Best Irish restaurants for families in NYC

The name of this restaurant, pronounced “leh kay-lah,” loosely translates to “together,” which reflects the eclectic, friendly vibe at this lively Washington Heights eatery. Families flock to the weekend brunch for egg dishes, muffins, pancakes and kiddie specials like the Nutella & banana sandwich. Stop in for lunch (Monday through Friday from 11am to 4pm) and enjoy quick bites like mac & cheese and soup and salad for $8 and under. Le Cheile also serves up a family–style supper on Sunday evenings.

In addition to a lineup of elevated Irish pub fare for grown–ups—including kale salad, duck confit and chicken liver mousse—this Sunnyside, Queens spot offers a special kids menu. Little ones can nosh on favorites like chicken fingers and grilled cheese (both served with fries) or plain penne pasta. All kids menu dishes are served with a soda or milk and a bowl of ice cream for dessert.

Tucked away beneath the Brooklyn Bridge in the historic South Street Seaport, this hidden gem is actually one of NYC’s oldest pubs. An ornate Victorian bar—restored since the restaurant was damaged in Hurricane Sandy—sets the cozy, old–world mood. Bar snacks and sides, like kettle corn, chicken fingers, fries and sliders, are perfectly kid–sized, while the full menu features traditional Irish dishes like lamb and Guinness stew alongside crowd–pleasing classics like roast chicken and BLTs.

This Forest Hills pub puts its own unique spin on Irish favorites—you’ve got to try the Bubble & Squeak Dumplings, stuffed with corned beef, cabbage and carrots, and the Jameson Spring Rolls with whiskey–marinated steak. They also offer kids menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. In addition to the usual suspects, like chicken fingers and mac & cheese, there are kid–sized Irish sausages with French fries for slightly more adventurous young eaters.

Settle in at this UWS eatery for brunch and enjoy premium people–watching from its entirely windowed front and side walls. While Mom and Dad sample the full Irish breakfast, kids can order brunch from their very own menu, featuring eggs, PB&J and cereal with milk. The lunch and dinner menus include sandwiches, salads, shepherd’s pie, Celtic onion soup and fish & chips, as well as appetizers like quesadillas and mac & cheese that are ideal for little eaters. The location of St. James Gate makes it a perfect spot for a casual meal before or after a day of browsing at the nearby American Museum of Natural History.

On pleasant days, enjoy sprawling waterfront views from the roof deck at this Red Hook Irish pub and grill. Brick oven pizzas are the specialty here (and what kid doesn’t like that?); they also serve up traditional Irish cuisine like shepherd’s pie, beef and Guinness stew and bangers & mash with baked beans. The restaurant offers Irish brunch every Sunday until 4pm and holds “Think Global, Eat Local” dinners on Friday and Saturday, with dishes that highlight locally–sourced ingredients. Heads up—the bar scene reigns at night, so bring the kiddos here during daylight hours.