William L.
Yelp
tl;dr: high quality, upscale on price, simple sandwiches, several salad options, wide options for kids, set in beautiful LCM but accessible separately
The terms "Children's Museum" (and that's anywhere, not just New Orleans) and "cuisine" don't often appear in the same sentence unless you're talking about plastic play-toys in the play kitchen, or a row of vending machines set by some plastic (adult) chairs in a waiting area.
Get ready for an exception to that rule, and not just for museum visitors--this advice applies to anyone looking for a bite in City Park, children notwithstanding, in a restaurant that occupies a corner of the beautiful new Louisiana Children's Museum. (You like the new airport design, with the airy open rooms and lots of outside light, but could do without the TSA line or car lines or restaurant lines? Come here.)
Acorn occupies a prime spot, overlooking a picturesque lagoon in what was formerly an undeveloped area of the park. Acorn is short, pleasant walk from NOMA and the paddle boat lagoon. And do plan on a pleasant walk: parking at the LCM facility is woefully limited in fine New Orleans fashion¹, but a satisfying alternative is to park down the broad oak-lined Roosevelt Mall (so named for FDR, who gave a famous speech there during his presidency).
I highly recommend Acorn solely based on location.
But what about the food, you ask? Upon entry, there's a reminder that Acorn comes from the Dickie Brennan folks (almost typed "Ralph"; I get 'em confused), part of New Orleans iconic restaurateur family who collectively have upped their game over the years. That good sign was followed by good choices. The menu has burgers, sandwiches and salads that aren't just lettuce-based afterthoughts. I had to do some real soul and cholesterol-count searching as I debated "quinoa" vs "cheeseburger".
Ultimately as a compromise I settled upon the Impossible Burger. This would be the my second after an initial trial at Burger King (verdict at BK: tastes to me like a Whopper without the greasy aftereffects). Acorn did the whatevah's-in-that-patty justice with a fresh challah-bread-like roll, first rate toppings (all fresh), served promptly and hot to the table. The portion was small--just a bit larger than a slider--which makes it pricey at thirteen bucks, but for me on this particular day it was a satisfying cheeseburger, without any qualification for being meatless.
Did you say "children?" Oh, right. I did have a pair of sixth graders with me. The menu offers "tout du monde des enfants américains": chicken, burger, hot dog, grilled cheese, mac n cheese, pizza. (Expect higher quality ingredients, so also expect "why is this bread brown on the inside?" or "Uhm, this does not taste like the cheese at home" from your more discerning young diners). Want a fried chicken sandwich? If the chicken strips that came with one of the kids' orders are any indication, do it. Want to gross out the kids with a kale salad? Do that instead; I didn't eat one but it looked great at the next table and will be a next-time contender. The full menu is easily accessed from the Louisiana Children's Museum web site, scroll to bottom.
Service is prompt. There's an efficient ordering line, and your food is brought to you by number. The setup and space are kid friendly, with only one entry/exit, no fancy flooring to worry about for the messier and spillier ones in your party, and a porch that faces the lagoon for outside dining on nice day. If you do order coffee (it's French Truck, and strong), it shows up at the counter without announcement, so watch for it.
The dessert menu is blessedly short. The brownie looked and tasted good, though to my surprise both my sixth graders (one no relation, too) found the flavor strange. I found the flavor "strong and chocolaty and you are crazy, this is delicious". (Chef: don't change the recipe; despite your location, remember who actually pays for dessert).
Prices are higher than fast food but not unreasonable. If you want cheap, plenty of drive-thrus await your business nearby. But don't do that! Enjoy the beautiful setting, a good meal, and all it inside the museum-- a perfect break from the hours of juvenile fun over which you just endured standing watch (and will return to for the rest of the afternoon). Or if you're just in or near City Park for any other reason, consider Acorn on its own very good merits, children and museum aside. No cost for admission: just go to the end of the entryway porch, pass by the museum admission door, and there you are.
¹ "fine New Orleans fashion" is not sarcasm here. One of our city's charms is a steadfast refusal to accede to automobile supremacy with parking space as the proudest feature in new development. You want that, go to any of the surrounding parishes. Or states.