Buca di Beppo – Times Square

Times Square is crazy and I try to avoid it at all costs.  But if you are looking for a fun Italian restaurant, guaranteed to have something your kids will like, try Buca Di Beppo. With huge portions and a solid kids menu – we say it’s “sippycup approvato!”

Basics:

Kid Friendliness:

The Verdict:

Good for kids of all ages. Appropriate for lunch and dinner.

Sippy Cup Rating:

Like most seasoned New Yorkers I steer clear of Times Square unless I’m going to a Broadway show and even then, I try to get in and out as quickly as possible. But with the recent news of shows like Spongebob Squarepants and Frozen coming to Broadway, along with Sunny’s recent obsession with Aladdin, I do see 42nd street in my future so I may as well find somewhere to eat right? Right!

One hot Saturday, Sunny and I jumped on the train to Times Square and ventured to Italian eatery Buca Di Beppo. Naturally it took us a minute to actually get to the restaurant because Sunny wanted to greet Iron Man, a freaky looking Elsa and multiple Elmos along the way…but we eventually made it.

Buca Di Beppo is a family style traditional Italian restaurant chain with over 100 locations worldwide. It falls in the Olive Garden category but in my opinion it’s much better.  It is dark but there is still an eclectic fun vibe. The walls are covered with all sorts of vintage photos and kitschy art so there is a lot for the kids to look at while they are waiting for food. For some reason our seating section also had rainbow Christmas lights along the wall which delighted Sunny to no end. Between that and the crayons/coloring menu Buca had the kid-thing under control from the start.

Excited about Christmas lights in Summer

Our waiter Rodney was all smiles (albeit a little forgetful) and ready for any challenge Sunny threw at him (figuratively, not literally). The hostess gave her a green and purple crayon but she wanted red. Rodney was there with a new crayon faster than an illegal Times Square cookie monster runs away from the police. (If this reference seems strange read this and you’ll understand!). Next Sunny requested her spaghetti and meatballs with the meatballs and sauce on the side in THREE different bowls. No problemo, our waiter Rodney gladly brought three bowls and couldn’t have been nicer.

Bottom line – Buca Di Beppo is dependable and the food is good. There are no surprises.

A note about the portions. Buca Di Beppo is “family style” which means the portions are very large and meant for sharing. Since Sunny and I were a duo, and Sunny was ordering from the kids menu, Rodney brought me the weekday lunch menu so that I could order an individual portion.

From a space perspective, the restaurant is very large by NYC standards. While I didn’t see any dedicated stroller parking there are spaces to lead your stroller up against the wall and certainly enough room to keep it open by the table. Also access is easy as there is an elevator in the lobby.

And onto mine and Ashton Kutcher’s favorite topic….changing tables. There is one in the men’s and ladies bathrooms. Yeehaw!

Bonus Points:

• Gluten Free menu available
• Kids cups feature Italian/English translations – che meraviglia!
• Easily accessible via subway – 42nd street station has three elevator locations – more here
• Huge portions – you will definitely leave with leftovers….even with the kiddie meals

Drink apple juice and learn Italian!

Insider Tips:

• If you go as a duo ask the waiter for the weekday lunch menu and order dishes individually. It is normally available weekdays until 3pm.
• Sign up online for their e-club for coupons

All three plates = kids portion!

Mama mia!