Best places for family dining

BY JOAN REMINICK
joan.reminick@newsday.com

After a day at the beach or at the museum, the kids are going to want to eat. Of course, not just any place will do. First, you'd like to be somewhere near your activities. Then, you want your choice to be a family spot as well as one easy on the wallet. Good food and atmosphere count, too.

This list should guide you beyond the same old pizza and burgers. Who knows? You may discover a few ethnic specialties that even your most finicky young eater will enjoy.

Nassau

AMERICAN CAFE. 5 School St., Glen Cove, 516-656-0003. From mac and cheese to meat loaf to burgers to soups, this cozy little in-town eatery has what it takes to satisfy all kinds of all-American appetites.

BACK ROOM TRATTORIA AT IAVARONE BROS. 1534 Union Tpke., Lake Success Center, New Hyde Park, 516-488-4500, iavaronebros.com. While grown-ups enjoy grilled polenta with Gorgonzola and mushrooms, youngsters can savor a pasta, some pizza or even a burger at this well-run trattoria affiliated with the Iavarone Bros. specialty market.

BUTERA'S. 7903 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury, 516- 496-3633, buteras.com. The noise level is high at this family-friendly spot with lively Italian fare and a kids' menu. The only drawback? Waiting for a table.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL. 215 N. Broadway, Hicksville, 516-822-4074, chipotle.com. Fast food hardly describes the fresh, mostly organic fare at the first Long Island branch of a national Tex-Mex chain where you select the ingredients to customize your burrito, taco or salad.

DOSA DINER. 128 Broadway, Hicksville, 516-681-5151. Introduce your kids to the dosa, a South Indian lacy pancake filled with spiced (but not too spicy) potatoes and vegetables. A plus for some kids is that this no-frills restaurant is strictly vegetarian.

FRESCO. 150A E. Park Ave., Long Beach, 516-897-8097. Remember crepes? Sweet and savory, they're prepared with panache at this charming cafe. Consider such fillings as smoked salmon with mascarpone cheese and chives or, for dessert, fruit and/or chocolate.

GRAFFITI AMERICAN CAFE. 8285 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury, 516-367-1340, and 1326 Peninsula Blvd., Hewlett, 516-791-2959. These two have something to entice every kind of eater. There are big, colorful salads, burgers and wraps, and such entrees as chicken meat loaf.

GREEN MELODY. 519 N. Broadway, Jericho, 516-681-5715. For that someone in your family who's gone vegetarian, this Chinese restaurant is meat- and dairy-free; i.e., instead of General Tso's chicken, you'll find General Tso's protein nuggets.

THE HIDEAWAY. 76 Shore Rd., situated in the Jude Thaddeus Glen Cove Marina, Glen Cove, 516-759-4340. This appropriately named spot, located in a marina, is open morning to night. You can have banana French toast early, crab salad later on and double-cut pork chops at night.

HILDEBRANDT'S. 84 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, 516-741-0608. For the child in everyone, this nostalgic soda fountain-restaurant features house-made ice cream, classic burgers plus a menu full of surprises, like chicken au poivre with brandy cream sauce.

LAGUNA GRILL. 7927 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury, 516-682-8000; 146 Birch Hill Rd., Locust Valley, 516-671-9486 and 1610 Old Country Rd., Westbury, 516-745-1400. Three colorful nuevo Latino links compose this kid-friendly Long Island mini chain, where such specialties as a tropical chicken salad and glazed coconut shrimp keep the party going all day.

LL DENT. 221 Old Country Rd., Carle Place, 516-742-0940. The mother-daughter team of Lucille and Leisa Dent put a stylish spin on such Southern soul-food specialties as pulled pork and Southern fried chicken. Banana pudding is its own reward.

MIM'S. 235 Roslyn Rd., Roslyn Heights , 516-625-7305, and 33 Berry Hill Rd., Syosset, 516-364-2144. Style and substance are the attributes that make these sister restaurants so popular. The menu (with a kids' section) covers all the territory, from burgers to salads to sushi rice-crusted salmon.

