St. Augustine Kid-Friendly Restaurants: Top Picks for Family Dining
Discovering a restaurant that caters to the tastes and needs of children can transform a family trip to St. Augustine from good to great. In the nation’s oldest city, there’s a delightful array of kid-friendly dining options waiting to welcome your family. Whether your little ones are craving classic American fare, the freshest seafood, or playful dishes with a creative twist, St. Augustine offers a variety of spots that are sure to satisfy palates of all ages.
Visiting The Ice Plant is not only a step back in time with its vintage decor, but also a joy for families. It’s one of the top recommendations for places that both you and your kids will remember fondly. Moreover, eateries like Maple Street Biscuit Company understand the importance of starting the day with a hearty breakfast, offering dishes that are guaranteed to energize you and the kids for a day of exploring.
Whether you’re relaxing at the beach or touring the historic streets, you’ll find that St. Augustine is a treasure trove of family-friendly restaurants. Each dining spot brings something unique to the table, from interactive environments like The Witty Whisker Cat Cafe where kids can play with resident felines, to laid-back outdoor venues where kids can engage in games while waiting for a meal made with locally sourced ingredients. Your family dining experience in St. Augustine will be as rich in memories as it is in flavors.
Table of Contents
Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in St. Augustine
When you’re dining out with your family in St. Augustine, you’ll want to find places that are not just accommodating, but actually cater to the needs of children. Below are some dining spots that welcome families and enrich the dining experience for your young ones.
St. Augustine Fish Camp
For a dining experience that combines great food with a dash of adventure, consider taking your family to St. Augustine Fish Camp. Not only can you savor fresh seafood, but your children can enjoy the thrill of fishing by the dock. It’s a perfect opportunity to bond as a family over a meal and create lasting memories.
Salt Life Food Shack
Next on the list is Salt Life Food Shack, which ranks high for its casual and friendly atmosphere. Your kids will appreciate the fun, surf-themed decor and menu items that are as delicious as they are kid-friendly. With an accommodating staff and diverse menu, every member of your family is sure to find something to love.
Cap’s On The Water
To end a day of touring St. Augustine with a relaxing meal, visit Cap’s On The Water. With outdoor seating that overlooks the water, this restaurant provides a serene dining experience that’s especially calming for families. The combination of beautiful views, a welcoming atmosphere, and great food earns Cap’s rave reviews for family dining.
Features That Make a Restaurant Kid-Friendly
When choosing a spot to dine with your little ones, it’s important to consider places that cater to their entertainment and dining needs. Look for restaurants that not only have a kid-friendly menu but also provide engaging activities and have a welcoming staff to make your dining experience enjoyable.
Indoor Playgrounds and Activities
A restaurant with an indoor playground gives kids a chance to have fun and stay active while waiting for their meal. Features like slides, ball pits, and a mini jungle gym can turn a simple dinner into an adventure. Also, tables equipped with crayons and coloring pages keep young minds busy and spark creativity.
Menu Options for Children
It’s essential to have a variety of menu options for children, including favorites like chicken tenders, which are often a hit with the younger crowd. Some restaurants also offer smaller portions, appropriately termed mini options, perfect for smaller appetites. Additionally, ensure there are healthy options available to balance the meal.
Friendly and Accommodating Staff
The presence of friendly and accommodating staff can make all the difference. Staff who are patient when taking orders, providing high chairs for toddlers, and are quick to clean up any spills with a smile, significantly enhance the dining experience, ensuring you and your kids feel welcome and at ease.
Neighborhood Guide to Family Dining
Exploring St. Augustine with family means finding places that everyone will enjoy for a meal. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood by the Matanzas River or want to enjoy a meal with a beachy vibe, St. Augustine has a variety of family-friendly dining options to satisfy your appetite.
Beachside Eateries
Right along the coast, Saint Augustine Beach is home to best Mexican fajitas you might have tasted in years. The casual atmosphere allows your kids to enjoy their food while you soak in the perfect mixture of sunshine and ocean breeze.
- Maple Street Biscuit Company: Known for its comfort food with a modern twist and a family-friendly environment.
Historic District Dining
Strolling through the historic district of St. Augustine, you’ll find a range of restaurants tucked within its charming streets. You can grab a bite at places such as Prohibition Kitchen or The Floridian, each offering a unique experience with dishes that will cater to both adults and children alike.
- The Ice Plant: An original ice plant converted into a restaurant preserving much of the industrial feel, offering a diverse kid-friendly menu.
Waterfront Dining Options
For an unforgettable dining experience by the water, the Intracoastal Waterway and areas along the Matanzas River present spectacular options. Your family can enjoy the fresh breeze at the St. Augustine Fish Camp which also offers excitement for kids with fishing by the dock.
- Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille: Features a pleasant outdoor seating area with a view of the water, serving a variety of seafood dishes that will please every palate.
Diverse Culinary Experiences for Families
St. Augustine’s dining scene caters to families with options varying from classic American breakfasts to locally-sourced seafood dinners. Your days can start and end with meals that everyone, from the little ones to the grown-ups, will savor.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
For your early risers, Maple Street Biscuit Company offers a cozy spot where you can enjoy flaky biscuits topped with mouthwatering gravies or sweet jams. Their commitment to comfort food with a twist makes this a must-visit for a hearty start to your day.
Over at Cafe Atlantico, take pleasure in Italian-inspired breakfasts and brunches. Relish their fluffy frittatas or dive into delectable pastries alongside a fresh espresso to energize your morning explorations.
Lunch Favorites
When the midday hunger strikes, grab scrumptious sandwiches at GAS- Full Service Restaurant. Bite into their boldly flavored concoctions, or if you’re craving seafood, their menu often features fresh, local ingredients from the sea.
Seeking something internationally inspired? A1A Ale Works Restaurant & Taproom not only has an impressive selection of craft beers but also delivers a fusion of American and Caribbean flavors, offering everything from burgers to coastal dishes – perfect for a satisfying lunch.
Diverse Dinner Selections
As the evening settles in, indulge in the fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients at Catch 27. Every plate tells a story of local catch and farm-to-table freshness, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
If your family is in the mood for Asian cuisine, wander to a place like Blackfly The Restaurant, which is known for its inventive sushi rolls and stylish atmosphere. Alternatively, settle in for an array of American classics with a side of fun at St. Augustine Fish Camp, where kids might even have the chance to fish by the dock.
Amenities and Extras for an Enjoyable Meal
When you’re dining out with the family in St. Augustine, you want to ensure that the experience is enjoyable for everyone, especially the kids. Here’s what to look for:
- Ambiance: Seek out places with a warm and inviting ambiance that welcomes families. A restaurant with colorful décor or a theme that sparks imagination can be particularly kid-friendly.
- Outdoor Seating: Nothing beats the pleasure of outdoor seating on a pleasant day. Whether it’s a view of the historic streets or the beach, dining al fresco adds a layer of relaxation.
| Kid-Friendly Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Play Areas | Ensures kids stay entertained during the meal. |
| Kids’ Menu | Offers a selection of child-approved favorites. |
| Crayons & Activity Sheets | Helps keep little hands busy. |
- Family-Friendly Extras: Some restaurants go the extra mile by having areas where children can play safely within eyesight, allowing you to enjoy your meal while they have fun.
Remember to look up places where your family’s preferences are met, be it a delicious beer selection for the adults or menu diversity that caters to every taste and age.
Don’t forget, a family meal out should be stress-free and full of good memories, so choose a spot that feels right for you and your loved ones. Whether it’s dining by the dock where kids can observe sea life, or enjoying a casual eatery where everyone can relax, St. Augustine has plenty of options to make your mealtime special.