< Eat and Drink: The Gulf Coast
The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Picnic: under $25; Snacks: $25–50; Real meal: $50–80; Family treat: over $80 (based on a family of four)
Picnic
Mazzaros Italian Market (2909 22nd Ave N, 33713; 727 321 2400; www.mazzarosmarket.com) has wonderful fixings for a picnic to be enjoyed in a park by Tampa Bay.
Snacks
Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge (540 1st St SE, 33701; 727 823 7767; www.thehangarstpete.com), in Albert Whitted Airport, offers sandwiches and snacks to go.
Real meal
The Moon Under Water (332 Beach Dr NE, 33701; 727 896 6160; www.themoonunderwater.com) serves pub grub such as fish and chips, plus Indian food. There is also a kids’ menu.
Outdoor seating at The Moon Under Water, St. Petersburg
Family treat
Red Mesa Cantina (128 3rd St S, 33701; 727 896 8226; www.redmesacantina.com) serves great tacos and burritos in an unconventional, Mexican ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating.
< Eat and Drink: The Gulf Coast
Bayshore Drive
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
The Dockside Eatery (on the first floor of The Pier; 727 821 6443) is a food court serving everything from Chinese food and gyros to sandwiches, pizza, and ice cream.
Family treat
Columbia Restaurant (on the fourth floor of The Pier; 727 822 8000), a branch of Tampa’s famous restaurant chain, tempts with festive Cuban/Spanish meals. It also offers panoramic views of Tampa Bay.
< Eat and Drink: The Gulf Coast
Museum of Fine Arts
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
MFA Café (on site; 727 822 1032; closed Mon), an airy space in the museum, offers a nice selection of sandwiches and salads.
Family treat
Parkshore Grill (300 Beach Dr NE, 33701; 727 896 9463; www.parkshoregrill.com) has outdoor seating overlooking the Vinoy Yacht Basin. It also has a handsome dining room, with an open kitchen. The varied American menu ranges from crab cakes to steaks. There is also a well-priced kids’ menu.
< Eat and Drink: The Gulf Coast
Great Explorations Children’s Museum
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
Panera Bread (1908 4th St N, 33704; 727 895 5441) stocks delicious breads that make fine sandwiches. The desserts are tasty.
Real meal
Fourth Street Shrimp Store (1006 4th Ave N, 33701; 727 822 0325; www.theshrimpstore.com) is set in a former service station and has a funky ambience. Great seafood and a children’s menu too.
< Eat and Drink: The Gulf Coast
Ringling Museum, Sarasota
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Picnic: under $25; Snacks: $25–50; Real meal: $50–80; Family treat: over $80 (based on a family of four)
Picnic
Publix (1044 N Tamiami Trail, 34236; 941 366 3270) has picnic fixings and snacks to enjoy at the outdoor tables in the grounds near the Rose Garden.
Snacks
St. Armands Circle, the shopping area developed by John Ringling on Lido Key, has many good choices. Venezia (373 St. Armands Circle, 34236; 941 388 1400; venezia-1966.com) serves tasty pizza.
Real meal
Blue Dolphin Café (470 John Ringling Blvd, 34236; 941 388 3566; bluedolphincafe.com), an informal diner, offers a kids’ menu for breakfast and lunch.
Blue Dolphin Café in the historic St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
Family Treat
Café L’Europe (431 St. Armands Circle, 34236; 941 388 4415; cafeleurope.net/menus/) is a traditional French favorite for a special night out. The kids’ menu has salads, chicken fingers, and Key lime pie.
< Eat and Drink: The Gulf Coast
The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory
Eat and Drink
Snacks
Deep Sea Diner (on site) is fine for snacks or a light lunch.
Real meal
The Old Salty Dog (1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy, 34236; 941 388 4311), nearby, is one of Sarasota’s best family choices, with an informal menu and an outdoor deck for watching the boats go by.
< Eat and Drink: The Gulf Coast
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
The Local Coffee + Tea Cafe (on site) serves snacks, sandwiches, and desserts.
