It’s nothing but sun and white sand beaches as far as the eye can see at Clearwater Beach, a stunning seaside town near Tampa, Florida. Vacations here consist of lazy beach days, adrenaline-packed water sports, and casual family bike rides under the palms. When mealtime rolls around, satisfy your appetites at these fantastic, kid-friendly restaurants. Many feature ocean views and are situated close to numerous beautiful Clearwater Beach vacation rentals.
1. Clear Sky Cafe
Stop at Clear Sky Cafe after an exhilarating day at the beach. The extensive menu features classic seafood dishes, burgers, flatbread entrees and a selection of kid-friendly pizzas. Tacos and quesadillas satisfy lovers of Mexican food, and upscale ribs and steaks keep the meat aficionados of the family happy. Alternatively, go get breakfast with local favorite Sunshine Skillet or the indulgent Filet Mignon Burrito. Clear Sky Cafe also frequently features live music entertainment, and be sure to pose for your family photo in the onsite lifeguard chair.
2. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
The fun and friendly Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a casual lunch and dinner spot located right on the beach. Service here is fast, so your kids can get their meals quickly. Frenchy’s focuses mainly on seafood, with dishes ranging from simple fish tacos to luscious seafood pot pies. If your little ones are particular, stick to the affordable kids’ menu, which features cheeseburgers, chicken tenders and nuggets, and mini shrimp baskets. For non-seafood eaters, there is a wide selection of chicken, beef, and salads.
3. Pearly’s Beach Eats
Eat with your toes in the sand at Pearly’s Beach Eats. Get your hungry kids started with an order of Gnarly Nachos, which come with meat, veggies, and plenty of cheese. The restaurant is known for its blackened fish tacos, fantastic French fries, and generously sized burritos. For little ones, the kids’ menu offers corn dogs and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches; or, order sides of rice and beans or chips and guacamole. After your meal, grab key lime pie on a stick to eat during a walk on the beach.
Find the perfect Clearwater Beach vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza
When your little ones need a break from seafood, Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza is a great choice. Choose from house specialties such as the double pepperoni or barbecue chicken pizzas, or design your own using the extensive list of toppings. For independent kids, the personal-size pizza is a fun choice. The appetizer menu also features a variety of kid-friendly foods, including chicken fingers. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, try one of the restaurant’s hearty Italian pasta or meat entrees.
5. Maggie Mae’s Sunrise Cafe
Soak in the sea views at Maggie Mae’s Sunrise Cafe, an oceanfront restaurant close to vacation rentals in south Clearwater Beach. This eatery specializes in breakfast and “blunch,” a more casual version of brunch. Hillbilly Taters are one of the most-loved menu items: picture home fries loaded with eggs, bacon, and sausage, all topped with gravy. Other popular dishes include the pecan waffles and fried bologna sandwich. Maggie Mae’s kids’ menu is excellent, with small dishes ranging from chocolate chip pancakes to fresh fish and chips. For the full experience, ask for a table on the shaded patio.
6. Salty’s Island Bar and Grille
Relax in the ocean breezes at Salty’s Island Bar and Grille, which offers two levels of outdoor seating. Seafood is the star of the show, and the chef prepares delicious options such as snapper tacos and Cajun grouper sandwiches. If your little ones aren’t in the mood for fish, try a burger or the steak tacos. The friendly staff is happy to make suggestions and substitutions for gluten-free eaters.
7. Jimmy Hula’s
Dig into plates of flavorful tacos at Jimmy Hula’s. The restaurant specializes in fish tacos: choose your fish and cooking method, and then select a filling combination. Don’t miss the specialty pineapple mango salsa. If your kids prefer classic tacos, Jimmy Hula’s has them covered with beef and cheese, vegetarian, and street-style options. A variety of burgers, pub sides, and salads are also available.
8. Salt Cracker Fish Camp
Watch the boats come in from the patio of Salt Cracker Fish Camp, which sits on Clearwater Bay. A reasonably priced kids’ menu offers small portions of breakfast and dinner items. Try the excellent shrimp or the surf and turf combo, or stick to the tried-and-true grilled cheese. For everyone else in the family, the huge seafood and sandwich selection caters to all tastes. Whether you try the gator ribs or the chicken and waffles, a side of street corn is a must.
9. Detroit Coney Island
When your kids need a fast meal in a casual environment, head for Detroit Coney Island. This ultra-relaxed spot features everything from simple hot dogs to loaded chili dogs, ensuring that adventurous and picky eaters are covered. Try the specialty Coney burgers and Coney dogs, and be sure to finish the meal with a cream puff or hot fudge sundae. Food is served quickly, and the graffiti-laden interior makes for a fun wait.
10. Another Broken Egg Cafe
Fill up before a day of adventuring at Another Broken Egg Cafe. Little ones love the chocolate chip pancakes and waffle sampler on the kids’ menu; other great small plates are the French toast and scrambled eggs. For adults, the lobster and brie omelette makes an indulgent breakfast. If you’re looking for a lighter option, the restaurant serves poached eggs, steel-cut oats, and refreshing salmon power bowls.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Clearwater Beach vacation rentals on Tripping.com.