Second House Tavern has been one of our favorite spots since opening last year. The owners, Jon (also father of two really awesome young boys) and Abbey, are gracious and accommodating as is the staff—very important when with children. We go on the early side (5-6pm) and typically eat in the Grill Room or backyard (great space for kids to run around) for more casual dining. Perfect timing for the $30 three-course prix fixe from 5-6:30pm 7 days a week. When with my Nana (who is 90 and loves “fine” dining) we enjoy the Tavern Dining Room for a more sophisticated yet down to earth menu. Kids welcome too!

A few words on typical kids’ menu choices—I have grown tired of burgers, chicken fingers and pasta. How about grilled chicken, broiled fish, some kind of vegetable! That is how I feed Jack at home thus I prefer to feed him that way when out (though I do cave at times). On our last family visit to the Tavern, I asked Jon if I could order grilled chicken and a vegetable for Jack. No problem! We were served the most delicious chicken and asparagus. Jon, Abbey and staff are flexible. Ask and you shall receive!

Atmosphere
Everything about the Tavern is casual and down to earth. It is clean, comfortable and on the cozy side (for a fairly big restaurant).

Menu Favorites (GR—Grill Room; TDR—Tavern Dining Room)
•    Fire Roasted Tomato Soup (GR)
•    “Grill Room” Chopped Salad (GR)
•    Margherita Pizza (great entrée for the kids) (GR/TDR)
•    Lobster Sliders (GR)
•    Lump Crab (TDR)
•    Vegetarian Cassoulet (GR/TDR)
•    Gunpowder Chicken (GR/TDR)
•    Montauk Black Bass (TDR)

Cool Kid Add-Ons
•    Huge outdoor sandbox in front parking lot area
•    Great back lawn with outdoor dining
•    Wiki Stix (colorful wax sticks) to keep your kids busy for quite some time
•    Spacious dining area for kids to walk around if necessary
•    High chairs

~Stefanie Sacks Dec

Especially in the warmer months, I often pack a picnic and go hiking or to the beach with my kids. We typically do this in the late morning so we hit the lunchtime hour while out and about. Though there have been those few early mornings that I pack a picnic breakfast and we go to the beach with the whole family, even our dog Blossom. Breakfast favorites are scrambled eggs wrapped in tortillas. I wrap them tightly in foil so the kids can get a bite while keeping the tortilla together. Fresh cut seasonal fruit is also a favorite. And to drink, water in our stainless steel bottles ( www.kidskonserve.com or   www.kleenkanteen.com).

For lunch, I usually make something at home. Hardboiled eggs are easy and a real hit. Hummus, carrots and rice crackers are also easy, nutritious and delicious. There is always that quick sandwich too. For snacks we love the healthy version of yogurt tubes and cheese sticks (Horizon brand a good choice). If not water, I go for the Honest Kids juice pouches (1/2 the sugar than juice boxes). Since my oldest son is a real snacker, I am always sure to have pretzels or Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies on hand.

But if not local to Montauk and you find yourself without a kitchen (or you don’t want to take the time to prepare food), some great places to pick up healthy eats are Naturally Good and Joni’s. Herb’s Market and Cromer’s make great sandwiches (especially the fresh roasted turkey; other lunch meats I tend to avoid). Get it on whole grain bread. At Herb’s you can make your own salad and Cromer’s has a variety of vegetable and grain sides to choose from. Just make sure to choose wisely! No foods with artificial ingredients, colors, preservatives, hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup.

Oh, there are many places with picnic tables: Camp Hero, Hither Hills Park, Navy Road Park, Kirk Park, The Lighthouse playground are.  Don’t forget a bag for garbage just in case a trash can is not nearby.

Happy picnic!