Philip Marie

Everything about this quaint West Village bistro whispers romance, but if you arrive around 6pm, before the lights dim and couples start canoodling over cocktails and oysters, you'll find a friendly family spot as well as one of the best deals in town. For $7, children get a generous entrée, such as crispy popcorn shrimp with a heaping pile of fries or penne with a tangy tomato sauce, a soft drink and a scoop of gelato topped with whipped cream for dessert. If you grab one of the window tables, the kids will be entertained by the passing parade of humanity on Hudson Street, which means parents can sit back and canoodle all they want.