Here’s something they don’t tell you when you become a parent: that yummy baby nestled in your arms is going to grow up and need to eat dinner every single night. You know this, but you don’t know know it until you’re staring into an almost empty fridge at 5:30 on a weeknight and wondering what sort of dinner you can fashion out of a half-eaten bagel, a scoop of leftover mac and cheese and the assorted (possibly expired) condiments you bought longer ago than you care to acknowledge. Rest assured, we’re here to help. Not only have we assembled a list of restaurants where you can get dinner fit for a grown-up every night of the week, but (bonus!) restaurants in Bergen County where your kids can eat free. You’re welcome.
Start your week off right with Sunday dinner at RoCCA in Glen Rock. Kids ages 12 and under can choose from entrees ranging from chicken parmesan to focaccia pizza to their choice of pasta with their favorite sauce. And for you? Delicious Italian specialties served up by RoCCA’s friendly, accommodating staff and a BYO glass of wine if you were lucky enough to win the designated driver coin toss. One free children’s entrée per each adult entrée ordered. Offer also available on Wednesdays.
RoCCA, 203 Rock Road, Glen Rock (201) 670-4945
Know what you need? A way to make a Monday feel like a Friday. Here’s an idea: Head to Pei Wei in Bergen Town Center for dinner. Not only do kids 12 and under eat free (one kid per each purchase of a full-priced adult meal), but also if you hit it on the right day, your kids will be entertained by a clown sculpting balloon animals while you enjoy your poke bowl, rice bowl or sushi!
Pei Wei , 83 W. Spring Valley Ave, Maywood 201-556-1001Mondays also mean free kids' meals at the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern in Ho-Ho-Kus. If the weather is still warm enough, enjoy your dinner al fresco on their spacious outdoor patio. The children’s menu features some of the usual suspects, but if you have a budding foodie on your hands, they’ll love the more mature options like roasted chicken breast, salmon or hanger steak.
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, 1 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ (201) 445-4115
If, on Tuesday, you find yourself in Paramus at dinner time, Miller’s Ale House has you covered with their casual sports pub vibe and extensive menu. Make sure you come hungry, Miller’s offers 35 shrimp for under $11 on Tuesdays too! One free kid’s meal with the purchase of each adult meal. Offer valid for kids 12 and under who order off children’s menu. Available for dine-in only.
Miller’s Ale House, 270 NJ-4 (east), Paramus, NJ (201) 342-4800
It’s Wednesday, Hump Day, and time to visit the Maywood Inn’s Twin Door Tavern. Your child won’t go home hungry after a meal that includes a drink and ice cream or fruit for dessert. Adults will enjoy the sports bar ambiance and pub grub ranging from salads and sandwiches to pasta and steaks, including several gluten-free options. One free child’s meal per each adult, please.
Twin Door Tavern, 122 W. Pleasant Ave, Maywood, NJ (201) 843-8022
On Thursday, start your weekend early at Lakeside Grille and Bar in Ramsey. Part of the Ramsey Golf and Country Club, this homey pub is open to the public. In addition to your kids 12 and under eating free, you can enjoy the special Thursday Blues, Brews and BBQ event and live music from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Lakeside Grille and Bar, 105 Lakeside Drive, Ramsey, NJ (201)327-0009
Thank goodness it’s Friday. The very best day to take a pass on cooking after a long week. Slide into your weekend at Que Pasta in Saddle Brook where one kid, 10 and under, can eat free with each participating adult. This family-owned restaurant features all your home-style favorites just like mom makes.
Que Pasta, 326 Market Street, Saddle Brook, NJ (201) 712-1900
Remember when Saturday meant lingering over coffee while you read the paper cover to cover? Even though you’re up and at ‘em earlier these days, start the weekend right with breakfast at the Horizon Diner in Ramsey. Kids, 12 and under, eat free off the breakfast menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00am – 12:00pm with the purchase of one adult meal per child. Even better, Horizon Diner extends their kids eat free offer to dinner Wednesday night through Saturday night, 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Psst, if you decide to go twice in one day, we won’t judge!
Horizon Diner, 726 NJ-17, Ramsey, NJ (201) 825-1774