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The Space Coast- The Restaurants |
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| Dining options along the Space Coast are, to say the least, diverse – ranging from fast food (for times when you’re on the fly) to fine dining. Seafood tops most menus (this is after all the coast) however landlubbers will find ample alternatives (including an array of ethnic eateries). With so many restaurants to choose from there’s simply too many to list so we’ve narrowed it down to a few of out favorites (all of which would be appropriate with the kids whether their tots or teens) |
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Best Bets for Breakfast:
If you’re in the mood to eat out for breakfast – or simply want to dine some where other
than at your hotel or resort there are several options to choose from (including a few
familiar favorites which need no further explanation)
T.F. Onion Café & Deli
The Omelet Station
International House of Pancakes (IHOP)
Denny’s
Dunkin Donuts
McDonald’s
With additional sit down-style options (that also offer, and are better known for lunch and
dinner) that include:
Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar
Roberto’s Little Havana
In need of a caffeine fix -
Dunkin Donuts
Starbucks
Lunch Time
If fast food (or a familiar favorite) is in order for lunch, you’ll find plenty of the usual
suspects around town. McDonalds, Dairy Queen, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco
Bell, Subway, Quizno’s, Wendy’s, Blimpie Subs, Domino’s Pizza, and Pizza Hut are
well represented (and need no further explanation). Uncle Al’s Famous Hot Dogs
(while a local eatery and not a familiar fast food chain) is another good option for a quick
meal on the go (and one of the few places in town you can get a hot dog – which if you
have kids may be of great importance to know). Keep in mind however that Cocoa’s
collection of casual eateries also includes some unfamiliar yet very worthwhile
establishments. They include:
Roberto’s Little Havana (Cuban)
Marlins (American)
Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar (Seafood /American)
The Sandbar Grill & Bar (American)
Dining Out for Dinner:
Azteca II (Tex/Mex)
Punjab (Indian)
Gregory’s Steak & Seafood*
La Fiesta (Mexican)
Atlantic Ocean Grill (Steak/ Seafood )
Papa Vito’s Italian Restaurant (Italian and Pizza)
Sunset Waterfront Grill & Bar (Seafood /American)
Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill (Seafood /American)
Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar (Seafood /American)
Cara Mia (Italian)
Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill (Seafood /American)
The Black Tulip* (Steak/Seafood)
Dixie Crossroads (Seafood -located in Titusville)
Silvestro’s * (Italian)
*Denotes an establishment best saved for a night out without the kids (or for those with older kids who may appreciate finer dining)
Hotel & Resort Restaurants
While in general hotel dining isn’t always the most palatable of options, there are notable
exceptions worth considering. Several of the area hotels and resorts are home to above
average dining including:
The Shark Pit (located at the Four Points by Sheraton)
3 Wishes Florida’s Grill & Lounge (located at The Double Tree Hotel)
Azteca II (Located at The Resort on Cocoa Beach)
Flamingo’s (Located at The Radisson Resort at the Port)
The Ron Jon Surf Grill
Getting Your Just Desserts:
In the mood for treats and sweets? Whether you’re hoping to cool off or simply satisfy
your sweet tooth, you’re sure to find
Dairy Queen
Scoops of Cocoa Beach
Ricky’s Ice Cream & Arcade
Baskin Robbins
In addition to the various restaurants listed above (and if you’re willing to drive just a few
minutes further), you’ll find an array of familiar favorites just over the bridge on Merritt
Island (and all located near the Merritt Square Mall area). Included in the lineup are:
Carabba’s Italian Grill
The Red Lobster
Chilli’s
Applebee’s
The Olive Garden
The Outback Steakhouse
Ruby Tuesday
Uno Chicago Bar & Grill |
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Quick and Casual Eats at Breakfast: |
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T.F. Onion Deli
**
$
Location: 1980 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
Phone: 321-784-9400
Open for Breakfast and Lunch (Monday through Friday 7 am-5:30 pm,
Saturday 8 am – 4 pm, Closed Sundays)
Website: None
Specialty: Egg Sandwiches and Omelets, Deli Sandwiches and salads
Menu (Click Here)
This casual dining spot, a relative newcomer to Cocoa Beach, offers a variety of sandwiches and egg-related options (including omelets) for both breakfast and lunch.