THE ORIENT. 623 Hicksville Rd., Bethpage, 516-822-1010. Owner Tommy Tan is an affable guide through the wonders of authentic Chinese cooking (the garlic fried chicken should be required eating). On weekends, dim sum brunch is served.

PANCHO'S BORDER GRILL. 4119 Hempstead Tpke., Bethpage, 516-579-5500; 10 Grace Ave., Great Neck, 516-829-5305 and Pancho's Cantina, 4245 Austin Blvd., Island Park, 516-897-8300. This trio of Tex-Mex cafes is not only geared to families, the food is actually as enjoyable as the margaritas. Try the fajitas or the catfish po' boy to find out.

PASTA-ERIA. 440 S. Oyster Bay Rd., Hicksville, 516-938-1555. Like the other restaurants owned by Emilio Branchinelli (Fanatico, also in Hicksville, and Emilio's in Commack), this spot is known for excellent pizzas as well as house-made pastas. The din is virtually constant, as is the wait for a table.

PINATA'S MEXICAN GRILL. 601 Hicksville Rd., Bethpage, 516-681-8282. The Tex-Mex food is fast and fresh at this snappy-looking, order-at-the-counter spot. You can get burritos, quesadillas, salads and, praise be, authentic California-style fish tacos.

POLLOS EL PAISA. 989 Old Country Rd., Westbury, 516-338-5858. For an intro to the cuisine of Colombia, this sunny eatery in a converted diner can hardly be beat. Rotisserie chickens, which spin behind the counter, are savory and delicious; fried plantains irresistible.

R.S. JONES. 153 Merrick Ave., Merrick, 516-378-7177. Cowboys and cowgirls will cotton to the roundup of down-home Southwestern and Southern dishes at this fun, funky friendly spot where the chili and sweet potato pancakes are first rate.

SALVATORE'S COAL-FIRED BRICK OVEN PIZZA. 124 Shore Rd., Port Washington, 516-883-8457. The music of Frank Sinatra serves as the backdrop for some of Long Island's best coal-oven pies, beautifully blistered and oozing fresh mozzarella.

THOMAS'S HAM & EGGERY DINER. 325 Old Country Rd., Carle Place, 516-333-3060. At this breakfast spot renowned for comforting food and friendly ambience, the oatmeal and Belgian waffles are top-notch, as are the house-made muffins. Kids will enjoy eating their eggs from shiny skillets.

WILD FIG. 167 Glen St., Glen Cove, 516-656-5645. Introduce your family to pide, a distant Turkish relative of pizza that's more like a big stuffed Danish. There are kebabs, as well. Prices are reasonable, service friendly.

Suffolk

BATATA CAFE. 847 Fort Salonga Rd, Northport, 631-754-4439. Comfortable and artsy, this order-at-the-counter cafe and coffee bar serves such breakfast and lunch specialties as sweet potato pancakes and a spicy-sweet turkey panino.

BOBBIQUE. 70 W. Main St., Patchogue, 631-447-7744. Chef-owner Eric Rivkin has designed this barbecue joint with informality in mind. Order at the counter, grab a table and, soon, you'll be elbow deep in messy ribs, pulled pork and brisket.

COOKE'S IN. 767 New York Ave., Huntington Station, 631-424-2181. Former schoolteacher Juanita Cooke keeps kids entertained with age-appropriate books as well as an appealing menu of Southern, Italian and Caribbean comfort foods -- think fried ravioli followed by barbecued ribs with corn pudding.

FONDA COYOACAN. 1026 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-547-7259. Let your kids know what real Mexican food tastes like. At this no-frills eatery in the rear of a Mexican grocery, you'll find such intensely flavorful dishes as tacos al pastor (made with marinated rotisserie-roasted pork) and huarache Azteca, a fluffy house-made tortilla topped with pork, beef and nopales (cactus leaves).

