One of the most prominent resort cities in Florida, Panama City Beach lies right on the Gulf of Mexico, which offers miles of white sand beaches for fun in the sun. Take advantage of the lush golf courses or opt for a family fishing trip during your stay. Kids will love taking a dip in the ocean or walking on the sandy shore. When you’re taking a break from swimming, snorkeling, water-skiing, and building sandcastles, treat the family to a mouthwatering meal. Check out the top 10 family-friendly restaurants which are located just minutes from many Panama City Beach vacation rentals.

1. The Front Porch

For a scrumptious meal and a laid-back environment, take the kids to The Front Porch for lunch or dinner. Specializing in American cuisine, this popular restaurant in Panama City Beach offers a little something for adults and kids alike with a menu featuring hot dogs, burgers, grilled cheese, and tacos. Enjoy your meal indoors or camp out on the patio in between jaunts to the beach.

2. Dee’s Hang Out

If the family wants to relax and hang out, then Dee’s Hang Out on Front Beach Road is the place to be when you’re not lounging at your Panama City Beach vacation rental. Kids enjoy the skillet-fried chicken whereas adults delight in the seafood concoctions such as a grouper sandwich, jambalaya, or crab cakes. You can hang out at Dee’s multiple days of the week, as the restaurant features new specials each day based on the freshest catches.

3. Bishop’s Buffet

If you have early risers, head out for a hearty breakfast buffet that includes bacon, sausage, and eggs when dining at the Bishop’s Buffet. Families that like to sleep in can still enjoy the lunch buffet complete with spaghetti, hush puppies, and country steak and gravy. If your crew is starving at dinner time, stop in for the dinner buffet that features broiled shrimp, crab legs, and mashed potatoes.

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4. Diego’s Burrito Factory

Treat the kids to Mexican fare after a day of adventure in Panama City Beach with a trip to Diego’s Burrito Factory. This casual-styled eatery allows your kids to top their tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and burritos with the toppings of their choice. If you’re running short on time, the fast service at Diego’s offers you the chance to eat and run before heading off to the beach or your next fun-filled activity.

5. Hammerhead Fred’s Grill and Bar

From seafood to steak, your family has tasty choices when dining out at Hammerhead Fred’s Grill and Bar. This popular Panama City Beach eatery caters to kids with the popular Vera Cruz Taco plate that features two tacos complete with cheese, fresh pico, green cabbage, and fried fish, all covered with chipotle cream. Your picky eaters can opt for the basics with burgers from the grill or even order a grilled cheese at this restaurant and grill.

6. Liza’s Kitchen

Let the kids eat breakfast for lunch or dinner when eating out at Liza’s Kitchen. The full-service kitchen specializes in sandwiches and wraps, but the kids get a special treat with a menu that includes eggs Benedict, French toast, grilled cheese, and peanut butter and jelly.

7. Runaway Bay Caribbean Grill

Savor a meal with a view of the ocean when dining at Runaway Bay Caribbean Grill. This oceanside eatery specializes in American cuisine, yet caters to the seafood lovers, too. Browse through the menu chocked full of sandwiches, steaks, salads, and soups. Give the meat eaters something to smile about with the grilled Angus burger, fish tacos, or curried chicken.

8. Salty Sue’s

Spend the day on the beach and then stop in at Salty Sue’s for a meal that satisfies your craving for seafood and sandwiches. Salty Sue’s offers a casual, family-friendly environment with meals that are often seen on the menu of a gourmet restaurant, such as smoked prime rib and Ahi tuna. Treat the kids to burgers, nachos, sandwiches, and seafood, or get your meal to go to enjoy a quiet evening at your Panama City Beach vacation rental.

9. Sweet Basils Bistro

Pizza is often a kid favorite, and your kids get their fill at Sweet Basils Bistro. This casual Italian eatery features a kids’ menu complete with pizza, pasta and meat sauce, and fried chicken tenders. However, the entire family can load up on calzones, lasagna, fried calamari, soups, and salads. Don’t forget to order the garlic cheese bread that this bistro is known for in Panama City Beach.

10. Thomas Donut and Snack Shop

Before heading out for a day in the sun, stop in for a sweet treat at the Thomas Donut and Snack Shop. The sweet treats don’t stop at donuts for your little ones. You can also enjoy a few snacks for lunch with a menu that includes hot dogs, corn dogs, or chicken tenders.


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