Stretching from the tip of the state, the Florida Keys are a series of small islands connected by the Intercoastal Waterway. Some of the islands are major tourist attractions, while others provide a more low-key experience. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, the Keys are an ideal destination to spend days full of fishing, swimming, and boating. Mild winters keep visitors coming all year long. When you’re ready to take a break from preparing meals at your Florida Keys vacation rental, dine at one of the many local restaurants with an easygoing atmosphere. Here’s a quick guide to the top 11 kid-friendly restaurants in the Florida Keys.
1. Glazed Donuts – Key West
Skip the eggs and bacon and start your morning out with a sugar buzz at Glazed Donuts. When you walk in, kids rush to the counter to view the donuts encased in glass circles. Along with your standard glazed and chocolate donuts, this shop offers gourmet flavors, such as s’mores. The owner constantly adds and changes flavors. After you wipe away the donut crumbs and finish the last sip of coffee, order a dozen donuts for a late night snack at your vacation rental.
2. DJ’s Diner and Seafood Grill – Key Largo
Kids love the relaxed atmosphere of a diner, and DJ’s Diner and Seafood Grill welcomes them throughout the day. In addition to your standard burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes, this restaurant offers a selection of fresh seafood dishes. For lunch, enjoy a crab cake sandwich while the kids choose something off their own menu. In the morning, indulge your senses with an overstuffed breakfast burrito filled to the brim with eggs and melted cheddar cheese.
3. Blue Heaven – Key West
The fun starts as soon as you walk under the wooden arch with a bright blue banner. This kid-friendly restaurant has seating indoors and out, but opt for a table outside to enjoy the breeze. After sitting down, your kids swoon at the chicken and roosters that meander between tables looking for scraps, but make sure the kids eat their meal instead of feeding it to the birds. Start your meal with the famous Betty’s homemade banana nut bread.
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4. Cracked Conch Caf̩ РMarathon
Start your day off right with a plate of buttermilk pancakes for the kids at the Cracked Conch Café. For the adults, made-to-order omelets come with a variety of add-in options. Select a booth with a view of the grill so kids can watch the chef at work. Lunch and dinner provide ribs, burgers, and chicken, while the kids’ menu features all the classic favorites.
5. Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe – Key West
With a unique take on the burger, Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe is a favorite for kids of all ages. Arrive fresh off the beach in flip-flops and take a table in this casual eatery. The burgers feature a variety of meats stuffed inside a traditional hamburger bun and come with cute names to make it fun for kids to order their own meals. Afterwards, save room for the churros with either cinnamon and sugar or bacon bits sprinkled over them.
6. Fish Tales Market and Eatery – Marathon
Relax and unwind at Fish Tales Market & Eatery. Enjoy large portions of fresh seafood at reasonable prices. If your kids aren’t fans of crab and lobster, the kids’ menu includes burgers, chicken, and hot dogs. If you’re visiting the Keys in October, stop by the cafe’s version of Oktoberfest, which features live music, German food, and German beer. Check out the attached market on your way out, and pick up some fish to cook up back at your vacation rental.
7. Banana Cafe – Key West
Select a table in the outdoor section on the second floor to enjoy some people-watching at Banana Cafe. For brunch, people line up to get a table, so arrive early or plan to wait. This cafe offers a selection of soups and sandwiches with recipes brought over from Europe. Before taking your seat, read the outside chalkboard to discover the daily specials that take advantage of the freshest ingredients.
8. Grassy Key Outpost – Marathon
Throughout the day, Grassy Key Outpost provides something to eat for everyone in your family. Enjoy the extensive breakfast menu with pancakes, eggs, and breakfast meats. Order the kids a pizza while you indulge in a wedge salad or the tuna club sandwich. The restaurant offers booth seating with high chairs and booster seats to make families more comfortable throughout the meal.
9. Munch Box – Key West
Chow down on freshly made sandwiches that come with large juicy pickles and homemade potato salad at the Munch Box. Each meal comes in a basket lined with bright red- and white-checked paper, so kids can’t break dishes or make much of a mess. Get sandwiches to go and take the family on a picnic in the park or out on the water. When you just need a snack, order the hot cocoa and a pastry, and relax on the couch and comfy chairs.
10. Hobo’s Cafe – Key Largo
The Hobo’s Cafe invites families with kids of all ages to enjoy a meal together and select a dish with a unique name. Kids love ordering Rocky’s Philly cheese steak with tons of ooey gooey cheese, and parents tend to favor the Sicilian chicken panini. Bright paintings and local memorabilia fill the walls. Kids can keep busy coloring their menus while they wait for their food.
11. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe – Key West
Recharge after biking or walking around Key West with a stop at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe. Select a slice of pie, or pick out a key lime pie pop. Unwind in the enclosed courtyard, where tables surround a man-made pond filled with moving water. Let the kids feed the fish while you indulge in dessert.
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