Murray Hill's Best Family-Friendly Restaurants

MURRAY HILL, NY — If you have family visiting the city this holiday season, you probably feel pressure to choose the best restaurants in your hood to impress your loved ones. Your parents probably won't go for the wings challenge at your neighborhood sports bar or gyro off the street, so Patch did some research for you. We've compiled a list of the top family-friendly restaurants in the Murray Hill-Gramercy area to ensure fun had by all members of the family.

Penelope - 159 Lexington Ave.

Everyone loves Penelope for breakfast and brunch. After a long morning of sight seeing with your family, swing by this neighborhood gem for some homemade, American comfort food. The atmosphere is quaint with no-frills, but they do have a disco ball on the ceiling for an added touch. We recommend the mouthwatering biscuits with gravy, the Penny egg sandwich and the french toast. Penelope seats on a first come first serve basis, so make sure to get there early before it gets packed.

Hours: Open every day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Kajitsu - 125 E 39th St.

Your family will definitely be impressed with this unique Japanese restaurant that specializes in Shojin cuisine, a type of vegetarian cooking that originated in Zen Buddhism. Although shojin cooking doesn't use meat or fish, these dishes pack serious flavor with fresh, seasonal ingredients. This spot provides an unusual family outing, and the food is so good that Kajitsu earned a Michelin star. Kajitsu is expensive, so save it for a special family meal.

Blue Smoke - 116 E 27th St.

Blue Smoke is a casual spot perfect for a big group. It opened in 2002 by the founder of Shake Shack, Danny Meyer. Pack into one of the spacious booths and dig into soulful barbecue classics like cornbread, brisket, pulled pork and beignets. Compliment your meal with a drink from Blue Smoke's all-American beverage menu, which has a wide range of wines, cocktails, craft beers and whiskeys. Your family will love the rustic decor, the low key vibe and the friendly staff. When you're done eating, check out the live jazz performances in the basement.

Hours: Open 11:30 a.m. to 1o p.m. Sunday and Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Patrizia's of 2nd Avenue - 462-466 2nd Ave.

Come hungry to this authentic Italian eatery and enjoy their family style tasting menu. Your family will love the variety of the tasting menu, from homemade breads, cheeses and pastas to the select meats, seafood, wines and desserts. If you want to order off the normal menu, highlights include the star pizza, the gnocchi and the eggplant parmesan. Swing by Patrizia's before or after catching a movie with your family at the Kips Bay movie theater.

Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday

El Parador - 325 East 34th St.

If your family is looking for a great meal without pretentious surroundings, this landmark Mexican spot is the way to go. El Parador doesn't need elaborate decorations, a bottomless brunch special or loud music to drawn in crowds. This neighborhood spot, opened in 1959, is known for the quality of their food and their simple atmosphere, which makes it a very appealing place for families. Try the amazing guacamole, the peanut-butter stuffed jalapeños and the mole poblano.

Hours: Open 12 p.m. to 1o p.m. Monday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday

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