The Omelet Station
***
$
Location: 5590 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
Phone: 321-783-1038
 Open for Breakfast and Lunch (Daily from 7 am- 3 pm)
Website: www.theomeletstation.com
Specialty: For Breakfast - A Buffet with an Omelet Station; for Lunch
Sandwiches, Wraps, Soups, Burgers, Appetizers, and Salads
Menu (Click Here)
This casual and friendly eatery offers an array of options for both breakfast and lunch –
with plenty to please even the pickiest of pint sized palates. Its location, only minutes
(under 3 to 5 by car) from area hotels and resorts, ensures that it’s a quick and painless process to get there. Portions are plentiful, prices on the other hand are not – most menu items are under $8.00 (kids meals run $3.25 for breakfast and $5.95 for lunch) with the breakfast buffet costing only $9.95 (though a-la-carte items are available as well).
International House of Pancakes (IHOP)
**
$
Location: 3830 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
Phone: 321-783-0620
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Website: www.ihop.com
Specialty: Pancakes, Breakfast Items, Sandwiches and Casual Entrees.
As this is a well known national chain, an explanation seems unnecessary.
Denny’s
**
$
Location: 1245 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
Phone: 321-783-4005
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Website: www.dennys.com
Specialty: Breakfast Items, Sandwiches, and Casual Dinner Entrees
As this is a well known national chain, an explanation seems unnecessary.
Dunkin Donuts
**
$
Location: 5810 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
Phone: 321- 784- 0426
Open for Breakfast and Lunch
Website: www.dunkindonuts.com
Specialty: Donuts, Pastries and Coffee
As this is a well know national chain, no explanation seems necessary.
McDonald’s
*
$
Location: 3820 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
Phone: 321- 868-1001
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Website: www.mcdonalds.com
Specialty: Burgers, Chicken, Salads, and Fries
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Quick and Casual Eats for Lunch |
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If you’re spending the day at the Beach, riding the waves, or simply sinking your toes in the sand, and don’t feel like packing it up and calling it a day just to dine out, here are a few casual seaside options well worth considering:
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The Sandbar Sports Grill
*** (it’s three stars are earned thanks to its beachside location, its incredibly casual
atmosphere, and extremely friendly staff).
$
Beach Casual (the front of the restaurant opens to the outside)
Specialty: American (a kids menu is available)
Location: 4301 Ocean Beach Blvd., Cocoa Beach (just behind the boardwalk)
Phone: 321-799-2577
Web site: www.sandbarsportsgrill.net
Hours: until 2 am daily
Menu (Click Here)
While not much to look at, this beach-side shack-style eatery has plenty to offer. The menu is extensive, filled with everything from wraps and sandwiches to salads and pizzas to Tex-Mex favorites – you’ll even find fish tacos (not to mention almost everything in between). Kids will appreciate the souvenir Frisbees served (and included) with their meals – adults (or older kids) can purchase a souvenir glass if they like. Prices are as unpretentious as the eatery itself – with most items under $8.25 (kids meals run $4.95).
The service is fast and friendly – among the best I’ve encountered. The Sandbar is the perfect spot for a laid back lunch – especially if you’re spending the day at the beach (it is after all located just off of the boardwalk and right behind the beach - about a block from the Cocoa Beach Surf Company, The Ron Jon Surf Shop and Ron Jon Surf School. The crowd gets a bit wilder late in the evening, but it’s family friendly throughout the daylight hours (including late afternoon when a quick bite may be in order after a day of surfing and playing in the sand).
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Dining Out On the Town: |
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For those who prefer a more traditional (yet still casual) atmosphere in which to dine, the following establishments offer just that: |
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Dixie Crossroads
*** (while not fine dining, it’s stars are earned due to its wonderfully casual and friendly atmosphere combined with it’s diverse and tasty menu)
$-$$
Family casual
Specialty: Seafood – though a small selection of landlubber fare is available; a kids menu is available as well
Location: 1475 Garden Street, Titusville
Phone: 321-268-5000
Web site: www.dixiecrossroads.com
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.
