Cowgirl

"Ever since 1989, Cowgirl (formerly known as Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and tethered to a museum in Fort Worth) has provided the city with an exemplary version of Southwestern food, Tex Mex, and classic dishes of the American South. The chicken fried steak, for example, is the best in town, smothered in buff-colored gravy, and even the barbecued beef ribs deserve to be called barbecue. But a favorite dishes there is a vegan appetizer: black-eyed pea salsa ($8) is a tortilla chip dip of the brown black-marked bean in a puckering broth of vinegar and a dozen flavorings, among them oregano, Tabasco, Worcestershire, tomato, and jalapeño. Sometimes it’s called cowboy caviar, and ordering it with a group invariably engenders a contest to see who can hoist the largest quantity of beans on a chip." - Robert Sietsema

"High chairs: Yes This kitschy, Western-themed West Village restaurant decorated with horseshoes, horns, and paper-doll cowgirl outfits is a great place for your spawn to eat their first-ever Frito pie, right out of the bag (with their choice of beef or veggie chili). Other notably kid-friendly offerings include quesadillas, pulled pork sandwiches, chips and guac, mac and cheese, and even vanilla ice cream that’s shaped—pretty convincingly—like a baked potato." - willa moore, molly fitzpatrick

"This Western-themed honky-tonk has been delighting parents and kids alike for decades with its Southern and Southwestern food, and its exhibit of ranch and cowgirl memorabilia. There’s even a small toy store implanted in the front of the restaurant, and good strong drinks for the parents. Begin with the famous black-eyed-pea dip, and then progress to a Frito pie, chicken-fried steak, or the excellent barbecued ribs. For dessert, there’s an ice cream made to look like a baked potato." - Eater Staff

"This West Village favorite grew out of the theme-restaurant movement of late in the last century; its original name was Cowgirl Hall of Fame and it featured Patsy Cline memorabilia and displays of barbed wire. It also served the city’s best corn dogs, evenly battered and expertly fried to order till they’re done to a turn." - Robert Sietsema

"Got kids in tow? Well, they’ll love Cowgirl for its Wild West decor. You’ll love it to for its Texas and Southwestern cuisine, which runs to chicken fried steaks, barbecued ribs, catfish salads, and cheese enchiladas. Don’t miss the black-eyed pea dip. 519 Hudson Street, at Tenth Street" - Robert Sietsema