barking Dog NYC
1678 Third Ave., at 94th St.
212-831-1800
1453 York Ave., at 77th St.
212-861-3600
150 E. 34th St., near Third Ave.
212-871-3900
With a fun canine theme that includes doggy watering fountains outside, these comfort-food eateries appeal to the stroller set as well as to older kids. The mostly American menu of salads, sandwiches, and dishes like meat loaf and pot roast also offers a few British staples, such as fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. Beware: Weekend brunch lines stretch around the corner. (I–M)

Beacon
25 W. 56th St., near Fifth Ave.
212-332-0500
beaconnyc.com
The rotisserie and grill show at chef Waldy Malouf’s open-fire kitchen will thrill your kids. Younger tykes can color away, while chef wannabes view the action up close. So no one gets cranky, waitstaff bring kiddie amuse-bouches of pizza or French fries right away. Kids 9 and under eat free and can order from their own “Little People Menu.” All will love the spit-roasted ten-herb chicken, wood-roasted lamb T-bone, and fabulous house-baked breads. (E)

Benihana
120 E. 56th St., near Lexington Ave.
212-593-1627
47 W. 56th St., near Sixth Ave.
212-581-0930
benihana.com
Long before Iron Chef taught us just how quick-handed knife-wielding Japanese cooks can be, there were the lickety-split tableside cooking shows that are still the main draw at these teppanyaki steakhouses. Your chef might flip a shrimp into his hat or build a volcano from onion rings doused with water. They have an award-winning kids’ menu and pint-size chopsticks for preteen purists. (M–VE)

Big City Bar & Grill
1600 Third Avenue, at 90th St.
212-369-0808
bigcitybarandgrill.com
Give thanks to Big City Grill, which, in cooperation with PlayDine, has created a gigantic supervised play space for children ages 1 to 9: After dinner, kids can run around, climb, and play games until you’ve enjoyed your last civilized sip of coffee. There’s a kids’ menu with typical chicken-finger fare. Adults get the popcorn and fajita versions plus other choices like grilled Atlantic salmon and pork chops. (I)

Blue Smoke
116 E. 27th St., near Lexington Ave.
212-447-7733
bluesmoke.com
The inimitable Danny Meyer has brought sophisticated down-home barbecue to Manhattan. Order the brisket or pulled-pork sandwich with a side of sweet-potato fries. Hamburgers and chocolate cake are knockouts. (M)

Bright Food Shop
216 Eighth Ave., at 21st St.
212-243-4433
Plant your kids on the counter stools at this quirky Chelsea restaurant, and watch the chefs in the open kitchen dole out humongous platters of Mexican-Asian fusion cuisine. Breakfast is a winner. Try the huevos rancheros, with two layers of soft tortilla, eggs, and a mass of black beans, sour cream, cilantro, and melted cheese. (M)