Menu (Click Here)
Dixie Crossroads is well worth the drive (though it’s only about a 20-minute drive from Port Canaveral). This family-owned and operated restaurant features a lengthy menu (the majority of which consists of seafood though a selection of landlubber fare – including a variety of beef, chicken, and BBQ ribs - is available as well) in a very family casual setting. Picnic tables fill the rooms while hand-painted murals and wildlife photos adorn the walls at this very popular eatery. Out back you’ll even find a small garden, a fish pond (with plenty of fish you can feed), and butterflies – younger kids will likely find the eco-friendly environment extremely entertaining. The specialty of the house is rock shrimp (a tasty treat for shrimp lovers and a must if you dine here) though no matter which entree you choose you’ll be treated to a basket full of homemade corn fritters – be aware however, the fritters are absolutely addictive (so be sure you save room for your main course). Plate sharing is available for a charge of $2.95 (and a really good deal if you have younger kids that may prefer to taste test rather than eat an entire meal of their own). The service is definitely the friendliest around (and one of the reasons this eatery is so popular – beside the food that is), and you simply can’t beat the prices. This one’s a absolute must!
Dixie Crossroads now has a second location in Orlando (located at the Festival Bay Mall on International Drive).
Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar
***
$-$$$
Specialty: Seafood/American, a kids menu is available as well
Indoor/Outdoor; Casual
Location: 505 Glen Cheek Dr., Port Canaveral
Phone: 321-868-2226
Website: www.visitgrills.com
Hours: 7:00 am to 10:30 am for breakfast (Daily), 11:00 am to 10 pm for lunch and dinner (Sunday-Thursday), 11 am to 11 pm for lunch and dinner (Friday and Saturday)
Menu (Click Here)
Grill’s is a personal favorite thanks to its outdoor tiki-hut atmosphere, its location at the port (you can even watch as the fishing boats bring in their daily catch), and its lengthy (not to mention varied) menu. The casual and friendly island-style atmosphere make it the perfect place to dine with kids along (though in all honesty, the live entertainment often draws a rather lively crowd on weekends so if you planning on dinner out with the kids, head here on a weeknight – or simply make it an early dinner if you head here on the weekend – another good weekend option would be to head here for breakfast or lunch.
Azteca II
***
$-$$
Specialty: Tex-Mex ; a kids menu is available as well
Location: 1300 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Phone: 321-784-1188
Website: no website
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Menu (Click Here)
This fairly unassuming Mexican restaurant, while hidden in the back of The Resort on Cocoa Beach, is not much to look at from the outside, but inside it has a casual, friendly, and festive atmosphere. The food is true Tex-Mex, and really quite good (just keep in mind that Tex-Mex isn’t truly authentic Mexican food). Kids who don’t like especially spicy food will certainly appreciate it.
Roberto’s Little Havana (Cuban)
***
$-$$
Specialty: Cuban
Location: 26 N. Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach
Tel: 321-784-1868
Website:
Hours:
Menu (Click Here}
Coming Soon!
Marlins (American)
***
$-$$
Specialty: American /Seafood
Location: The Cocoa Beach Pier (401 Meade Avenue, Cocoa Beach)
Tel: 321-783-7549
Website: www.cocoabeachpier.com
Hours: Open daily from 11 am
Menu (Click Here)
Its stars earned for its casual laid back atmosphere, its beachfront location (500 feet above the ocean with a view that’s practically unbeatable anywhere around, a staff that understands how important quick and friendly service really is (even if you’re not in a hurry), and a varied menu that’s pleasing to both the palate and the pocketbook. If you plan on heading here with the kids (which I highly recommend), be sure to come in the afternoon or early evening – well before The Boardwalk gets hopping (it draws a party crowd late in the evening - especially on weekend nights).
