kid friendly cafe Archives - Page 2 of 2

It seems like something as simple as a really good crepe can be hard to find. We’ve been obsessed with the Vive La Crepe chain for a while, and last weekend went to SoHo just for crepes.

The store is run very efficiently. Order and pay at the counter, and your crepe will be ready within about 10 minutes. They’re super friendly towards the babes, and will bring over your food if they see you have your hands full.

Order at the counter – huge selection of crepes.

What makes them so good? The perfect batter, crisp on the edges, soft and slightly sweet in the middle, and plenty of fresh toppings like mozzarella, tomato and basil (my favourite). Their dessert crepes also rock my world – we can never settle at just one savoury crepe, we always need to go back for more.

It turns out that babies have good taste and love crepes too. Cheese went wild for the batter as well as the fillings – gooey cheese in particular. They’re fab for kids cos they can hold pieces in their hands and it doesn’t make too much of a mess.

The only downside is this SoHo location is a bit cramped when you bring a baby. The chain has various locations though, and we’ve also been to Vive La Crepe at Union Square, which had lots more space for strollers as well as lots more tables in general, so you don’t have to stalk other diners to get a seat. Note – none of the locations that we’ve been to have highchairs, so prepare to balance your kid on your lap and eat one-handed – which is actually fine because you can easily do this with the crepes (they come folded in a triangle shape in a little paper cone). Vive la crepe! See you again soon!

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: No. There is a small space next to the counter where you can fold a stroller, or if it’s pretty empty inside you can park the stroller next to your table.
Easy access: Yes. One step to get in.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Vive La Crepes
51 Spring St,
New York, NY 10012
Phone: (646) 484 6897
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-12am, Sun 9am-12am

Cupcakes, cupcakes, and more cupcakes. Magnolia is still the go-to place for cupcakes in New York. They’re the perfect mix of fluffy, moist base, with just the right amount of buttercream frosting. Visiting the original, and most famous, location in the West Village however, is a bit tricky when you factor in an infant. The shop is tiny, with nowhere to sit down at all. There is just enough room inside for a giant queue of tourists making the Magnolia stop on their trip.

This doesn’t mean that you should skip the deliciousness however. The best method is to come with a friend if possible, who can wait outside with the baby while you duck in and buy the food. Right across the road is a little square with benches and trees, so you can take your treats there to relax and eat. If your baby is more towards toddler age, head to the park attached to the square so you can let your kid run wild on the play equipment and still enjoy your precious cupcake.

Entranced by the toys in the playground while we ate our treats.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: No.
Easy access: Yes – one step. However, the bakery is always packed to the rafters, so you’ll be lucky to be able to squeeze in there with a stroller.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.
Baby-friendly rating: ——

Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleecker Street,
Phone: (212) 462 2572

Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 9am–11:30pm, Fri-Sat 9am–12:30am

kid friendly cafe

Vive La Crepe; Kid-friendly Restaurants, SoHo, Manhattan, New York

Magnolia Bakery; Kid-friendly Bakeries, West Village, Manhattan, New York