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BBQ Books and Bryant Park

Manhattan-Midtown West

Whether you’re spending the day with the kids in Midtown or catching up with old friends you can’t go wrong with a little BBQ and time spent relaxing in Bryant Park. This guide brings together a few of my favorite spots in Midtown. There is always a lot to do regardless of the season and BBQ hits the spot all year round.

Blake B.Blake B.

Blake is a native New Yorker and an upper east side mom of three young children. On the weekends, she is often exploring new neighborhoods with her family taking in the sights and experiences the city offers.

Mighty Quinn's BarbequeRestaurants & Cafes
BBQ classics, plus pommes frites & beer | Modern rustic setting
$$
(646) 719-1644website
1407 Broadway, New York, NY 10018

Start your outing with a visit to Mighty Quinn’s. This is a New York chain that’s grown very quickly over the last several years. After you’ve tried it, you’ll know why. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but make sure you also top it off with an order of their “Dirty Frites” - which are fries covered in their burnt ends and topped with chile-lime sauce, red onions and scallions.

The New York Public LibraryMuseums
Free Main branch of New York Public Library system
Free
(917) 275-6975website
476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018

The New York Public Library is a landmark in Midtown. There are always a number of interesting exhibits and events and the building itself is something to see. If you have the kids with you, be sure to stop at the Children’s Center. There are tons or programs and events for kids of all ages.

Breather NYC - Bryant ParkQuiet Space
Book private spaces by the hour
$$
website
295 Madison Avenue, 14th Floor, Suite 1402

When you’re traveling around the city and out all day with kids it can be exhausting. It’s often helpful to have a little quiet and private space even it’s just for 30 minutes. Breather is a life saver. It’s a site that allows you to book private meeting spaces and rooms by the hour. There are tons of locations around the city and a number of them in the Flatiron area. It’s mainly designed for businesses and meetings but it’s super helpful. Whether you need to feed or change one of your kids with a little privacy or just put your feet up and take an hour as a family to ‘breath’.

Tip: Get $45 of credit with code: RN7WF6

Bryant ParkParks
Public Park
Free
website
Located between 5th and 6th Avenue and 41st and 42nd street

Although it’s not massive, Bryant Park is certainly a Midtown gem. It’s located directly next to the public library and is literally packed with activities and events. In addition to a number of full time restaurants and stands such Bryant Park Grill, Bryant Park Café, Wafels & Dinges, and Breads Bakery there are also a number of seasonal shops and vendors such as the Holiday shops that are open in the park from October - January, the ice skating rink in the winter, outdoor movies in the summer, and tons of classes and activities throughout the year. Check out their full event calendar here.

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