6 Surprisingly Kid- Friendly Restaurants In Tampa Bay
Before my husband and I had children one of our favorite things to do was check out new restaurants that would pop up around our city. We loved trying new things and places. After our first child was born we would take him along for the ride. We quickly realized that not all restaurants are kid-friendly(Have you ever tried to change a baby while squatting because there was no changing table?) This didn't detour us from going out to eat. We actually kept going out because we knew that as they grew up we wanted to be able to sit down at a restaurant and have a good time and they needed to get used to that environment. (check out some tips on bringing your children to restaurants here) Tampa Bay has new restaurants popping up every weekend it seems like. We like some chain restaurants but our favorites to check out are the local ones that are Tampa Bay grown and operated. These restaurants are ones that I take EVERYONE too when they come to visit us. I love them and I know you will too.
1.Red Mesa Cantina
128 3rd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
This Latin American fusion restaurant is one of my FAVORITES and must eat places when visiting Tampa Bay. You can't go wrong when picking from the menu. Seriously everything is good. They have a gorgeous outside sitting area which is a garden like paradise, as you listen to the water from the fountain. The inside seating is great as well. They have a kids menu and it has chicken tenders for even the pickiest eaters. They also offer vegetarian dishes as well. The margaritas are amazing as well (obviously not for the kiddos) Oh and there is brunch on the weekends that is GLORIOUS. Oh and if you don't have human babies you can bring your beloved pups there is an area that dog lovers can sit with their dogs. I seriously love this restaurant.
2. Keke's Breakfast Cafe
When you want to grab some great breakfast this is the place to go, the kids plates have enough food for them to have seconds (the adults plates too) they have a cute little activity they give the kids while they wait on their breakfast (not the usual crayon and pages to color) The staff is always friendly at the one we go to. They are only open until 2 pm so if you want to go on the weekend, head out early because they are packed. The food is delicious and the kids have a great time when we are there.
3.Bar Taco
1601 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
The tacos here are mouthwatering (try the spicy chorizo or the fish tacos) I love that the kid's menu has mini versions of the adult food. They also have fruit skewers which my kids love. They also have guacamole for the kids that is non-spicy (adults get that spicy one, it will make you dance as you eat it because it's that good). They also have a large outdoor patio to sit and sprinkles cupcake is right next door so you can walk over and have some dessert.
4. Melting Pot
Kids love to be hands-on and what is more hands-on then cooking your food tableside? We have frequented melting pot as a couple over the years (we have brought both our children when they were 2 and 3 months old since our anniversary fell shortly after their birth) Recently we decided to take the kids and have a family date night. The kids LOVED it (Check your local restaurant because on Sundays from 4 pm- close kids eat free) They especially love the chocolate dipping part.
5.DATZ
2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629
You looking for a nice brunch spot? a place to grab a great lunch or dinner? then you have to check out DATZ. Its such a unique spot in Tampa bay. I love that the menu looks like an old newspaper. They have some yummy options for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I also love their sense of humor. Just check out the names of the food on the kid's menu
6. Bella Brava
204 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
For the kid who has an exquisite palette then Bella Brava is for you. One thing I love about living in Tampa Bay are all the outdoor areas to eat at. They have a lovely area to eat outside (also this one is dog-friendly as well) They also have a great happy hour. The kids can check out all the bustling and hustling that is going on since this is downtown St. Pete. There are so many fun places in walking distance as well. (Art museum, Dhali etc)