Let’s be honest, dining out with kids is rarely an activity that parents can say they look forward to. As a St. Pete parent and creator of @sunshinecitywithkids, I have experienced the pleasure and pain of dining out with my kids at a variety of local spots. In an attempt to achieve regular family dining success, I have created a few criteria we look for when choosing where to eat. 

These criteria include: room for the kids to roam, kid friendly menu options, a laid back atmosphere, grown up drinks, and preferably the option for outdoor seating with shade/fans. The local dining options in this guide meet ALL of my picky parent criteria and more, ensuring you and your family will have a fun, delicious, and relaxing meal together in the Sunshine City. 

Casita Taqueria on Central

Address: 2663 Central Ave 

Casita Taqueria on Central Avenue is at the top of our list because it’s ALWAYS a winner with our family. With multiple outdoor spaces, a fenced in back courtyard, plenty of tables, fans, shade, good music, and affordable and delicious eats, it’s never a hard decision to grab Casita for lunch or dinner. Their authentic casual Mexican cuisine is the closest thing that I’ve found to what I grew up eating back in Texas as a kid. Our boys love the rice and beans bowls and quesadillas from the kids menu, but they also offer the chicken fingers for your more picky eaters. If you’ve had a long day at work or played too hard at the beach, this is the spot to take the kids for tacos while you enjoy a cold beer or margarita. 

Mullet’s Fish Camp

Address: 3901 6th St. S

You can’t help but feel happy and relaxed in the giant courtyard and Tiki Bar at Mullet’s Fish Camp. Surrounded by palm trees, quirky nautical themed decor, and colorful murals, it’s what St. Pete dreams are made of. If you go in the evening you’ll often be able to catch live music from the corner stage, while the kids build shell mounds and drink their lemonade. Their seafood is fantastic, but I’m not gonna lie- I can’t order anything but their wings because they are THE BEST wings in St. Pete (I said what I said). They also have plenty of kid-friendly menu options and our boys never complain (that’s a big deal). This place meets all of our criteria for the perfect family friendly dining spot. 

Cage Brewing 

Address: 2001 1st Ave S

Dining at a Brewery? Yes….YES! As any parent knows, trying to keep your kids seated for an entire meal could qualify as an olympic sport. We love Cage Brewing because it offers a wide open fenced in green space, shade tents, a toy section for younger kiddos, and plenty of seating at tables or on lawn chairs. Their dining options come from the delicious and affordable onsite eatery – Kraken Joe’s Pizza. Kraken Joe’s wood fired brick oven pizzas are killer and our go-to menu item. They also offer a wide variety of other choices, including salads, apps, and desserts. Cage Brewing is the perfect St. Pete stop for inventive craft beer, live music, delicious pizza, and family fun. 

Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar and Grille

Address: 6100 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach

Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar and Grille is what we call our “mid week treat” spot. It can be a bit busy on weekends so a random mid week evening is perfect for families. Located at the back of the Hilton Garden Inn on St. Pete Beach, this treasure is a beachfront playground for kids and their parents alike. The outdoor deck provides multiple seating options from high tops and dining tables, to soft patio couches and relaxing chairs. Just off the deck you will find the baby powder soft sand that is the perfect play spot for sand toys or corn hole. Let your kids entertain themselves while you lay in one of the many hammocks floating beneath the palm trees and listen to live music playing in the background. Their menu offers a variety of tasty bar and grille style food, creative cocktails, and kid options. Just beyond the sand dunes, you and your family can end your experience with a stroll on stunning St. Pete Beach. 

Red Mesa Mercado

Address: 1100 1st Ave N.

Red Mesa Mercado is a spot we’ve frequented for years. If you are a local, you’ve probably been to or at least heard of this gem…But have you attempted to dine here with kids? Let me explain why Red Mesa Mercado is one of the best spots in downtown St. Pete for family eats. Number one- They offer a “Gated community” – AKA, it’s fenced in. It gives that sense of freedom while also containing your wildlings. Their kid-friendly menu has something for every Mercado munchkin. Their patio is surrounded by areas of Natural Play – AKA rocks. Kids love rocks. Dining is under shade and fans – need I say more? And last but not least, they have excellent grown up food and drinks! I highly recommend their taco salad, Margaritas, and Sangria. This local favorite is also walking distance to breweries, ice cream shops, cafes, shopping, and more. 

Patrona Coastal Cafe

Address: 13090 Gandy Blvd. N

This tropical waterfront getaway is a little slice of paradise. Patrona Coastal Cafe offers shade, coffee, breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and an ocean breeze. If I had to pick, I would suggest you go for breakfast and make sure someone orders their homemade cinnamon roll that you can sneak a bite of. On my last visit, I brought a couple sand toys for the kids and watched them play away next to my table while I enjoyed my avocado toast and cold brew. We took in some peaceful water views and even saw a dolphin in the distance. This place is a whole vibe and gives equal amounts of fun and relaxation. It’s the ideal setting for a quick bite with the kids or a scenic coffee/cocktail date.

The Chattaway 

Address: 358 22nd Ave. S

This long time local favorite and St. Pete relic is a fantastic place to grab lunch or dinner with the family. The Chattaway offers a relaxed and laid back environment with ample outdoor seating in a large garden like setting. The kids love all of the whimsical decorations and will often spend the whole meal searching for the gnomes in the garden. The eclectic art, brick paved patio, and flowers in every direction gives a cozy backyard vibe that is perfect for families. You can usually catch some great live music while enjoying a variety of classic menu options like burgers, fries, sandwiches, and salads. Their kids menu offers something for even the pickiest of eaters. If you want an easy and memorable family friendly meal in the Burg, don’t hesitate on The Chattaway.

Be sure to follow @sunshinecitywithkids on Instagram for all of the latest information on kid and family friendly things to see and do in the St.Pete/Tampa Bay Area.