Family-Friendly Restaurants Near the American Dream Mall
If you are traveling to the World Cup with your kids, navigating massive crowds and rowdy sports bars before the game can be stressful. Luckily, the American Dream Mall—a monolithic entertainment complex located directly across the parking lot from MetLife Stadium—is perhaps the greatest family entertainment hub on the East Coast.
1. MrBeast Burger & The Food Hall
Inside the American Dream mall is a sprawling, high-end food court featuring the flagship brick-and-mortar location of MrBeast Burger. The lines can be long, but kids will recognize the branding immediately. The surrounding food hall also offers incredible variety: from authentic dumplings and empanadas to artisanal pizza, ensuring even the pickiest eaters find something they love.
2. Marcus Live! Bar & Grille
Created by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, this massive restaurant inside the American Dream offers an elevated but highly approachable menu. It is loud, visually stunning, and offers fantastic comfort food like hot honey fried chicken and massive burgers, while still providing a premium dining experience for the parents.
3. Yard House
Located on the perimeter of the mall closest to the stadium, Yard House features over 100 beers on tap for the adults and a massive, diverse menu featuring everything from street tacos to macaroni and cheese for the kids. Because it is so large, the table turnover is relatively fast, making it a reliable spot on a chaotic matchday.
Surviving Matchday With Kids
- The Indoor Theme Park:
American Dream houses the massive Nickelodeon Universe theme park. You can literally ride roller coasters right before walking into the stadium.
- Air Conditioning:
July in New Jersey is incredibly hot and humid. Eating inside the American Dream allows your family to stay perfectly cool until you walk to your gates.
- Pedestrian Bridge:
You do not need to cross any dangerous highways. A dedicated, enclosed pedestrian bridge connects the mall directly to the stadium grounds.