Eat & Drink: Family-Friendly Dining

By Rick Dakan

Just because you’re heading out to eat with your kids doesn’t mean you always have to settle for lowest common denominator fast food and chain restaurants. Sarasota is brimming with other options, places where parents and children alike can enjoy both the food and the atmosphere while eating better, locally made cuisine. Here are some of my favorite eateries for all ages, places where kids can be kids (picky eating, running around and playing, maybe even making a bit of a mess) and parents can be adults (eat something legitimately good, maybe accompanied by a nice adult beverage).

Daily Bird

1534 State Street

Downtown Sarasota

(941) 306-3103

Mon to Sat: 11AM – 9PM

Sun: Closed

Brand new to downtown, Daily Bird offers a deep dive into a favorite for many families: fried chicken. Okay, yes, they have grilled chicken too, and it’s tasty for those who are a little more health conscious than your average kid, but for me the star of the show is the fried chicken, which can be had in multiple forms. The juicy, crispy, chicken sandwiches are great, and come in some wonderfully inventive flavor combinations (I like the Korean barbeque). For kids (and adults) there are chicken bits, somewhere between tenders and nuggets in size, with a variety of dipping sauces. Unlike other big brand, mass-produced chicken sandwich slingers, Daily Bird uses Springer Mountain Farms chickens, which they point out “…have higher standards than organic. Fed American-grown corn with added vitamins and minerals that’s pesticide-free. No steroids, antibiotics, hormones, or animal by-products.”

Nancy’s BBQ

301 S Pineapple Ave

Downtown Sarasota

(941) 366-2271

Mon to Thur: 11AM – 8PM

Fri to Sat: 11AM – 9PM

Sun: Closed

Nancy’s has become a downtown institution since it opened several years back under the leadership of the eponymous Nancy Krohngold and her secret dry rub recipe. The casual atmosphere and quick counter service make it an ideal location for family dining. There’s lots of delicious barbecue to choose from, and of course there’s mac and cheese which will satisfy many an otherwise picky-eater. Sure, all that sauce makes a sticky mess of cherubic cheeks, but there’s a big sink right there in the dining area for when it comes time to wash up. Get there early for lunch, as it gets crowded on weekdays.

Mandeville Beer Garden

428 N. Lemon Ave

Downtown Sarasota

(941) 954-8688

Mon to Thu: 11AM – 11PM

Fri to Sat: 11AM – 1AM

Sun: 11AM – 10PM

You might be thinking, “hey, a beer garden doesn’t sound so family friendly!” Well, think again. Every time I go to Mandeville, I see families hanging out and enjoying both food and drink. Odds are good that your little ones might even make a new friend or two; that’s how family friendly Mandeville is. Yes there are a bajillion different beers to choose from for the adults, but there are also burgers, fries, hot dogs and a big open area to run around in, and even play cornhole. The grilled cheese selection is also great, as are the waffle-cut sweet potato fries. And the beer of course…

The Overton

1420 Boulevard of the Arts

Rosemary District

(941) 500-9175

Mon: Closed

Tue to Sat: 8AM – 7PM

Sun: 8AM – 4PM

Another relatively new addition to downtown, this Rosemary District restaurant shares a wide courtyard space with Spice Station and the Artisan Cheese Company (two other fine, fun restaurants). The inviting, modern design and ambitious menu at the Overton mix with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. There are definitely some things on the menu most kids won’t groove on, but which adults can appreciate, including lots of great vegetarian options. But there are burgers, fries, and delicious baked goods too, along with a great coffee shop next door. With plenty of pet-friendly outdoor seating and plentiful parking (not always true downtown), The Overton is a great new hang out spot.