America is a very different drinking culture to Great Britian. In NY, especially, bar are mainly for drinking and tend to be adult-only environments.
Pubs in Great Britian and London (especially for Sunday lunch--where this thread originated) are more community centred. There really isn't a pub-type culture in America. There are bars and there are family-style 'resturants'. Comparing bars in NY with pubs in London really is apples and oranges.
Pubs in the UK are struggling. In order to survive they have to cater to a wide range of clientel.
This thread didn't start with "I went into my local at 10:00 pm for a quick pint and was met with a rioting creche" It started with a talk about Sunday lunch (the most FAMILY of meal occasions--I might say) being distubed by the presence of children.
I'm sorry I can't conform to your ideal of a FA-MI-LY (I find it tugs the heartstrings better when it's three syllables) Sunday Lunch. But I want to eat it too. Where should I go?