Dining Out With Your Family
You've got
the whole family together for the evening, and you would like to take everyone
out to dinner. Where do you take your bunch?
A relative newcomer to the island has taken the family scene by storm. Morgan's Forest, at the Holiday Inn, is hidden inside a lush 'tropical rain forest,' filled with animated monkeys, toucans, and more. Kids go wild for the critters hanging and swaying above the tables. Jungle sound effects, a fog machine, and thick foliage set the stage for breakfast and dinner. Donax at Middle Gulf Drive, 472-4100.
Another new restaurant that's pulling in the families is the Sanibel Brew Pub, a fun option for family dining with its large selection of hot and cold sandwiches, broasted chicken, seafood baskets, and salads. The children's menu even includes a kid's-size cut of prime rib. The kids can wash it all down with a Manatee root beer, brewed on the premises, while Mom and Dad enjoy a tasty micro-brewed beer.
The Brew Pub's exterior is Crayola-bright; the parking lot's been full since the restaurant opened for business this spring. 1547 Periwinkle Way, 395-2030.
If juicy hamburgers come to mind, try Cheeburger Cheeburger. It is casual and has a $3.50 burger for kids under 12. A soda-fountain menu offers fries, onion rings, shakes, and malts. Parking in front is limited, but additional parking exists a couple of driveways down, just past Sanibel Accommodations. 2413 Periwinkle Way, 472-6111.
Nearby, on Palm Ridge Road, the Hungry Heron caters to kids. A muted television in the dining room plays classic cartoons. The menu here is large, with lots of tasty (and healthy) options - and 26 items on the children's menu. 2330 Palm Ridge Road, 395-2300.
The Sanibel Grill is a perfect spot for families, particularly those clans with a love of sports. Part of the successful Timbers Restaurant, this sports bar has had several celebrity visitors throughout the years, each of whom left a signed picture on the wall. Patrons can't help but be intrigued by the memorabilia. An appealing menu includes all sorts of appetizers, hot sandwiches, seafood, pizzas, salads, and burgers. Best of all, the booths are extra large. 703 Tarpon Bay Road, 472-4453.
Another family-friendly establishment is Gilligan's. Specializing in regional Florida cuisine, Gilligan's serves up unique appetizers, soups, sandwiches, gourmet burgers, and entrees. A couple of video games keep kids occupied while their food is being prepared. Owned in part by a professional hockey player, Gilligan's has its own share of sports memorabilia, but feels cozier than the average sports bar, with antique furnishings dotting the room. 2163 Periwinkle Way, 472-0606.
Loco's Steakhouse and Cantina has several south-of-the-border menu items from $6 to $10 at dinner, a notable feat on Sanibel. Your gang can enjoy burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, and tacos, all without breaking the bank. Rabbit Road at Sanibel-Captiva Road, 395-0245.
It's a rare day when kids aren't playing the ring-toss game at the original Lazy Flamingo, near Blind Pass. This boisterous eatery serves up great food. Order at the bar, then listen for your name to be called; you deliver your own food to the table. The menu is seafood-dominant, with several raw-bar options; Caesars, wings, chowders, sandwiches, and pasta round out the options.
Besides the food, the Lazy's main draw, both inside and on the porch, is the famous ring-toss game. Amazingly simple in a complex world, it nevertheless enthralls kids and makes even the stodgiest adult feel 10 years old all over again. Sanibel-Captiva Road at Pine Avenue, near Blind Pass, 472-5353; also at 1036 Periwinkle Way same menu, no ring toss, but table service, 472-6939.
Pizza lovers can find table seating at both Island Pizza, 1619 Periwinkle Way, 472-1581, and Mona Lisa, 2440 Palm Ridge Road, 472-0212. Both pizzerias offer a nice selection of sandwiches and salads.
Jerry's Grocery has a restaurant tucked inside - a real boon for families in search of affordable dining. The entryway to Jerry's is famous for its tropical birds, many of whom are talkers, speaking to the children and adults who come to visit. The restaurant is light and airy, with picture windows overlooking the lush courtyard. Service is fast and friendly. A fresh salad bar, daily specials, soup of the day, and fresh pie are all on the menu. 1700 Periwinkle Way, 472-9300.
Your family is sure to enjoy a meal out on Sanibel. Bon appetit!