Inside
9 Jones St., near W. 4th St.
212-229-9999
While there’s no children’s menu at Anne Rosenzweig’s newest outpost, the casual Greenwich Village restaurant offers kid-pleasers like crispy rock shrimp served in fun paper cones. They’ll also do simple stuff like pasta with butter, or try the awesome baking-powder biscuits with strawberry butter or matzo brei on the brunch menu. (M)

Island Burgers & Shakes
766 Ninth Ave., near 51st St.
212-307-7934
This Hell’s Kitchen storefront with a SoCal vibe specializes in burgers and churascos (grilled-chicken sandwiches) in countless combinations, served on delicious bread with eclectic toppings (pesto, peanut sauce, roasted peppers). It’s also got an entire menu devoted to shakes and malteds. (I)

Jackson Hole
232 E. 64th St., near Second Ave.
212-371-7187
1611 Second Ave., near 84th St.
212-737-8788
521 Third Ave., near 35th St.
212-679-3264
The definition of a burger joint, Jackson Hole makes children comfortable with high chairs, booster seats, crayons, and fountain treats for the older set. Kids get a kick out of the short-order cooks’ novel way of cooking larger-than-life burgers under glass cups on the griddle. (I–M)

Jekyll & Hyde
1409 Sixth Ave., near 57th St.
212-541-9517
91 Seventh Ave. So., near Barrow St.
212-989-7701
jekyllandhydeclub.com
For weird, kid-pleasing themed entertainment, this is the place: Creepy hosts and scary animatronics are hallmarks. Food is an afterthought, but there’s kids’ fare like pizza and pasta. (M)

John’s Pizzeria
278 Bleecker St., near Seventh Ave. So.
212-243-1680
408 E. 64 St., near First Ave.
212-935-2895
260 W. 44th St., near Eighth Ave.
212-391-7560
The granddaddy of Manhattan pizza parlors, John’s has arguably the best thin-crust pizza in the city. Add wonderful salad for the table, a side of pasta, a Shirley Temple, some beers, and everybody’s happy. (M)

Katz’s Delicatessen
205 E. Houston St., at Ludlow St.
212-254-2246
Send a salami to a soldier or your son at college while you take a number and order oversize deli sandwiches in an oversize cafeteria setting. The current owner of this family-run business personally visits each table to make sure that you’re eating the garlic pickles. (I–M)

Le Cirque 2000
455 Madison Ave. (in the Palace Hotel), near 50th St.
212-303-7788
lecirque.com
Even though they’re not really allowed to sit in the Bar Lounge, sneak the kids in for a quick peak at the way-cool clocks and Flintstones-esque décor. Then sashay over to the circusy dining rooms, which mesmerize “mature” kids as they feast on myriad pasta dishes, roasted chicken, or chateaubriand. The new $25 prix fixe lunch is especially appealing. (VE)

Lexington Candy Shop
1226 Lexington Ave., at 83rd St.
212-288-0057
It’s easy to imagine Donna Reed and June Cleaver sipping cherry Cokes and swapping Bundt-cake recipes in one of the booths at this time-warp luncheonette. Burgers, fries, and shakes can be consumed on-the- twirl atop swiveling counter stools. (I–M)