Friendly's
Yes, that Friendly's--the East Coast chain that began in 1935 and where, as its slogan goes, ice cream makes the meal. But frozen fare like forbidden fudge brownie sundaes and double-thick shakes are just the beginning--ah, make that ending--of a scrumptious meal. Friendly's, which the Albany Times-Union named the city's "Best Restaurant for Kids" for two years running, also offers a children's menu that's chock full of goodies such as the tuna salad supermelt, Western BBQ burger and loaded waffle fries with cheddar cheese, bacon and sour cream.
Friendly's
820 Central Ave.
Albany, NY 12206
(518) 459-5087
friendlys.com
Jack's Oyster House
For diners whose tykes have a taste for more hearty fare, Jack's Oyster House may be the perfect pick. Founded in 1913, when (as the 150-seat eatery boasts) Oreos first hit the shelves and Charlie Chaplin starred in his first Hollywood flick, Jack's steers clear of trends. Instead, it embraces classic dishes like Maryland jumbo lump crab cakes, grilled lobster tail, veal cutlets cordon bleu and steak Diane. And for dessert, if there's room, few kids have been known to resist Jack's homemade strawberry cotton candy.
Jack's Oyster House
42 State St.
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 465-8854
jacksoysterhouse.com
Paesan's Pizza & Restaurant
Paesan's ad campaigns "humorously play on Italian-American 'wise guy' stereotypes," the Albany Times-Union has noted. So if your kids dig the faux Mafioso scene, you'll definitely want to drop into this local chain. The calzones alone are worth the trip, with selections including "Da Sinatra" (spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, garlic) and "Slap in the Kisser" (pineapple, ham, mozzarella, garlic). But there are also classic starters such as fried calamari and antipasto, main dishes including lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs, and of course pizza pies rife with pepperoni, mushrooms, anchovies and other toppings.
Paesan's Pizza & Restaurant
289 Ontario St.
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 435-0312
paesanspizza.com
