Surfside Beach, commonly referred to simply as Surfside, sits along the Gulf of Mexico in Texas with the neighboring city of Freeport just a few miles away. Many Surfside Beach vacation rentals put you within minutes of the Gulf beaches, and an abundance of restaurants that offer amazing waterfront views and Southern fare and hospitality. If you’re traveling to Surfside Beach and hope to find some delicious, kid-friendly restaurants, check out the top spots in the area that serve everything from tacos to fresh local seafood and everything in-between.
1. Seahorse Bar and Grill
Seahorse Bar and Grill sits right along the water, making it a great spot to take the kids after a day of fun in the sun. While the restaurant doesn’t offer a kid’s menu, there are plenty of kid-friendly items and hearty sides to choose from, including loaded nachos, mozzarella triangles, po’ boy sandwiches, and fresh shrimp tacos. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating for your kids to enjoy the beach air and lively ambiance. After your meal, treat the kids to a slice of unforgettable “Chocolate Eruption” pie for dessert, and make sure to sneak a bite or two.
2. Kitty’s Purple Cow
For a tasty brunch at one of the most popular local establishments in Surfside Beach, take the family to Kitty’s Purple Cow. Your kids are sure to get a kick out of the unique farmhouse exterior that’s painted entirely in purple, and the menu is also a real treat. The “Barnyard Treats” section of the menu offers fun items such as “The Junkyard Plate” (chicken strips and fries smothered in gravy), and all drinks are referred to as “Cow Juice.”
3. Sharkies on the Beach
If your kids are into the surf scene, they’re sure to have a blast at Sharkies on the Beach. Located just a few minutes from the Surfside Beach Shoreline, Sharkies has a fun outdoor patio decked out in surfer decor with live music playing on select days and nights, and a wide selection of “Surf Burger” baskets to satisfy the hungriest of appetites. For the kiddos, Sharkies has a “For the Squirts” menu with kid-approved favorites such as corndogs, sliders, and chicken strips.
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4. Jetty Shack
Jetty Shack is a family-owned favorite with the best onion rings and burgers in town, according to local patrons. Many people stop here after a day of fishing on the jetties of the Texas coast, making it a great little spot for socializing and dining following a family fishing adventure. The restaurant is housed in a cool, surf-shack style building with surfboards hanging above the front door, and kids of all ages are welcome. Your little ones may wish to partake in the “Frito Pie” while you enjoy a signature burger basket and make sure to sample the fried jalapenos.
5. Pier 30
Pier 30 is another local Surfside favorite that’s the perfect spot for lunch after a day at the beach. The casual atmosphere and patio seating combined with live music and friendly staff members make it a great place for families, and the kid’s menu offers several staples including chicken strips with house gravy. If your little ones want to try something on the grown-up menu, the Cajun style boudain balls and spicy fried pickles are both highly recommended.
6. Eatz by the Beach
Fish tacos are extremely popular on the Gulf, and Eatz by the Beach has just what you need for an afternoon snack after surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing on the sand at Surfside Beach. This no-nonsense eatery sits right on the beach, offering plenty of outdoor seating and non-stop friendly service. Indulge in some shrimp, fish, steak, or chicken tacos while soaking up the ocean air, then head back to the beach for some more fun and games.
7. La Sirenita Seafood
For some delicious fresh seafood and some of the friendliest service around, take the three-mile trip into neighboring Freeport and have a family dinner at La Sirenita Seafood. The restaurant is known for its crawfish boil platters which are large enough for the whole family to enjoy. Each platter consists of three pounds of crawfish, one pound of crab legs, a half pound of shrimp topped with corn and potatoes. Bring the family in for an authentic seafood feast, then stick around and sing some karaoke.
8. Dorado’s Dive Club
For a fun family lunch right on the water, stop by Dorado’s Dive Club. Sit on the outdoor patio and watch live music while the kids nibble on fried shrimp and take in the exciting atmosphere, then treat the family to some homemade creme brulee for dessert. Dorado’s also has a screened in porch with flat screen TVs for the sports fans in the family.
9. Port Cafe Surfside
If your kids are hungry for some breakfast before a busy day of sightseeing or beach fun, take them to Port Cafe Surfside. The surf-shack style building sits just a few steps from the water, and the expansive menu offers plenty of options for fueling up for the day. The “Hippo” breakfast burrito comes packed with egg, potatoes, chorizo, bacon, sausage, cheese, and beans, making it a great choice for the hungriest one in the bunch, and you can also go the traditional route with French toast, waffles, or pancakes.
10. Talk About Good Restaurant
For some authentic southern food with a touch of Louisiana thrown in, take the short three mile trip into Freeport and have lunch at Talk About a Good Restaurant. The restaurant also serves as a catering company while offering dine-in lunch service, and the delicious food is definitely worth the short jaunt away from the beach. Feast on a lunch of crawfish and gumbo, and don’t forget to order some scrumptious homemade dessert, baked to perfection by Karen, the house baker. The dining room is spacious, and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great place for a family lunch.
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