30A Dining: Our Favorite Family Friendly Places to Eat with Kids

When it comes to 30A dining, there are so many directions you can go – family-friendly dining, casual, upscale, date night, girls night, splurge-worthy, on a budget. It’s so nice that we have as many choices as we do now. After living here 20+ years, I can tell you it wasn’t always like this! Knowing where you can get a delicious meal with your kiddos in tow is a must for any 30A Mama whether you’re visiting, day tripping or live in the area full time.

So let’s get to it so you can bookmark these for your next 30A dining adventure.

Here are a few of our most-frequented 30A dining selections for kid-friendly restaurants along 30A.

30A Dining: Where to Eat with Kids

North Beach Social

I love that you can make plans to go here as a family hangout or just randomly show up sandy after a day at the beach and still fit right in. Located at the foot of the 331 bridge, this is 100% local-approved and easy place for a quality but chill lunch or dinner. Kids playing in the sand while their parents sit and eat/drink/relax is something you’ll see every time, which is why it ranks so high as a family-friendly spot.

The vibe: Super casual, bayside, flip flops and bare feet friendly.

What to order: Kids love the chicken tenders, burgers or even the chicken, rice and beans dish, while I love the tuna poké bowl or fish tacos. Sip a nice cocktail or a glass of frosé.

Insider info: Check the live music lineup because the weekends are always a good time.

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The Bay

Right across the street from North Beach is The Bay. This is always a yummy choice as far as the menu goes, but the atmosphere and view keeps us going back.

The vibe: The Bay is the perfect balance of beachy casual and feeling elevated beyond the usual kid fare. It’s right on the water with a gorgeous sunset view, seating in the sand, seating on the deck and seating indoors. It’s great because there are so many families so a loud kid just blends in with the music and the breeze without feeling disruptive.

What to order: Our go-to app is pork skins or edamame. Sushi here is always a good idea. I almost always order the Jon the 2nd roll with a delicious tuna bake on top. Hunter loves the Bay Burger or the steak and for a side, Potatoes Montgomery is where it’s at – cheesy and delicious.

Insider info: You can make a reservation for a table and arrive early to hang out on the sand, or walk in and expect to linger a bit outside while you wait.

Pizza by the Sea

This is for sure an easy dinner to grab and go or dine in, depending on which location you’re near, but we love it for the lunch special. On weekdays, you can pick two for a steal of a price and choose between two slices, a slice and salad or a slice and pasta.

The vibe: Low key and fun with a very kid-centric feel.

What to order: For lunch, the girls will often share a pick two and each get a slice or every now and then, will order their own while I love the white veggie and spinach salad combo. This is also a spot with gluten free and allergy friendly items including gluten free crust.

Insider info: Don’t skip the chocolate chip cookies at the register. These are huge (aka shareable) and so delicious you’ll wish you weren’t sharing.

Donut Hole

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, this one is always a hit with my crew.

The vibe: The Donut Hole feels like a renewed old-school diner with breakfast served any time of day and cakes or pies by the slice. Let’s not even mention the whole donut situation, which forms its own line every. morning. In this case, I’m talking about a full meal, but know the donuts are there too, if you please.

What to order: Any omelette is a winner and you can’t go wrong with classic eggs, grits and bacon or sausage combo — the cheese grits are ahhhmazing. The girls love a stack of pancakes – chocolate or banana. For a splurge, try the Gulf Coast Crabmeat Benedict. Outside of the breakfast menu, we often get the French dip, classic BLT or patty melt.

Insider info: Save room for key lime pie. It’s legendary!

Barefoot BBQ

This one is a Seaside classic! I’ve been ordering barbecue from Murphy since before Emery was born. When she and Collins were both little, they LOVED the Mac n cheese from Barefoot BBQ. Now it’s an easy choice if we’re around Seaside or even to call in and pick up to go.

The vibe: This is outdoors only, so I recommend grabbing a seat on the sidewalk or making it a mini picnic on the grass at the amphitheater.

What to order: We love the barbecue sliders, mac n cheese and the loaded barbecue nachos. I personally prefer the Hang Ten sauce which is more of a mustard base, but there’s a flavor for everyone.

Pickles

Another classic choice in Seaside, Pickles has been around for decades and still manages to keep it feeling fresh.

The vibe: Pickles is a colorful covered patio right on 30A in the heart of Seaside serving up burgers, milkshakes, fries and plenty of casual dining choices. They also just opened a new offshoot called Pickles Sandbar, located between the original Pickles and the beach. The watermelon margaritas there are next level

What to order: My kids order a burger and milkshake 9/10 times, but I’m currently hooked on the chicken caesar salad. It’s amazing and worth every bite. If you’re a fan of truffle flavor, don’t skip the truffle fries for a savory indulgence.

Insider info: Order ahead online for pickup and save time waiting in line.

Old Florida Fish House

Tucked onto Eastern Lake in Seagrove, Old Florida Fish House is a good time with sushi, seafood and tasty southern dishes.

The vibe:The dining extends beyond the indoor dining rooms, spilling out onto the lawn around the lake with al fresco dining under twinkling lights.There are yard games and activities along those lines to help entertain little ones during a wait and overall it’s a quaint backyard feel.

What to order: Sushi is always a favorite here along with oysters and one of the seafood dishes served up blackened, sautéed or grilled. If you’ve never tried it, the Grouper Fish House is worth the hype.

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South of Philly

I’ll admit I don’t eat this nearly as much as Hunter does (definitely one of his top 5), but for a low-key lunch with kids, South of Philly is always a delicious 30A dining choice.

The vibe: Super casual, cafe-style.

What to order: The classic Philly is a great option, while I go between the chicken caesar wrap and the buffalo chicken wrap. The seasoned fries are kind of addictive.

Insider info: If you’re a Backstreet Boys fan, Hunter was ordering right next to Brian of BSB over spring break.

Los Rancheros

For a weeknight Mexican fix, you can’t go wrong with Los Rancheros in Santa Rosa Beach.

The vibe: Festive and fun, this spot always has colorful lights and banners hanging from the ceiling to really add a level of ambiance.This is the kind of place you see friends after practice, neighbors dining when no one wants to cook and a mix of every9one in town.

What to order: Queso is the obvious first step followed by a few of our family’s favorites – chicken enchiladas, taco salad, beef burrito or fajitas.