Florida Panhandle Family Restaurants

The Beaches of South Walton prides itself on being devoid of most nationwide chains, but this local joint is so popular it's starting to grow into other locations. Eggs are its specialty with omelettes and scramblers, but its full menu offered all day features offers all the breakfast usuals, as well as burgers, sandwiches and salads.

But chains can be found hidden in the communities, including the island-hopping kitschy Cheeseburger in Paradise, owned by Jimmy Buffet and named for his famed song. Serving up, what else?, burgers, as well as island-inspired cuisine, the kids menu includes quesadillas, corn dogs, chicken breasts and fingers, and mac 'n cheese.

One of the area's most renowned restaurants -- with some of the best sunset views over the Gulf -- Fish Out of Water is located within WaterColor Inn and serves family-friendly breakfasts and date night-only dinners. Sample the raw bar's Florida oysters, tuna, shrimp and crab, and let organically raised and grown entree items melt on your tongue. The restaurant has a large wine list. It also books up fast on weekends so reserve a table well in advance!

An upscale seafood restaurant located within the WaterColor Inn & Resort is better for a parents' night out or older children, with more than 3,000 wines and seafood fresh from the Gulf. Luckily, WaterColor’s Kids’ Night Out program gives kids a place to play and eat while mom and dad enjoy this award-winning restaurant.

Ice cream is a must during a warm-weather getaway, so stop by this unique ice cream stand, housed in a shiny silver bullet camper. The ice cream here is homemade and uses shaved ice instead of ice chunks for a smoother, fresh taste children of all ages will quickly devour.

Located right on 30A in the heart of Seaside's central shopping area, adjacent to the amphitheatre and steps (literally a steep climb) from the beach, Pickles is an outdoor casual restaurant serving up burgers, dogs, fish sandwiches, and its famous fried pickles.

When in Rosemary Beach, grab an ice cream treat at the Sugar Shack -- as well as a host of candies, including saltwater taffy, in what the owners refer to as their Willy Wonka-like candy store. Top your ice cream with fresh fruit and watch the kids smile.

This dinner-only restaurant has been drawing crowds from every town in the Beaches of South Walton for 15 years. While the menu changes daily, expect fresh seafood dishes and fantastic wood-fired oven pizzas. Kids are welcome, although this may be a better place for the older kids or for a date night (excellent martinis).