15 "cool moms" share their strategies for eating out with kids

Plus, the best places to do so in NYC

I shared in last week’s stack how I am not someone who spends a lot of time with my nose in parenting books. The best advice I’ve gotten over the last 2+ years is from talking to other moms who have been there or are currently in the weeds with me.

I find this to be especially true when it comes to the grunt work of everyday existence. Things like eating out, which pre-parenthood used to be an unencumbered joy and now, depending on the day, can sometimes be an hour of fresh hell.

On this particular subject, I reached out to a bunch of moms I know who I thought would have excellent strategies. I call them “cool moms” not because of their wardrobe or occupations (or just because I am never one to shy away from a Mean Girls reference). What makes them cool, in my corner of the universe, is that they still manage to live a vibrant, action-packed life despite the extra hassle of toting hangry tyrants along for the ride.

I learned so many fun tips and hacks from this round-up that I hadn’t come up with myself, like bringing a beloved condiment or “topping” from home to make new food feel more familiar, as well as “go bag” items like this mini magnetic tile set that fits in a purse, this camera for the aspiring wee food influencers, and this chic pencil case.

For those of you in my hometown of NYC, I also included a round-up of favorite restaurants (many of which have multiple locations around the city) where crayons can be comfortably gnawed on alongside a bowl of fries, while parents eat a delicious meal that is not beige.

Mini magnetic tiles, toddler digital camera, pencil case

I was inspired by my friend Alexis Benveniste, who has a fabulous Substack called Extra Credit. She often does themed round-ups of favorite hotels and restaurants from her worldly friends, and the quick and dirty reviews always feel much more approachable and on the nose than any critic.

I hope you will join the brain trust and leave some of your dining out hacks in the comments, or chime in if any tips below resonate with you.

Happy munching!

Phoebe

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I asked 15+ moms with young kids about their strategies for making eating out at restaurants easier. Here’s what they said.

“Don’t leave home without your dining-out ‘kit’! I keep a pouch for each of my girls stocked with their favorite small, non-messy activities. For my four-year-old: Plus-Plus blocks, a sticker book, crayons, coloring pages, and a little puzzle. For my eight-year-old: a bracelet-making kit (lanyard, not beads—I’ve learned the hard way), her secret diary (lock included), a ballpoint pen, and a deck of cards. It buys us at least one course of relative peace.”

-- Sarah Lederman, Interior Designer + Amateur Substacker

Plus-Plus blocks, travel high chair

“We got our daughter a baby digital camera and she loves taking pictures of our food, us, and even random people at restaurants. We don’t actively seek out ‘kid-friendly’ places, so we usually bring a portable/travel highchair, which has been a lifesaver and attaches to every table.”

--Maggie Gavilán, Co-Founder, Mother Euro

“I bring my son to meet the ‘chefs’ so he sees the food being made and gets a break from the table. Letting him ‘order’ and interact with the staff makes him feel like a big kid and encourages good behavior. Plus, this sets up your child for a positive experience in the restaurant and begins to teach manners!”

--Sarah Marie Glass