GOLDMINE MEXICAN GRILL. 99 Broadway, Greenlawn, 631-262-1775. A fresh salsa bar adds to the allure of this basic but so-good Tex-Mex eatery where the house-made soups, chili, chicken stew and fajitas are simple and satisfying.

HOG HOUSE BARBECUE. 200 W. Jericho Tpke., Huntington Station, 631-271-4200. At this whimsical porcine-themed storefront, the owners even smoke their own pastrami, to delectable effect. Ribs, chicken and pulled pork? Mighty fine.

JACKSON'S. 6005 Jericho Tpke., Commack, 631-462-0822. The noise level attests to the popularity of this all-American spot serving such favorites as pulled pork, barbecued chicken and turkey meat loaf. The house-made veggie burger is amazing.

MANGIA MANGIA. 69 W. Main St., Patchogue, 631-475-4774. Kids will enjoy a holographic display outside this popular Italian restaurant, where the spaghetti and meatballs take top honors.

MAUREEN & DAUGHTERS KITCHEN. 108 Terry Rd., Smithtown, 631-360-9227. Set in a sprawling Victorian house done in a bovine motif, Maureen's is the definitive Long Island daytime spot. Dishes such as baked oatmeal, orange pancakes and stuffed French toast establish breakfast as the most important meal of the day.

MUNDAY'S. 259 Main St., Huntington, 631-421 -3553. A natural for young families, this atmospheric village luncheonette serves a great burger, char-grilled and juicy. Pair it with sweet potato fries and you've got an ideal lunch. Breakfast and dinner are worthwhile, too, as are the house-made pies.

PAINTERS RESTAURANT. 416 S. Country Rd., Bellport, 631-286-6264. Paper-covered tables, crayons, a pool table and outrageous artworks make this spot a magnet for all generations. The global cuisine rocks, too -- try the beef satays or sushi tuna on wonton skins.

PINE AIRE FISH & DELI. 140 Pine Aire Dr., Brentwood, 631-231-4467. A great white shark's head made of fiberglass seemingly bursts from the ceiling of this El Salvadoran seafood restaurant-fish market. The food is cool -- ceviche, fried plantains, shrimp tacos, to name a few options.

PITA HOUSE. 680 Rte. 112, Patchogue, 631-289-2262. At this family-friendly Turkish restaurant, the house-made gyro, turkey or lamb outclasses the commercial stuff often served elsewhere. The bright shepherd's salad will tempt even the most vegetable-phobic kids.

ROYAL KEBAB & GRILL. 135 W. Jericho Tpke., Huntington Station, 631-423- 2315. The juicy burnished chicken kebab at this informal Huntington Station spot is an ideal introduction to Pakistani food. The restaurant's tandoor oven also sends forth some wondrous breads, like the fluffy onion kulcha.

SMOKEHOUSE GRILL. 296 W. Main St., Sayville, 631-589-9600. Peruvian chicken soup is one of several surprises at this barbecue restaurant that's so much more. Try the brontosaur-size beef ribs as well as the poppy-seed-crusted flounder. There's also a kids' menu.

SMOKIN' AL'S FAMOUS BBQ JOINT. 19 W. Main St., Bay Shore, 631-206-3000. Kids and parents will go hog-wild for the pig-themed art, as well as for the glorious 'cue (the St. Louis ribs are standouts) at pitmaster Al Horwitz's much-loved Bay Shore spot.

SOLAR CAFÉ. 1 First Ave., Brentwood, 631-348-7181. A family -- Chris and Wendy Castro and their three children -- run this singularly charming restaurant in a former LIRR station. The food, much of it organic, reflects their Dominican background as well as Latin and American influences. Try the superior Cuban sandwich.

SWEET MAMA'S. 9 Alsace Pl., Northport, 631- 261-6262. At breakfast and lunch, this sunny and attractive place is usually jammed with diners, who converge for the hearty omelets, first-rate oatmeal and great sandwiches (the grilled turkey, spinach and Muenster especially).