Real meal
Hillview Grill (1920 Hillview St, 34239; 941 952 0045; closed Sun) offers a varied American menu, including burgers, salads, and main courses.
< Eat and Drink: The Gulf Coast
The Circus Arts Conservatory
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Picnic
Morton’s Gourmet Market (1924 S Osprey Ave, 34239; 941 955 9856) stocks goodies for picnics that can be enjoyed in Bayfront Park.
Real meal
Mattison’s City Grille (1 Lemon St at Main St, 34236; 941 330 0440; closed Sun) has outdoor seating on Sarasota’s pleasant Main Street and a menu offering everything from pizza to steak.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Fort Myers
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Picnic: under $25; Snacks: $25–50; Real meal: $50–80; Family treat: over $80 (based on a family of four)
Picnic
Publix Delis (13401 Summerlin Rd, 33919; 239 481 2242; www.publix.com) has great subs, salads, and chicken wings. Picnic at Lakes Regional Park (7330 Gladiolus Dr, 33908; www.leegov.com/parks), a 20-minute drive on the highway, where kids can ride a mini-train, or cool off in the fountain.
Snacks
Rene’s (7050 Winkler Rd, 33919; 239 489 0833; renes.catering/restaurant) offers some of the best sandwiches and salads in town. In addition, there are soups, wraps, pitas, and croissants on the menu. Do try their awesome carrot cake.
Real meal
The Edison (3583 McGregor Blvd, 33901; 239 936 9349; www.edisonfl.com) is perfect before or after visiting Edison’s digs. There are soups, pizza, pasta, and seafood. Kids eat free on Mondays.
Family Treat
Bayfront Bistro (4761 Estero Blvd, 33931; 239 463 3663; www.bayfrontbistro.com) offers seafood quesadillas, fish tacos, and fish sandwiches. Sit on the porch overlooking the marina for the view.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Sanibel and Captiva Islands
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
Over Easy Café (630 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel Island, 33957; 239 472 2625; www.overeasycafesanibel.com) offers giant cinnamon rolls, egg skillets, and sandwiches.
Real meal
Jerry’s Foods Family Restaurant (1700 Periwinkle Way, 33957; www.jerrysfoods.com) serves a range of cuisines all day.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Upper Islands
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Real meal
Barnacle’s Waterfront Dining (North Captiva, 33924; 239 472 1200) is famous for its black beans and rice.
Real meal
Cabbage Key Inn (Cabbage Key, 33922; 239 283 2278; www.cabbagekey.com) is where diners write their family name on a dollar bill and tape it to the wall before digging into burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and seafood.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
<< Back
Snacks
Lazy Flamingo (6520-C Pine Ave, 33957; 239 472 5353; www.lazyflamingo.com) offers reasonably priced sandwiches and seafood.
Real meal
Doc Ford’s Sanibel (975 Rabbit Rd, 33957; 239 472 8311; www.docfordssanibel.com) tempts with family
favorites such as fish fingers and beach bread.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Picnic
Publix (12900 Trade Way Four, Bonita Springs, 34135; 239 992 2159; www.publix.com) sells a range of salads, sandwiches, and drinks. There is a picnic area across the parking lot.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Naples
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
Aurelio’s Is Pizza (590 N Tamiami Trail, 34102; 2394038882; www.aureliospizza.com/) offers tasty pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.
Real meal
Dock at Crayton Cove (845 12th Ave S, 34102; 2392639940; www.dockcraytoncove.com) is an old fishhouse-style place on the water with a kids’ menu.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Marco Island
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
Old Marco Lodge Crab House (401 Papaya St, Goodland, 34140; 239 642 7227; www.oldmarcolodge.com) is a historic place with outdoor porch seating and live entertainment. It serves crab cakes, chicken quesadillas, and salads.
Real meal
Snook Inn (1215 Bald Eagle Dr, 34145; 239 394 3313; www.snookinn.com) overlooks the Marco River outside, under a thatched tiki roof; inside an aquarium and salad bar dominate. The menu offers seafood and meat dishes.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Everglades National Park
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Picnic: under $25; Snacks: $25–50; Real meal: $50–80; Family treat: over $80 (based on a family of four)
Picnic
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand (19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, 33034; 305 246 1592; www.robertishere.com) offers fruit smoothies and snacks. Picnic in the grounds near the free petting farm and splash pool.
