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Family-Friendly Restaurants near Ground Zero

1. One Dine

Located on the 101st floor of the One World Observatory, One Dine offers spectacular views of the entire city and serves upscale, American cuisine. Make sure to make reservations in advance and combine your visit to the 9/11 Museum with a visit to One World Observatory. It's a little pricier, but the views make it worthwhile. Enjoy lunch or dinner at this restaurant.

2. O'Hara's

This Irish Pub is a museum in itself, showcasing hundreds of first responders' patches from all over the world. It also has a 9/11 book with pictures and first-hand accounts from witnesses.

3. Clinton Hall

The atmosphere here is jovial and festive. Diners eat at large communal picnic tables and can play games like pingpong and chess while waiting for their food. Lunches are affordably priced, with entrees just $10. Try the famed doughnut grilled cheese, served over tomato soup.

4. Pronto's Pizza

For a quick slice, head to Pronto Pizza's a few minutes away from the museum. Choose from a variety of toppings, or opt for a classic cheese slice. You can order a whole pie or let everyone choose their favorite slices!

5. Los Tacos No. 1

Enjoy authentic Mexican tacos while at the casual Los Tacos No. 1. The menu is simple and straightforward—choose from pork, beef, or chicken. For vegetarians, it offers a grilled cactus option. The food is delicious and quite affordable. It also serves breakfast burritos if you're visiting early in the morning.

6. Eataly NYC Downtown

Choose from a pair of sit-down restaurants serving high-quality Italian fare like pasta, pizzas, sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and desserts at Eataly. It offers restaurant-style seating for any meal of the day, plus a collection of takeout options.

7. Bill's Bar & Burger

Located in the Marriott Downtown NYC, Bill's Bar & Burger serves American classics like burgers and shakes. The portions are generous and prices are very reasonable. You do not need to be a hotel guest to eat here.

8. Kuu

This no-frills Japanese restaurant serves ramen, donburi, curry, and other Japanese cuisine. The service is fast and turnover quick, so don't let a line deter you from waiting. A meal here is worth it.

9. Nish Nush

Head to this Mediterranean spot for delicious vegetarian and vegan options like falafel sandwiches, hummus platters, and vegan shawarma. The menu is extensive, so there's something for everyone, even if you're not strictly vegan.

10. Fraunces Tavern

Fraunces Tavern Restaurant is New York’s oldest and most historic bar and restaurant, which once served as a watering hole for many of the founding fathers. The building itself is a museum, and the site where George Washington bid farewell to his officers nine days after the last of the British troops left American soil. The restaurant serves comforting, classic American dishes, such as chicken pot pie, steaks, and mac-and-cheese with lobster and shrimp. Make sure to reserve a table in advance.

11. Kesté Pizza e Vino

Kesté serves Neapolitan-style pies with a huge selection of thin, doughy varieties, which can be made gluten-free as well. There's plenty of seating, including tables within nooks surrounded by exposed brick.

12. Pearl Diner

This old-school diner has been around for more than 50 years, and its extensive menu serves basically everything you could think of. There are nearly 40 types of burgers to choose from. The portions are generous and prices are very reasonable.

13. Manhatta

Located on the 60th floor of the skyscraper at 28 Liberty Street, Manhatta boasts amazing city views and serves New American cuisine. The atmosphere and food is decidedly upscale, earning a spot in the Michelin guide. While reservations are recommended, walk-ins are also welcome.

More Places to Eat near the World Trade Center

Battery Park City and Brookfield Place Restaurants

Battery Park City is just across West Street from Ground Zero, but it feels like a world apart. The neighborhood is a mix of skyscrapers and pocket parks with a beautiful river esplanade.

Directly across from Ground Zero, Brookfield Place houses the Winter Garden, a huge atrium with palm trees and a gorgeous view of New York Harbor. There are several good places to eat in the area, and you can follow your meal with a stop at one of the neighborhood's destination-worthy playgrounds or a walk along the water to see the Statue of Liberty.

Brookfield Place has many restaurants, both sit-down places and fast-casual to-go options. In good weather, grab something to go and sit at one of the many outdoor tables on the river.

Across the street and just north of Brookfield Place, find El Vez, a super kid-friendly restaurant that serves eclectic Mexican cuisine in a festive atmosphere. There's stroller parking, a kids' menu, and children can even wear a sombrero as they eat. A few blocks north, find the Battery Park City Shake Shack, which serves the chain's famous burgers and shakes without the lines you’ll find at most of the other locations.

Fulton Street Restaurants

The intersection of Fulton and Nassau Streets is the main junction for the food joints serving the Financial District's lunch crowd.

Hit Sophie’s Cuban for huge plates of rice and beans and rich meat stews. Walk a little further for Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Chipotle, and many others.

Stone Street Restaurants

Located about 15 minutes from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Stone Street is one of the first streets in New York City to have been paved with cobblestones. The block feels like walking into the past as many of the buildings, which were built in the Dutch Colonial revival style, have been well-preserved. No cars are allowed on the street, making it perfect for outdoor dining. There are several restaurants and bars on the street, like Stone Street Tavern, Adrienne's Pizza Bar, and Havana Social.

Oculus World Trade Center

Not only a transportation hub, the Oculus is also a shopping mall with decent food options. You've got your fast-food joints like Starbucks and Dunkin', but there's also the Gansevoort Liberty Market, a food hall offering a wide variety of cuisine from fresh Peruvian ceviche to artisanal sandwiches, udon, and sushi.

Originally published in 2013. Diana Kim contributed additional reporting.