BUOY ONE. 1175 W. Main St., Riverhead, 631-208- 9737. Formerly known as One Fish Two Fish, this restaurant is decorated to evoke a tropical retreat. Parents can enjoy Asian sesame salmon while their kids chow down on fish and chips.

FARMER BAR. Cutchogue Barbecue Co.. 4805 Depot Lane, Cutchogue, 631-734-5410. Start with "burnt endz" (crusty pieces of smoked brisket) and go on to a meal of slow-smoked 'cue at this North Fork attraction well suited to families.

FOODY'S. 760 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill, 631- 726-FOOD. The cherrywood-burning oven at this casual Italian eatery in Water Mill turns out delicious marinated chicken and St. Louis ribs. The very good pizza is even better topped with wood-grilled sausage.

HY TING. 54 W. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727- 1557. Kids will want to check out the fish tank at this old-fashioned Chinese restaurant that serves up flavorful old Cantonese favorites -- spare ribs, lo mein, fried rice -- at bargain prices.

LA FONDITA. 74 Montauk Highway, Amagansett, 631-267-8800. At an outdoor picnic table overlooking an idyllic pond, have some authentic Mexican specialties, like a chorizo taco or posole with pork and chili. Finicky kids can get a plain cheese taco, if they must. (Closed in winter.)

LOBSTER ROLL NORTHSIDE. 3225 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-369-3039. The namesake sandwich (also available at the sibling Amagansett locale) is only part of the draw at this family-friendly spot serving hearty American fare with an emphasis on seafood.

TURTLE CROSSING. 221 Pantigo Rd., East Hampton, 631-324-7166, turtlecrossing.com. In the informal Western-themed dining room, families hunker down for some of the most flavorful barbecue on the East End. From pulled pork to ribs to a Thai chicken wrap, there's a dish for every kind of eater. (Closed in winter.)

BEST WESTERN, 173 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, 516-869-9191, newyorkdinnertheater.com Cuisine: Continental. Capacity: 180. Shows: 8 p.m. Sat.; call for full schedule. Currently: "The Godfather's Meshuggener Wedding," "The Soapranos," "Killing Mr. Withers," "Joey and Mary's Irish / Italian Comedy Wedding," "The Honeymoaners." Price: $46.95-$59.95, includes dinner, show and tip (tax not included); group discounts available.

HYATT REGENCY WIND WATCH, 1717 Motor Pkwy., Hauppauge, 516-869-9191, newyorkdinnertheater.com Cuisine: Continental. Capacity: 100-250. Shows: 8 p.m. Sat. Currently: "The Godfather's Meshuggener Wedding," "The Soapranos," "Killing Mr. Withers," "Joey and Mary's Irish / Italian Comedy Wedding," "The Honeymoaners," call for full schedule and price.

KILLING KOMPANY, 212-772-2590, 888-SHOOTEM, killingkompany.com Cuisine: Depends upon venue. Capacity: Up to 200, depending on venue. Shows: Performances at Riccardo's in Astoria and Pappa Razzi in Westbury. Price: $45 and up, varies with location.

MARRIOTT ISLANDIA, 3635 Express Dr. N., Hauppauge, 516-869-9191, newyorkdinner theater.com Cuisine: Continental. Capacity: 250. Shows: 8 p.m. Sat.; call for full schedule. Currently: "The Godfather's Meshuggener Wedding," "The Soapranos," "Killing Mr. Withers," "Joey and Mary's Irish / Italian Comedy Wedding" and "The Honeymoaners." Price: $46.95-$59.95, includes dinner, show and tip (does not include tax); group rates available.

TIVOLI TERRACE, 3500 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury, 516-869-9191, newyorkdinnertheater.com Cuisine: Continental. Capacity: 240. Shows: 8 p.m. Sat.; call for full schedule. Currently: "The Godfather's Meshuggener Wedding," "The Soapranos," "Killing Mr. Withers," "Joey and Mary's Irish / Italian Comedy Wedding," "The Honeymoaners." Price: $46.95-$59.95, includes dinner and tip (tax not included); group discounts available.

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