The Space Coast is one of the best family-friendly destinations in Florida. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a frequent vacationer, having a fun dining experience with the whole family is something you can count on. Cocoa Beach has several family-friendly restaurants to choose from! Here are some favorites with a few dessert locations for good measure:
Long Doggers
This restaurant offers a casual, atmosphere, where you can eat inside their surf shop-themed environment or under their covered deck area so you can continue to enjoy the Space Coast’s beautiful weather year-round. Their menu, which includes wings, burgers, seafood, and their signature long dog, is not only kid-friendly but for those who eat gluten-free, there are also a few options for you as well. Long Doggers is definitely a place to check out whether there is a wait or not because you can have fun with their outdoor games as they get your table ready. You can even hop over to the Dinosaur Store and Ancient Culture Museum after your visit
A N.Y. Pizza House
A N.Y. Pizza House is home to the “Mackin Slice,” a ridiculously large slice of pizza in the heart of Cocoa Beach. With plenty of other NY-style pizza parlor fare, their menu will satiate anyone’s appetite. The wide open dining room is perfect for large parties, and, with their convenient Drive-thru window grabbing a Mackin’ slice is easy and painless for the whole family. They also offer a gluten-free menu. This restaurant is located directly across from Lighthouse Cove Mini Golf, so make this a night of fun for you and your family.
The Fat Donkey
If you’re looking for a place to grab an unforgettable dessert with the family, then The Fat Donkey is a spot for you. From ice cream and sorbets to baked treats and root beer floats, you won’t lack in anything sweet here. They even have vegan and gluten-free options. And if you really want to #DoItForTheDonk, then plan a visit and take home your own T-shirt souvenir to commemorate your visit.
Rock the Guac
If you’re in the mood for some Mexican, then Rock the Guac is your place. They offer burritos, tacos, and salad bowls with fresh ingredients and homemade guacamole. Expect great customer service in an energetic atmosphere. Rock the Guac has a great selection of hot sauces to try out and if you are feeling extra spicy, then try their habanero sauce. But don’t worry; there is no shortage of water at the restaurant in case you need it. And if you are a fan after one bite, then take home your own “Rock the Guac” gear.
Slow and Low BBQ
Now if you’re looking for some good barbecue, then Slow and Low is your spot. They are proud of their name because it describes exactly their process in how they cook their meat: Slow, so no quickly cooked meat, and Low, the temperature it’s cooked. Besides their perfectly cooked meat, they have a healthy selection of all things Southern comfort when it comes to sides and meat pairing options, as well as a few specialty items that you won’t find anywhere else. They also have several food options for the kids and some great homemade desserts, so everyone can enjoy a great meal and a sweet treat. Slow and Low has live entertainment on most evenings, but for a night out with the family, go on Wednesday. It’s their kids’ night.
Oasis Shaved Ice
If you are on the hunt for some yummy shaved ice, then Oasis is your place. The flavors are homemade and there are plenty to choose from. Those that do stop here tend to make multiple trips to this place during their visit because the atmosphere and staff are extremely inviting, besides the shaved ice being that good. This will, for sure, be a hit with your kids, but you may just be the one who wants to go back for seconds, or thirds, or maybe even fourths. They do offer punch cards. How quickly will you fill out yours?
Coconuts on the Beach
What can be better than dining with the kids right on the beach with gorgeous beach views? This fun family-owned and operated restaurant is also near downtown and everything else you want in Cocoa Beach. Dine beachside where they offer live music most nights or inside in the spacious interior with its laid-back Florida vibe. They offer a great food and drink menu, complete with a section just for kids. The friendly staff makes sure your kids are enjoying themselves so that you can relax with a drink, have a great meal, and feel like you’re on vacation too!
Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill
If Cajun food is on your Space Coast bucket list, make the Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill your destination. Known for their Old-Florida-style food like crawfish, jambalaya, and red beans and rice, their menu also boasts plenty of more traditional dishes so there’s something for everyone. They offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, as well as a fun kid’s menu. Whether you dine outdoors or inside, the vibe is colorful and fun. The eclectic decor is a feast for the eyes and makes for great photo ops too. This spot is great for families because they have a game room for kids with giant checkers, pool tables, mini shuffleboard, and more. Grab tee shirts and souvenirs right on site. For even more fun before or after your meal, check out Golf N Gator, located just across the street.
Florida’s Seafood Bar and Grill
Just across the Causeway as you enter Cocoa Beach, you’ll find the perfect family restaurant stop either before or after the beach. They are known for their family hospitality and expansive menu. With huge tables and lots of room, you’ll have no problem if your party is large as well. Multiple fish tanks entertain the kiddos who love watching the colorful tropical fish. It’s decorated in a cool, island theme that will help you to relax and enjoy the excellent food and comfortable surroundings. Whether you order from land or sea, you are sure to have a wonderful meal along with a great time playing at the nearby beach.
Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster
Wanting more of a New England seafood cuisine? Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster has you covered there. Their seafood comes almost exclusively from the waters of Florida or Maine and is caught by fishing companies and charters that are known to Jazzy’s, so you can be assured of great quality food. What about those diners that don’t particularly like seafood? That’s not a problem. The menu offers several items that are non-seafood fare yet equally delicious. With free Wi-Fi to keep the kids entertained, a kid’s menu, and a huge patio, this is a family-friendly option that’s a treat for everyone.
Shark Pit Bar & Grill
Do you have a shark lover in your group? Then Shark Pit Bar & Grill will be a huge treat. It has several impressive tanks filled with tropical fish and yes, we’ll say it, Sharks! to keep your kids entertained during a yummy meal. If available, grab the table that faces the gigantic shark tank in the center. But, if not, don’t worry. All the tanks are entertaining and fascinating for everyone to watch. With a wide array of choices on the menu, along with a kid’s menu, this is a terrific place for a casual bite where you unwind while watching the gentle movement in the tanks. It’s also a wonderful end-of-trip stop because it’s located in the Cocoa Beach Surf Company, where you can grab a cool souvenir before heading home.
Restaurants at The Cove
For the freshest fish and seafood on the Space Coast, check out The Cove at Port Canaveral. Fishing boats come in every day with their fresh haul. Choose from one of many family-friendly restaurants with stunning views of the water. Some of the most popular include Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, Grill’s Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar, and Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, all of which feature delicious seafood as well as plenty of non-seafood items. If you want to take a fresh catch back home to cook at your vacation rental, be sure to visit Wild Ocean Market, which stocks plenty of local and wild-caught fish and seafood to choose from.
So, if you weren’t hungry before, we hope your stomach is screaming at you to take the family out and enjoy some of the favorite spots in Cocoa Beach. Take some pictures too and tag #SpaceCoast on social media.