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First Watch
*
$
Specialty: American (kids menu)
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 2726 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
Phone: 813-975-1718
Website: www.firstwatch.com
A huge breakfast menu and large portions make this a great place to start your day, with waffles, eggs, crepes, omelets, and other breakfast favorites. Lunch includes soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Mel’s Hot Dogs
***
$
Specialty: American (kids menu)
Recommended for families with kids of all ages
Location: 4136 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa
Phone: 813-985-8000
Website: www.melshotdogs.com
This small, unassuming eatery captured my attention a few years back. Mel’s Hot Dogs is most definitely memorable. Lining the columns and walls from top to bottom are photos, newspaper articles, and clippings that offer a tribute to Mel and his restaurant. It’s the kind of service with a smile you grew up on but was lost somewhere along the way. Mel knows almost everyone who enters his doors by name, and if he doesn’t know you, he will by the time you leave. A throwback to when life was simpler, this eatery is the perfect place to bring your kids, relax, and have the best hot dog you’ve ever had. They really are that good!
And don’t forget to pick up one of Mel’s t-shirts or baseball caps, which make great (and far more unique) souvenirs. Something else rather unusual these days--the place is immaculate.
Mel and his wife pride themselves on the fact that you could almost quite literally eat off the floor.
Mel’s serves up Chicago-style hot dogs straight from Chicago. Every kind of hot dog imaginable is available, and so are burgers, Italian sausage, and chicken. All of the side dishes are home-style and homemade right in the kitchen. For the smaller kids, Mel serves “mini Mel Meals” consisting of mini<n>hot dogs or burgers, or even chicken nougats, with fries, a drink, and a surprise. Mel’s Hot Dogs is by far a one of the best little restaurants around.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
***
$-$$
Best for families with kids ages 6 and up though appropriate for kids of all ages
Specialty: Italian (kids’ menu)
Location: 5515 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
Phone: 813-989-3898
Web site: www.carrabbas.com
Excellent Italian entrées in a casual Mediterranean-style atmosphere. The open kitchen allows a look-see while the chefs prepare your meal. There’s even a kids’ menu with plenty of familiar favorites as well. Just don’t forget to leave room for some of their delicious deserts.
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