25 Bergen County Toddler-Friendly Restaurants:
Two Moms Have Vetted Them, So You Don’t Have To
Jeanette: Tor, we are both Bergen County based seasoned toddler moms, major food lovers and we’re always seeking our next delicious adventure. How has dining out changed for you since having your son?
Tory: Oh my gosh. It’s changed so much. It no longer feels like a relaxing enjoyable experience TBH. It’s often rushed, chaotic, and my anxiety more times than not peaks about how long we’re we going to “last” before a meltdown/something breaking/my son being ready to leave/a tantrum sorta thing. It’s just not that much “fun” anymore for me? I’m hoping that gets better as the kids get older? (Asking for a friend….)
I find if it’s not a super toddler friendly (see how I define below) restaurant, it’s just not worth it for me given how much money it costs to dine out and the experience (or lack thereof) I have. I know that’s a little different than your take on it, which I think is so important to share!
J: Don’t I know all that to be true! I’m proud of us for not avoiding going out completely just because it can be challenging. I am a restaurant go-er. When I had kids, my restaurant go-ing became more limited. I don’t love labeling restaurants as kid friendly and not, but the reality is, some are for sure easier to bring your kids to than others. My dining out mantra is - if you want to go to a restaurant that doesn’t feel kid friendly, go early. 5pm, out by 6:30. Dessert to go, tea/coffee/cocktail on the couch once the kids are asleep. I’ve taken my kids to James Beard Award winning restaurants this way. But more often than not, when it’s been a long day or week with the kids, I’m looking for an easy spot to bring them where everyone will be happy. What are some of your qualifications for a toddler friendly spots?
T: My qualifications of toddler friendly: spacious (they can move about (AKA RUN) and don’t have to be super restricted to a seat, items on the menu most toddlers like, items on the menu I like, staff aren’t annoyed by kids, service is FAST, and extra bonus points if there is an activity to be paired with the restaurant (ie. library + lunch, train + snack).
T + J: We’ve tested these spots so you don’t have to, here’s what we’ve got so far. If we missed one, please send a message and let us know and we can include it in the next roundup!
Breakfast/Brunch
Carlos Bagels (bagel shop) - Hawthorne
Raymond’s (upscale diner) - Ridgewood (get there early 8am opening, more seats available - booths rock for toddlers)
Matthew’s Diner (diner) - Waldwick
Honey Day Cafe (Korean-American fusion brunch) - Glen Rock (perfect to pair with Curious Reader across the street)
Sook (pastries, some sandwiches, crepes) - Ridgewood (the egg and cheese sandwich on a croissant is without a doubt a hidden gem. Eat outside, eat inside for a quick bite or take to go.
Daily Treat (diner-esque) - Ridgewood
Lunch/Dinner
Bubakoos (fast casual/burritos) - Midland Park, Fairlawn, Multiple Locations (close to Midland Park library *opens at 10* and makes for a fun morning outing; great low seating and fun sports broadcasted on tvs)
Pizzaiolo (pizza/Italian) - Midland Park (close to Midland Park library opens at 10 and makes for a fun morning outing)
East Coast Burger (fast casual/burgers) - Ridgewood
MacMurphy’s (pub fare) - Ridgewood (Monday nights is dubbed Mini Mac’s Mondays and kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. There are games set up under the tent and live music)
Tito's Burritos (fast casual/burritos) - Ridgewood ( if you’re smart you’ll pair with Dairy Queen next door ;)
Jersey Mikes (fast casual/subs) - Ridgewood + Multiple Locations
Ike’s Big Mouth (fast casual/subs) - Waldwick
Soma (cafe/crepes/ice cream) - Waldwick (not super spacious, but do have fun toddler friendly items on menu) - fun to take the train to Waldwick and walk over bridge together, restaurant right over track, outdoor kids play area - lots of stairs, so do not take stroller
Nellie’s Place (bar pies/pub fare) - Waldwick (FYI seating is tight, can’t easily get up and walk around, although service is used to children.)
Whistle Stop (food & ice cream) - Waldwick (right near the train)
Uno Mas (contemporary Mexican) - Allendale (they have silicone bento-style plates filled with kid favorites like corn, fruit and tacos…Kids’ meals are free before 5:30 PM)
IKEA (Swedish food and drink) - Paramus + Multiple Locations. (Opens at 10, can explore the kids section, follow the arrows to run around, stuffed animals galore, and eat lunch pushing the cart along the buffet. Swedish meatballs are never a bad idea. Truly one of my toddler’s favorite activities.)
Santoni’s - (pizza slices/pie to eat in or to go) - Ridgewood
Renato’s (pizza slices/pie eat in or to-go) - Ridgewood
Bogies (fast casual/subs) - Hawthorne (great subs, fries, space to run around, lots of tables, and an arcade game!)
Coffee/Other Specialty Shops
Ridgewood Coffee Co. (cafe/coffee) - Ridgewood (the new space has so much room)
Beets Smoothies (cafe/smoothies) - Allendale, Park Ridge and Montvale
Juice Me Organics (juice bar) - Waldwick
Paris Baguette (cafe) - multiple locations, Montvale, Paramus, Ridgewood (kids love to walk around and choose their snack with the tongs!)
Thank you for checking out our list! We’ll update this as we keep trying and hearing about new kid friendly spots. Please reach out with any dining with kids advice, tips or tricks… we’re always happy to hear it!
Xo,
Jeanette + Tory
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