Don’t get us wrong, kid’s love Chuck E. Cheese, aka a child casino that sells pizza and beer. But you can’t eat there all the time, and Tampa Bay has plenty of local establishments that don’t mind rugrats running around. So, here are a few of the better local restaurants that adults will actually enjoy, and, most importantly, are definitely kid-friendly. 

Spa Beach Bistro 501 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-623-9877 This is probably the best restaurant to tire your little ones out. Located at the St. Pete Pier, Spa Beach Bistro is right in the middle of the playground, the water pad and the beach where you can watch your kids play while grabbing a bite or sipping on a beer. The pier is also pet-friendly, so every member of the family is able to enjoy a nice warm day out. Photo via Spa Beach Bistro/Facebook
Nebraska Mini Mart at 4815 N Nebraska Ave. in Tampa, Florida. Credit: Photo via Nebraska Mini Mart/Faceboo
Keel Farms 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City, 813-752-9100 Enjoy the outdoors and the warm Florida weather at Keel Farms. Here, your kids will be able to pet sheep, pigs, chickens and cows while you enjoy a glass of locally-produced wine. If tummies start to rumble, know that kids eat free Monday through Thursday with the purchase of an adult entree. Photo via Keel Farms/Facebook
Mel’s Hot Dogs 4136 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, 813-985-8000 Mel’s is the ideal go-to spot after a fun-filled day at Busch Gardens. Additionally, almost all kids love hot dogs, so you can’t go wrong by bringing your family here. Plus every kid’s meal comes with a surprise gummy dog. Mel’s also offers chicken nuggets or an American cheese sandwich for the kids who would rather have something else. Photo via
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill 7 Rockaway St., Clearwater, 727-446-4844 Have a good beach day at the waterfront location of Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. Grab the beach toys and put lots of sunscreen on to enjoy the warm Florida weather while enjoying classic beach bites and refreshing drinks. The kids menu includes chicken tenders, grouper nuggets, cheeseburgers, fried shrimp and mac n cheese. Photo via
Ulele 1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa, 813-999-4952 It says “touch with your eyes” when it comes to founder Gonzamart’s collection of Fairyland sculptures, but kids love them and the big green space on the western side of the restaurant building. There is also a nearby splash pad for the kiddos to enjoy after (or maybe before?) the meal. Photo via
Starkey Farms and Market 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity, 727-375-7606 With summer days upon us, you will need to plan outdoor activities to keep the kids busy and entertained, and Starkey Farms offers just that. Take the family to pick their own strawberries, blackberries or blueberries while the adults enjoy a craft beer, wine or cider. If you get hungry after picking fruit, The Trough restaurant offers casual gourmet food like charcuterie boards, prosciutto and fig, and burgers. Photo via
Sparkman Wharf 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 813-618-5844 Whatever you’re looking for, Sparkman Wharf has you covered. Everything from dining and entertainment to offices and retail can be found here. In addition to the plethora of businesses ready to serve you and your family, there is a lot of green space for the kids to roam free and play. It also hosts live music every weekend to spark up the downtown Tampa life. Photo via Sparkman Wharf/Facebook
Cappy’s Pizzeria 4910 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-238-1516 It’s fun galore at Cappy’s because who doesn’t love pizza, arcade games and one of the coolest toy trains in Tampa Bay? Enjoy a pie while playing classic games or sit down at one of its tables with vintage toys inside to look at. However, kids are not allowed on the outside area, so make sure they stay inside for a good time. Photo via
Armature Works 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-250-3725 Visit South Tampa Heights’ unofficial hub for food, drink and entertainment. Its almost 20 different eateries will satisfy the needs and wants of every family member. The location also has giant chess boards, turf everywhere and different family-friendly events throughout the week, like Movies on the Lawn. Photo via Armature Works/Facebook
The Sail Pavilion 333 S Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8511 The Sail Pavilion places you in the middle of the action downtown on the Tampa Riverwalk. Enjoy plenty of outdoor space plus eBoats and Fun Boat tours that launch from here. The restaurant has a kids menu featuring fried shrimp baskets, corn dogs, grilled cheeses and chicken tenders served with fries or apple sauce. Photo via The Sail Pavilion/Facebook
ABC Pizza House 1242 W Hillsborough Ave. no. 1314, Tampa, 813-237-3324 This family-run restaurant combines Greek roots with American twists to serve pasta, pizza and gyros. They also have an arcade where little (and big) ones can play while waiting for food. Photo via
Big Storm Brewing Co. 12707 49th St. N, Clearwater, 727-201-4186 Grab your favorite Big Storm brew, enjoy a bite to eat, sit back and relax while your kids play cornhole in the shaded turf area. Children under 12 can enjoy a quesadilla, cheese pizza, mac & cheese, grilled cheese and chicken tenders for under $8. Adults can indulge in Big Storm’s huge selection of craft beers. The brewery also hosts trivia nights on Mondays and live music on Fridays. Photo via
Caddy’s Treasure Island 9000 W Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, 727-360-4993 Another perfect beach day location is Caddy’s at Treasure Island. The restaurant offers dining and drinks directly on the sand plus views of the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, Caddy’s has live music every day so you can dance the worries away and take in beautiful sunsets. Photo via
Palm Pavilion ​​10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater, 727-446-2642 With a waterfront location on Clearwater Beach, Palm Pavillion fun on the beach and good bites for the kiddos. For under $6, kids can enjoy fish sticks, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or pasta. Photo via

The Columbia


2117 E 7th Ave, Ybor City, 813-248-4961
Florida’s oldest restaurant is right here in Tampa. Covering an entire Ybor City block, the 120-year-old Columbia Restaurant spans all the bases of Spanish and Cuban-inspired dishes, like classic Cubans and massive plates of paella. Don’t skip the Spanish bean soup or Columbia’s main crowd pleaser, the 1905 salad.
Photo via The Columbia Cafe
The Getaway 13090 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, 727-317-5751 If you want to have a beach day without the hassle of actually going to the beach, The Getaway is the place for you. The restaurant is located on the Gandy Boulevard waterfront and has a sandy beach area with toys for the kiddos. The kids menu features grilled cheese, chicken tenders and cheeseburger all for under $8. For the adults, what is a beach day without the booze? The Getaway offers a wide selection of cocktails, beers, wine and seltzers to satisfy your thirst. Photo via The Getaway/Facebook
Datz 2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, 813-831-7000 Throughout its three locations in Tampa, St. Pete and Riverview, Datz’s kids menu will have adults wishing they could be young again. With a wide selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, the menu includes the “I Don’t Know” and “I Don’t Care” breakfasts, the “I’m Not Hungry” boneless fried chicken tenders, the “I Didn’t Want That” ham or turkey sandwich and the “I Want To Go Home Now” macaroni. Every kid’s meal comes with one drink, a sweet treat and chips or fresh fruit. Credit: DATZ/ FACEBOOK
Mayra’s Tacos ​​5305 Henry Ave., Tampa Sheltered in a stand behind a soccer field, the Michocán native prides herself on the no-frills menu with an affordable price tag. Here kids can immerse themselves in soccer culture by watching the league and pickup games happening almost every night. Photo via Cinco Soccer/Instagram Credit: @cinco.soccer/Instagram

Sofía García Vargas, born in Colombia, South America and raised in Costa Rica, Central America, is a journalism student at the University of South Florida and Editor-in-Chief of The Crow’s Nest, USF...