Colonie is a known date-night favourite. On the weekends however, it’s a brunch mecca for families. While the restaurant doesn’t feature a lot of baby-friendly amenities, it makes up for it with truly fine food and friendly staff who welcome kids of all ages. No reservations for brunch. Get there when it opens to avoid the queues.
This little neighbourhood cafe is frequented by local families for a very good reason – despite having no room for strollers, it’s right next door to Cobble Hill Park. Their breakfast and lunch sandwiches are the perfect thing to chow down on while sitting in the pretty park with your offspring. The breakfast sandwiches are delicious – large, full of egg, fresh tomato and cheese. Just the thing to kickstart your day.
On cold days, snuggle up inside with your little one on your lap and let them play with some of the books and toys that are in the cafe just for this purpose, while you indulge in a grilled cheese and tomato soup.
You don’t get more family friendly than the Bubby’s restaurants. This Brooklyn branch is particularly great for kids. Lots of space, room for older kids to stretch their legs if they get bored and a photobooth to capture some silly family shots before you leave. The food is solid, standard fare. Afterwards, head to the park and playground across the road.
Bar Tabac is a French bistro in Cobble Hill. Plenty of outdoor tables you can park a stroller at as well as indoor tables. Kids’ meals run large – the grilled cheese sandwich we were served was adult-sized. This is a brunch fave for locals – their omelettes are devine.
Food! Bring it!Food, glorious food.
Highchairs: Yes. Stroller storage: Yes (minimal however – stroller must fold up or fit near the bar). Easy access: Yes (no stairs). Change tables: No. Kids’ menu: Yes.
Bar Tabac
128 Smith St
Brooklyn (at Dean st)
NY 11231
Phone: (718) 923 0918
Pries: $$
Hours:
Mon-Tue: 11:30am-1am
Wed-Thu: 11:30am-2am
Fri: 11:30am-3am
Sat: 10am-3am
Sun: 10am-1am Get directions.
Hipsters of all sizes line up to eat at this popular brunch spot in Greenpoint. It’s a fave of the Aussie expat crowd too, thanks to its Kiwi manager with his refreshing down-to-earth manner, and its Aussie-style brekkie and coffee. The Aussie connection comes from Five Leaves’ inception – owner Jud Mongell was friends and business partners with actor Heath Ledger. The two planned to open the restaurant and bar in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, before his sudden death. With the release of funds from the actor (and Brooklyn resident’s) trust by the Ledger family, Five Leaves was opened.
Aussie friends!
Five Leaves draws creative-types from all over the city, with its bohemian vibe and hearty brunch. We often catch the G train (when it’s running!) to meet our Aussie friends there for a stack of pancakes, big fry up brekkie, or a solid burger and fries.
Outdoor dining with hipsters.
The interior is tiny and squished, so we always end up seated outdoors. This is preferable with a baby anyway, giving us more room to spread out, and meaning we don’t have to worry if she gets fussy.
Five Leaves Burger.Ricotta pancakes
My favourite dishes are the ricotta pancakes, because they come absolutely covered with seasonal fresh fruit, and the big brekkie, with its perfectly poached eggs and roast tomatoes.
Last bite: While the food is delish, the lines are long, so be prepared to wait anywhere up to an hour or longer for a table. With restless babes, put your name down and walk across the road to the park to play while you’re waiting.
Highchairs: No. Request an outdoor table that you can park your stroller at if your kid isn’t big enough to sit in an adult chair. Stroller storage: No. No room for strollers inside at all. Easy access: Yes (one or two stairs). Change tables: No. Kids’ menu: No.
Five Leaves
18 Bedford Ave,
Brooklyn 11222
(Btwn Lorimer St & Manhattan Ave)
Phone: (718) 383 5345 (no reservations)
