It’s often challenging to enjoy dining out because the kids are in tow! Hangry children are sure to bounce off the walls, crawl under the table and offer up sourpuss faces more tart than parents’ well-deserved sour beer. But, indeed, there’s hope yet. We’ve compiled a list of kid-friendly St. Augustine restaurants that perfectly pair pleasing plates with playful environments.
By the way, if you're in Orlando there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants there too!
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Kid-Friendly St. Augustine Restaurants
1. Aunt Kate’s
612 Euclid Ave., St. Augustine
Featuring both indoor and outdoor tables, Aunt Kate’s tagline is “Quality Family Dining.” And that’s just what we’re craving. Situated along the picturesque Tolomoto River, dining al fresco on the outside deck is A-OK with kids, especially because Mother Nature magically offers distractions.
The menu is island-style American fare with tons of choices for appetizers, salads, sandwiches, baskets, entrées, pastas and typical kids' meal offerings.
Each table starts will a complimentary breadbasket full of pumpkin bread, cornbread and rolls. It’s unlikely that you’ll see a gator off the docks, but you can order Gator Tail here! The She Crab soup is super creamy and delish. Additionally, Aunt Kate’s has a full bar and is dog-friendly (outside).
2. Beachcomber
2 A Street, St. Augustine Beach
Skip the crayons and coloring books and, instead, pack a pail and shovel. Beachcomber is right on the shoreline so, after ordering, kiddos can show off their sandcastle-building skills. This eatery is family-friendly, dog-friendly and, because it's beachside, ideal for a casual lunch or dinner, with signature cocktail and craft beer selections for adults.
The burgers are a customer fav, like the Any Port in the Storm, a 1/3-lb. burger chargrilled and topped with portobello mushrooms, provolone cheese, arugula, red onion and thousand island dressing. The Crunchy Fish Wrap offers a crisp bite with panko-coated fried fresh catch topped with cabbage, pineapple pico and sriracha mayo in a chipotle wrap.
And you can order chicken or a burger at Beachcomber for Fido too!
3. Conch House
57 Comares Ave., St. Augustine
Don’t ask for a booth or a table; rather, ask for a tiki hut! Conch House has raised Jamaican-style grass huts peering out over the water for the most unique waterfront dining on Anastasia Island. Of course, there’s regular outside/inside seating too.
The lunch and dinner menus highlight Caribbean-style cooking with seafood, steaks, chicken, salads, gluten-free offerings and housemade desserts. Pass on the fries to try the coconut rice or fried plantains.
Afterward, for an after-dinner drink, wander down the marina dock to the super cool lighthouse-style bar.
4. Gas Full Service Restaurant
9 Anastasia Blvd. C, St. Augustine
Living up to its name, you’ll be glad you filled up your tanks here (um, bellies). Once a gas station, Gas Full Service is now a semi-famous burger joint because of its televised appearance on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Comfort food is elevated with locally-sourced ingredients, including the grass-fed Florida beef used for the gigantic Jalapeño Popper Burger. Gas is located just off the picturesque Lion’s Bridge, although outside seating isn’t an option. Still, the funky interior will pump up your carload of hunger diners.
5. Maple Street Biscuits
39 Cordova St., St. Augustine
Breakfast (or brunch in St. Augustine) is never boring here. Maple Street Biscuits puts a modern twist on southern fare. Order biscuits or biscuit sandwiches prepared in pretty much any way you like. Or certainly opt for grits, a potato bowl, waffles or a frittaffle, which is a waffle iron baked omelet.
The St. Augustine location usually has a line so know that there’s also a Maple Street Biscuit in Julington Creek (Jacksonville).
6. Palm Valley Outdoors Bar & Grill
377 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach
Full disclosure: You may be more wowed by the family-friendly exterior than the entrees. Don’t get me wrong… the food is good but not the best you’ll ever have. The Salmon BLT does hit the spot though.
The draw to Palm Valley Outdoors is not only its water view, but the large grassy area for kids to play. Parents can relax in Adirondack chairs while tiny tikes play tag or run about.
FYI, on Tuesdays, kids eat for just $1.99 (with the purchase of an adult entrée).
7. Playa Chac Mool
105 D St., St. Augustine
This family-run eatery is small but totally authentic. Play Chac Mool consistently has great prices, kind workers and, of course, mouthwatering Mexican meals. The atmosphere is lively with bold décor and vibrant live music.
[Pictured in Feature Image; courtesy of Play Chac Mool.]
8. Salt Life Food Shack
321 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach
Salt Life has three area locations but the St. Augustine Beach site is especially delicious, topping the Jacksonville Beach and Fernandina Beach locations because of its rooftop seating. Overlooking the ocean, feast on raw bar favorites, sushi, street tacos, handhelds, coastal greens and more.
For pescatarian kiddos, the “first mates” fried shrimp is a keeper!
9. Timoti’s Seafood Shack
152 Crosswater Parkway, #18, Ponte Vedra
Playground! Playground! Playground! Yes, this fast-casual seafood place has a nautical-themed playground so kids can pair yummy meals with fun times. Timoti’s offers fresh poke bowls, tacos, fried basket favorites, refreshing cocktails and beers. Also, did I mention the playground?
10. V’s Pizza
5700 U.S. Highway 1 North, St. Augustine + multiple locations
The St. Augustine restaurant site is the latest of V’s multiple locations, each of which embodies a unique vibe. With all the feels of Old-World Italy, this neighborhood chain bakes individual and full-sized pizzas in a hot clay brick oven with wood fire.
Families can choose to order at the fast-casual counter and snag a first-come table, or opt for traditional full-service dining. Either way, V’s outdoor space is uber family-friendly, as is its wild interior.
Fair warning: It may be hard to get your children to sit down long enough to get a slice or two of pizza into their bellies because they’ll be obsessed with the netted field (used for soccer, football, tag, shenanigans), game pit, cornhole and large Jenga.
11. Valley Smoke
11 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach
If you have a plastic baby set of golf clubs, bring them with you when dining at Valley Smoke. Because this waterside restaurant has a grass area and a mini putting green for your cute caddy.
This BBQ place is totally legit because it has all the pit favorites. Even the kids' menu features tender brisket, ribs, pulled pork and chicken. Also, the Bacon Garlic Green Beans are on point too.
Lastly, book a babysitter for next time so you can enjoy a day-date at Valley Smoke during Sunday Brunch.
More Kid-Friendly St. Augustine Restaurants
- Beachside Diner
- Grilled Cheese Gallery
- Mango Mangos Caribbean Grill
- Mellow Mushroom
- Mid-Town Table
- Mojo BBQ
- St. Augustine Fish Camp
- Top Dawg Tavern
- Woodpeckers
- Yamato Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Enjoy, mom and dad!
