Having two children under 5, I have found that my list of restaurant options in Westchester has significantly dwindled. To go out to a nice restaurant with the whole family is just not worth it as it tends to frustrate just about all involved…from the kids, to my wife and I, to other diners and possibly even the staff. I guess that’s why places like Applebee’s and Chili’s are so popular. But if you are not into the whole chain restaurant scene but still want to enjoy a quality meal out with the family in a judgement free zone, then I have found the place for you… The Quaker Hill Tavern.
Located in Chappaqua, but close to Mount Kisco, this family owned, traditional style tavern really has it all. Plenty of craft and standard beers on tap, with rotating seasonal brews and the freedom to taste a few before deciding on your pint of choice. A simple menu that offers a plethora of options for adults, kids, meat lovers, vegans, hedonistic food mongers or those looking to keep it healthy. The wine list is small, but this is not a place to go for a great glass or bottle of wine. However they have enough completely decent by the glass options in red and white to keep everyone happy.
Upon our first venture to QHT I knew it was going to be great for the kids right from the get go. Just as we were being seated the waitress bought over a booster seat for my son. And I don’t mean one of those wood high chairs or the brown plastic generic booster seats. I’m talking about the same kind of booster seat he had at home that strapped on to the chair! With him feeling comfortable, the rest of the experience that night was a pleasure. Obviously I am not the only one who feels this way as on any given night you will find kids running around this loud and boisterous pub stopping by table to table to say hi, allowing the adults to maybe indulge in an extra pint 😉
The food is really solid across the board and I have yet to have anything I didn’t like. The burgers rank up there with the best in the county, and the wings are dynamite as well. My wife swears by the turkey burger and my buddy can’t go 2 weeks without his QHT buffalo chicken sandwich fix. Lastly, the service is everything you would hope for when bringing the family out to dine. Erin, the manager, and the entire staff are super accommodating and completely understand that the adults are looking to enjoy a meal out where the kids can be a little loud and loose. And after a few drinks, the adults start getting the same way. So if you desire a nice quiet meal at a local bar, don’t come here as it gets a little hairy. But if you are looking for some tasty eats, delicious beer on tap and an ultra family friendly environment then you definitely want to check Quaker Hill Tavern out….I’ll probably see you there!
Cheers,
Marshall Tilden III, DWS, CSW 
Who thinks it’s fine that kids run around? Family dining can be boisterous but it shouldn’t impede on others or put the servers at risk of spilling. Engage your children in conversation and teach them some manners. QHT is great but even Kelly and Erin grow tired of the bumps and complaints from their other patrons.
Thanks for the comment Nunzio. Let me just clarify that when I say run around, I am not talking about kids literally doing laps around the restaurant. But last week when I was there a couple of children from another table came over to ours to introduce themselves and say hi to my kids because it looked like they were having fun at the table playing with their toys. Very cool! Sorry if you do not feel the same, but I welcome a dining environment where kids can feel free to be social and be themselves a bit without always being shushed and shunned by adults, as they typically are at many Westchester restaurants. But I certainly agree that complete loss of control and kids interfering with others’ dining experience as well as service is not ok. But more often than not, even the adults that do not have children that dine there seem to enjoy seeing children happy and having fun for the most part. Thanks again!