Finding family-friendly restaurants in Jacksonville that cater to both kids and adults can be a challenge. This comprehensive guide highlights 29 fantastic options, ensuring your next family meal is a memorable one. We've considered factors like kid-friendly menus, atmospheres, amenities, and overall value to create this ultimate list for Jacksonville families.
Jacksonville's Best Kid-Friendly Eats: Diverse Options for Every Family
This list covers a wide range of cuisines and price points, making it easy to find the perfect spot for your family, whether you're craving pizza, burgers, or something more adventurous. We've categorized them for easier navigation.
Casual Dining: Fun and Relaxed Atmosphere
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The Loop Pizza Grill: Known for its delicious pizza and family-friendly atmosphere. Offers a dedicated kids' menu with smaller portions and familiar favorites. They often have fun events and games.
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Bimbo's: This Jacksonville classic offers huge portions of delicious Italian-American food. Their kid's menu features pasta dishes and other kid favorites.
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Metro Diner: Famous for their comfort food classics, Metro Diner offers a solid kid's menu and a relaxed, diner-style atmosphere that’s perfect for families.
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First Watch: A daytime cafe that boasts delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. They have a kids menu, and the menu options are flexible enough to accommodate picky eaters.
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Denny's: A classic American diner experience that’s always reliable for families, with a kids' menu and familiar items. Convenient locations throughout the city are a big plus.
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IHOP: Another classic option, IHOP is perfect for families looking for a quick, affordable pancake breakfast or lunch, with a fun kid's menu.
Upscale Casual: A Bit More Fancy, Still Kid-Approved
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The Capital Grille: While perhaps unexpected on a kid-friendly list, The Capital Grille surprisingly offers a great kids' menu and a sophisticated atmosphere that families can enjoy.
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Ruth's Chris Steak House: Similar to The Capital Grille, Ruth's Chris provides a high-quality dining experience with kid-friendly options that might surprise you.
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Cress Restaurant: Known for its farm-to-table cuisine, Cress Restaurant often has kid-friendly options available and a more casual atmosphere than some other upscale options.
Fast Food with a Family Twist: Quick Bites Done Right
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Chick-fil-A: A consistent favorite, Chick-fil-A is a reliable choice for fast, fresh food, with a friendly atmosphere and a kids' meal option.
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McDonald's: A classic fast-food option with playgrounds at many locations making it perfect for burning off some energy after a meal.
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Arby's: Another reliable choice for fast food, Arby's offers kid-friendly meals and sometimes has special promotions that kids will love.
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Burger King: A staple in fast food with kid's meals and the occasional fun promotion.
Unique and Thematic Options: Dining Experiences Beyond the Ordinary
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The Beaches at Neptune Beach: Offers stunning ocean views and a relaxed setting. While not strictly kid-focused, the atmosphere is very welcoming to families.
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Southern Soul Barbeque: A lively, family-friendly BBQ joint with delicious food and a fun atmosphere.
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M Shack: Casual, beach-themed setting serving burgers and other family favorites. Perfect after a day at the beach.
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Mojo Kitchen: Offers delicious and creative sandwiches in a casual and welcoming environment.
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Olio: A great spot for Italian food that caters well to families with creative pasta dishes.
Ethnic Cuisine: Expanding Your Family's Palates
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Taverna: Offers a delicious selection of Greek dishes, some of which are readily adaptable for children.
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Burrito Gallery: A kid-friendly Mexican restaurant with lots of options to customize orders.
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Kookaburra's: This Australian-themed restaurant can be fun and has kid-friendly dishes.
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Sliders: Provides a unique twist on burgers, often with plenty of kid-friendly choices.
Sweet Treats and Desserts: Ending the Meal on a High Note
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Peterbrooke Chocolatier: A perfect stop for indulging in delicious chocolates and treats.
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Cold Stone Creamery: A popular choice for custom ice cream creations.
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Yogurtland: A self-serve frozen yogurt shop that kids love.
Cafes and Bakeries: Cozy Spots for a Relaxed Meal
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Bold Bean Coffee Roasters: Many locations offer comfortable seating and kid-friendly options in addition to their great coffee.
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The French Pantry: Lovely cafe perfect for breakfast or brunch, with a welcoming atmosphere. May have limited options for small children but a wonderful experience for older kids and adults.
Bonus Options: Consider These Unique Spots!
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Topgolf Jacksonville: Offers a fun and active experience with food and drinks. Perfect for older kids and teens.
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Mini Golf Courses: Many mini-golf locations in Jacksonville offer food and drinks, creating a full family fun day.
Tips for Dining Out with Kids in Jacksonville
- Check menus online: Many restaurants post their menus online, making it easier to check for kid-friendly options before you go.
- Make reservations: For popular restaurants, especially on weekends, making a reservation is recommended.
- Bring activities: Bringing along some quiet activities, such as coloring books or small toys, can help keep kids entertained while you wait for your food.
- Choose restaurants with high chairs and booster seats: Many restaurants provide these amenities, but it's always good to check beforehand.
- Be prepared for spills and messes: It's inevitable that things might get messy when dining with kids. Relax and enjoy the experience!
This list provides a great starting point for planning your next family meal in Jacksonville. Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead to confirm hours, menus, and any special promotions. Enjoy your delicious family time!