Fresh produce for sale at the Robert Is Here Fruit Stand, Homestead
Snacks
Buttonwood Café (Flamingo Visitor Center; 239 695 3101; www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/buttonwood-cafe.htm) operates in the winter–spring season. It has hot dogs, burgers, steaks, and a kids’ menu. It also cooks guests’ fish catches for a nominal charge.
Real meal
Oyster House Restaurant (901 S Copeland Ave, Everglades City, 34139; 239 695 2073; www.oysterhouserestaurant.com) keeps families entertained with its mounted animals and other crazy memorabilia. Start off with an order of fried gator or frog legs.
Family Treat
Capri Restaurant (935 N Krome Ave, Florida City, 33034; 305 247 1542; www.dinecapri.com) offers a menu that covers everything from sandwiches and entrée salads to pizza and pasta.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Biscayne National Park
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Picnic
The visitor center (on site; 305 230 1100) sells cold sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.
Real meal
Mutineer Restaurant (11 SE 1st Ave, Florida City, 33034, 305 245 3377; www.mutineerrestaurant.com) has an extensive menu of local dishes and seafood on offer.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Miccosukee Indian Village
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
Everglades Gator Park (24050 SW 8th St, Miami 33194; 305 559 2255; www.gatorpark.com) offers local delicacies such as gator tail, gator sausage, and catfish sandwiches.
Real meal
Empeeke AAweeke (on site; 305 894 2374) serves frog legs, pumpkin bread, and other Native American dishes, as well as burgers and salads.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Big Cypress National Preserve
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
Coopertown (22700 SW 8th St, Miami; 305 226 6048; www.coopertownairboats.com) sells sandwiches and frog legs.
Real meal
Joanie’s Blue Crab Café (39395 Hwy 41, 34141; 239 695 2682; joaniesbluecrabcafe.com) serves Everglades cuisine.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Everglades City
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
City Seafood (702 Begonia St, Everglades City, 34139; 239 695 4700) serves half portions for kids.
Real meal
The Rod & Gun Club (200 Riverside Dr, Everglades City, 34139; 239 695 2101) has fried gator. Try the chocolate peanut butter pie.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Key West
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Picnic: under $25; Snacks: $25–50; Real meal: $50–80; Family treat: over $80 (based on a family of four)
Picnic
Cuban Coffee Queen (5 Key Lime Square, 33040; 305 294 7787; www.cubancoffeequeen.com) offers breakfast sandwiches and smoothies, popular among the locals. The grown-ups can enjoy excellent Cuban coffee.
Snacks
B.O.’s Fish Wagon (801 Caroline St, 33040; 305 294 9272) serves up a true taste of Key West in a funky setting at the Historic Seaport. Grouper sandwiches with Key lime sauce are the specialty.
Real meal
Croissants de France (816 Duval St, 33040; 305 294 2624; www.sunsetkeycottages.com) offers baked goodies and sweet and savory crêpes. The less adventurous can order a croque monsieur (grilled ham and cheese sandwich).
Outdoor seating at Croissants de France, Key West
Family treat
Latitudes (245 Front St, 33040; 305 292 5394) serves fish tacos, burgers, and other kid-pleasers. Its outdoor dining room overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. A meal here means taking the free ferry ride to Sunset Key to reach the restaurant.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Big Pine Key
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
No Name Pub (N. Watson Blvd, 33043; 305 872 9115; www.nonamepub.com) has a full menu of favorites, including pizza.
Real meal
Hogfish Bar & Grill (6810 Front St, Stock Island, 33040; 305 293 4041; www.hogfishbar.com) offers fresh seafood. Try the hog snapper.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Bahia Honda State Park
<< Back
Eat and Drink
Snacks
The park concession stand (305 872 3210) sells hot dogs, sandwiches, and nachos.
Real meal
Head south to Big Pine Key or north to Marathon for restaurants.
< Eat and Drink: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Marathon