Sharing the Keys with your Teens

Choosing Family Friendly Restaurants in the Florida Keys

Jan 26, 2009 Krista Sadlers

There are many family friendly restaurants in the Florida Keys that will appeal to both children and adults.

Traveling with toddlers can be very demanding and more like work, but traveling with teens can actually be an enjoyable experience for all. Planning ahead is important. While researching your destination, allow both children and adults to choose activities and dining locations. Here are some ideas to get started:

The Square Grouper (Mile Marker 22.5 Overseas Highway, (305) 745-8880, closed Sunday and Monday) on Cudjoe Key combines fine dining with a family friendly feel and offers meals ranging from simple (Square Grouper Sandwich, Meatloaf) to sophisticated (Seafood Pasta, Sesame Encrusted Tuna). Hot, fresh baked bread accompanies the house salad and dressing. Don't forget to save room for the Chocolate Fondue dessert! Service is attentive without making customers feel rushed. The decor combines classic fishing photos with whimsical art. An explanation of the odd restaurant name, also the name for bales of marijuana dropped into the ocean off the coast during the drug-running 1970's, appears on the back of the menu and invites interesting conversation with teens.

Boondocks Grill and Draft House, (27205 Overseas Highway, (305) 872-4094), a gigantic tiki hut on Ramrod Key feeds and entertains guests of all ages. Boondocks houses the Keys' only miniature golf course which boasts two giant waterfalls flowing off an enormous cave. The open-air tropical bar and restaurant offers a full bar and diverse menu that features burgers, sandwiches, baskets and full entrees. Live bands regularly perform and karaoke is popular with locals and tourists alike. The house specialty is a lump cream of crab soup with asparagus served in a sour dough bread bowl.

Hard Rock Cafe (313 Duvall Street, Key West, (305) 293-0230) The world famous chain (over 138 cafes, hotels and casinos in 42 countries) claimed a three-story Victorian style house for their restaurant in Key West. It is said to still be haunted by the original owner, Robert Curry. While waiting for the chef to prepare the meal take time to meander the rooms, hallways and stairways to admire the collection of rock and roll memorabilia. Among the artifacts found in Key West are a black leather biker jacket signed by all four members of the Ramones, a vest worn and signed by Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, and a Fender guitar made especially for Bob Dylan. Patrons dine in either one of two small upstairs rooms, or in the large main dining room. A garden-like terrace provides an outside dining option. Appetizers include Joe Perry's "Rock Your World" Quesadillas, spring rolls and bruschetta. The menu features classic American fare - mostly burgers, steaks and ribs. Of course, there is plenty of music playing to fully involve patrons in the rock and roll spirit.

The copyright of the article Sharing the Keys with your Teens in SE U.S. Travel is owned by Krista Sadlers. Permission to republish Sharing the Keys with your Teens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.