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Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Where to eat when you’ve got hungry kids and sandy feet.
When it comes to family vacations, finding a place to eat that everyone enjoys is a major win. Whether you’ve got picky eaters, energetic toddlers, or teens who just want something “Instagram-worthy,” the Bradenton Area is filled with restaurants that cater to kids and adults alike. From toes-in-the-sand breakfast spots to friendly seafood spots, here are seven local favorites that make mealtime fun, easy, and totally delicious.
1. Anna Maria Island Beach Café
Right on the sand with tables facing the Gulf, this casual, window-order spot is an easy win for families. The Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe‘s main attraction? All-you-can-eat pancakes served every morning until 11 a.m. (Yep, unlimited pancakes on the beach – need we say more?) Kids can play in the sand while you sip coffee and soak in the view. They also offer kid-friendly lunch and dinner options like chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and soft-serve ice cream. Plus, don’t miss their bar offerings and regular live music schdule!
2. The Ugly Grouper
The Ugly Grouper‘s open-air dining space feels more like a backyard party – with giant Jenga, cornhole, live music, etc., and plenty of space to move around. The seafood is fresh (don’t miss the famous grouper tacos with their iconic cheese fan shells), and the vibe is casual enough that no one will blink if your kid gets up mid-meal to play a round of ring toss. Be sure to snap a family photo with the larger-than-life metal grouper sculpture out front!
3. The Donut Experiment
Perfect for a sweet treat or a breakfast adventure, The Donut Experiment located on Pine Avenue lets you (and your kids) customize your own donuts from start to finish. Start with a fresh, made-to-order cake donut, then pick your icing, toppings, and drizzle. It’s creative, delicious, and guaranteed to be a vacation highlight—just be prepared for a little sugar rush.
4. Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
Looking for a slightly more upscale beachfront experience that’s still kid-approved? The Sandbar fits the bill. While you enjoy a fresh seafood platter and a glass of wine, the little ones can run around on the beach just steps away from your table. The views are unbeatable, and the spacious outdoor seating makes it easy to relax with the whole family in tow.
5. Wicked Cantina
If you’re craving Tex-Mex (or just a really good Marg) with a laid-back island twist, head to Wicked Cantina in Bradenton Beach. This colorful spot is known for its house-made tacos, burritos, and drinks – and it’s super kid-friendly, too. Families can dine on the outdoor patio and kids will love the bottomless chips and salsa that arrive the moment you sit down. There’s a kids’ menu with all the essentials, and live music most evenings adds a fun vibe without feeling too rowdy. Plus, it’s directly across the road from Cortez Beach with an incredible view of the Gulf!
6. Whisky Joe’s
With palm-thatched tiki huts, a sandy beach, fire pits, and Manatee River views, Whisky Joe’s is great for sunset dinners and watching boats drift by. The menu has something for everyone—from burgers to tacos to kid-friendly classics—and the outdoor setup means the kids can roam a little while you enjoy a well-earned adult beverage. Bonus: there’s often live music to set the mood.
7. Anna Maria Oyster Bar
AMOB‘s many locations are always buzzing with families – and for good reason. The menu is full of seafood-forward crowd-pleasers (think seafood mac n’ cheese, coconut shrimp, hushpuppies, and, of course, oysters), but the real draw is their penny-per-inch kids’ menu. On “school nights”, kids 10 and under eat for just one penny per inch of height for their meal. (So if your kid is 54 inches tall, their dinner is 54¢. Yes, really.) It’s fun, fresh and a guaranteed way to get kids excited about going out to eat. Plus, the grown ups won’t want to miss Happy Hour margs or oyster shooters.
Beachside Bites
From quick bites to elevated dining experiences, our island paradise offers a plethora of dining options with breathtaking ocean views.
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