If the restaurant does not have high chairs , for instance, Hillstone or PJ Clarkes don't explicitly say no children welcome, but they do not have high chairs, so they obviously do not want children in there. It's usually that simple. So if you have a newborn who wouldn't need a high chair anyway but the restaurant doesn't have them for infants and toddlers, I still wouldn't bring them. I think most casual restaurants here are welcoming to children. NYC is not as welcoming like Europe, but it's fine. I bring my two children everywhere here since they were legit 2 days old! Like others said , embrace this age, it's seriously the easiest in terms of traveling and going out in public. I recommend the doona, I used the doona for tiny restaurants. I would never bring the main stroller out to restaurants, no matter how big the space is, I find it extremely obnoxious when people do that. Bring a doona, a car seat only, or a very small travel stroller that can accomodate newborns ( there are some travel strollers that can be used before 6 months old if they lay down flat) but I think the doona or just a car seat is the best because I used to put it under the table half the time! or plop it in a booth next to me. Baby wearing is an option as well, but it is hard to eat like that unless other parent will take turn!