Carbone NYC: Kid-Friendly Paradise or Fussy Foodie Feud Zone?
Ah, Carbone. The very name conjures images of dimly lit glamour, mafia movie vibes, and portions so big you could feed a small village (or at least a very hungry family). But the burning question remains: is this New York institution a place where rugrats rejoice, or should you leave the chicken nuggets at home?
The Allure of the Adult Playground:
Let's be honest, Carbone isn't exactly Chuck E. Cheese's. The dress code leans towards "looking put together," which can be a challenge when your kid's fashion sense involves mismatched socks and questionable food stains. The menu boasts decadent Italian fare, like their legendary rigatoni vodka – delicious, sure, but not exactly a crowd-pleaser for the "all-beige-food" brigade. Plus, the price tag. Let's just say it might make you wince more than a toddler watching a sad clown.
But wait! There's another side to the story.
Carbone Can Be Surprisingly Kid-Friendly (Sometimes):
Here's the thing: Carbone doesn't have an official policy against children. We've seen reviews where parents rave about their well-behaved offspring enjoying a fancy night out. Plus, the portions are HUGE. Imagine splitting a plate of their famous meatballs between you and your mini-me – dinner AND leftovers, all in one shot!
The Key to Carbone Kid-iquette:
Age is a factor. A seasoned restaurant veteran at the ripe old age of 8 might handle Carbone better than a sugar-fueled 4-year-old. Consider your child's temperament and dining skills. Can they handle a longish meal without a meltdown? Practice good table manners at home. Nobody wants to hear a symphony of whining violins coming from your table.
Be prepared. Pack some quiet activities (coloring books, small toys) in case things get a little slow. Be flexible. Maybe skip the 9 pm prime-time slot and opt for an earlier dinner.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you think your little foodie can appreciate the experience, Carbone could be a surprisingly fun (and delicious) adventure. But if you envision a night of spilled wine and meltdowns, there's a whole world of kid-friendly restaurants in NYC waiting to be explored.
So, can kids go to Carbone? The answer, like a perfectly cooked piece of pasta, is al dente – it depends!
