There was Rupplemyers (sp?) by the St. Moritz (sp?), though I think that closed down a couple of years ago.
The world you describe exists in NYC in such a limited version today, even on the upper east side. Grandmothers taking their grandchildren for an afternoon of shopping are looking at boutiques along Madison and Third. They're eating in Starbucks and diners.
And eating (?) at a Starbucks (they serve lunches?) isn't the same thing at all. Diners? There are now DINERS on Madison and/or Third Ave.?
No,what I mourn is a lost world and I know it. About the ONLY still standing landmark,that my great grandmother,grandmother,mother, my daughter and I will be able to share with a future grandchild of mine,is a ride on the merrygoround in Central Park;I fear.