Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Jacksonville
We know a few restaurants in Jacksonville where the kids have plenty of options, and the adults do too.
You find a spot with a kids menu, but the adult choices are not so hot. Or you see a fabulous menu for adults, but there's nothing on it your child will eat. Fortunately, Jacksonville is full of great spots to make the whole family happy. Here are our top picks for kid- (and parent-) friendly restaurants:
1. The Bearded Pig
Located in San Marco, parents can dine on their favorite BBQ while kids choose from their own menu featuring BBQ, a hot dog and chicken nuggets. The kids menu offers all the hits for sides, including mac-n-cheese and French fries. Located on the Southbank of the St. Johns River, Bearded Pig boasts a fenced-in yard where kids can run freely.
2. Dreamette
Treat the family to a local classic. Dreamette stands are a Jacksonville institution, first opening in 1948, and serving up hand-dipped soft serve, milkshakes, and a killer banana split. With several locations across Jacksonville, Dreamette offers convenience and a sweet treat.
3. The Block Jax
The Block Jax is a community gathering spot and outdoor food hall featuring eight food vendors, live music, events, and a dedicated kids play park. Find local favorites like Duval Fried Chicken, The Hungry Owl, Butt Hutt Smokehouse, and more here.
4. Moon River Pizza
When it comes to both kids and adults, pizza is a surefire crowd-pleaser. This funky, local pizza shop has plenty of options to keep both the kids and adults happy, with pizza by the slice or whole pie. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options. This hip spot will have you looking like the coolest parents in town. Don’t miss their signature bread stix.
5. Taco Lu
This colorful, local taco spot is a big hit with locals and visitors alike. They have a kids menu featuring simple favorites like chicken or beef tacos, chicken or cheese quesadillas, as well as fish sticks. That, along with the bright Mexican decorations inside or outdoor seating, is sure to keep the little ones content while you enjoy popular dishes from the “big kids” menu like the Bangin’ Shrimp or Baja Fish tacos.
6. Sweet Pete’s and Fizzies & Fare
If you’re ready for a sweet treat, Sweet Pete’s is the place to go. The whimsical candy store offers something for kids and adults with everything from traditional chocolate and hard candies to homemade sea salt caramels. Fizzies & Fare, located inside Sweet Pete’s, is a combination restaurant, soda pop shop and ice cream parlor. The fun menu offers a variety of shareable apps, milkshakes, ice cream and floats. There’s even a unicorn sundae.
7. Sierra Grille Atlantic Beach
Sierra Grille in Atlantic Beach is a family-friendly restaurant that is also affordable: they offer half-off kids’ meals on Mondays. Consider that a win-win! Plus, your children will love the play area they have available.
8. Strings Sports Brewery
This family-owned brewery and restaurant has a large indoor-outdoor area for kids to roam and play games, including a contained basketball court. That’ll pair perfectly with their pub fare, including saucy wings and burgers. The kid’s menu includes favorites like popcorn chicken and grilled cheese sandwiches. They have locations in Springfield and in Jacksonville Beach.
9. ABBQ
A classic barbeque spot slinging all the hits, ABBQ’s large outdoor patio is a hit amongst families. The fenced-in green space has room to run, play oversized games, and eat delicious food, all among other families. The kids’ menu includes pork and brisket sliders in addition to staples like mac and cheese or cheeseburgers.
10. Sliders Oyster Bar
This beachfront staple has a turfed area with games and putt-putt for the kiddos to enjoy. Its proximity to the beach makes it an easy win for a day’s worth of activities and food. You can indulge in your favorite seafood bites and so can your littles — with kids’ fried shrimp and fish bite portions.
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