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Hotel Dining: Coming Soon! |
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The Shark Pit (located at the Four Points by Sheraton )
***
$-$$$
Specialty: Brick Oven Pizzas / American
Location: 4001 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach (at the Four Points /CBSC Complex)
Tel: 321-868-8952
Website: www.cocoabeachsurf.com (then click on the appropriate links listed under “The Pit”) OR www.fourpoints.com/cocoabeach (then click on the appropriate link)
Hours: The Shark Pit Lounge: 11 am -11 pm , The Shark Pit Café: 6:30 am – 10 pm
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
3 Wishes Florida’s Grill & Lounge (located at The Double Tree Hotel)
***
$-$$$
Specialty: American / Seafood
Location: 2080 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach ((located at The Double Tree Hotel)
Tel: 321- 783-9222
Website: www.cocoabeachdoubletree.com (then click on the dining link at the bottom)
Hours:
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
Flamingo’s (Located at The Radisson Resort at the Port)
***
$$-$$$
Specialty: American / Seafood
Location: 8701 Astronaut Boulevard, Cape Canaveral (The Radisson Resort at the Port)
Tel: 321-784-0000
Website: www.radisson.com/capecanaveralfl (then click on dining)
Hours:
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
The Ron Jon Surf Grill
***
$-$$$
Specialty: Seafood / American
Location: 1000 Shorewood Drive, Cape Canaveral (at the Ron Jon Resort)
Tel: 321-328-2830
Website: N/A
Hours: Daily 11 am – 10 pm
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
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Other Great Restaurants in and around Cocoa Beach: Coming Soon! |
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Punjab (Indian)
***
$-$$
Specialty: Indian
Location: 285 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach
Tel: 321-799-4696
Website: www.punjabindianrestaurant.com
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, Daily 5 pm – 10 pm
Coming Soon!
La Fiesta (Mexican)
***
$-$$
Specialty: Mexican
Location: 7802 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cape Canaveral
Tel: 321-783-7755
Website: www.lafiestamexicanrestaurant.com
Hours:
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
Atlantic Ocean Grill (Seafood and Steak)
***
$-$$$
Specialty: Seafood and Steak
Location: The Cocoa Beach Pier (401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach)
Tel: 321-783-7545
Website: www.cocoabeachpier.com
Hours: Open daily at 5 pm
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
Papa Vito’s Italian Restaurant (Italian and Pizza)
**
$-$$
Specialty: Italian/Pizza
Location: 6200 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cape Canaveral
Tel: 321-784-0050
Website:
Hours:
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
Sunset Waterfront Grill & Bar (Seafood / American)
***
$-$$
Location: 500 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach
Tel: 321-783-8485
Website: www.sunsetwaterfrontcafeandbar.com
Hours:
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill (Seafood / American)
**
$-$$$
Specialty: Seafood
Location: 610 Glen Creek Drive, Port Canaveral
Tel: 321-783-8485
Website: www.fishlipswaterfront.com
Hours:
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar (Seafood / American)
***
$-$$
Specialty: Seafood
Location: 628 Glen Creek Drive, Port Canaveral
Tel: 321-783-2033
Website: www.rustysseafood.com
Hours:
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
Cara Mia (Italian)
***
$-$$
Specialty: Italian
Location: 11 Riverside Drive, Cocoa Village
Tel: 321-639-3388
Website: www.caramiariversidegrill.com
Hours: Monday through Friday 11 am - 2:30 pm for Lunch, Monday through Saturday 5 pm – 10 pm for dinner, Sunday Noon - 8 pm .
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill ((Seafood / American)
***
$-$$$
Specialty: Seafood
Location: 480 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach
Tel: 321-784-0892
Website: www.floridas-seafood.com
Hours: Daily 11am – 10 pm
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
Silvestro’s * (Italian)
***
$$-$$$
Specialty: Italian
Location: 2039 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach
Tel: 321-783-4853
Website: www.silvestros.com
Hours:
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
Gregory’s Steak & Seafood*
***
$$-$$$
Specialty: Steak & Seafood
Location: 900 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
Tel: 321-799-2557
Website: www.gregorysonthebeach.com
Hours:
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
The Black Tulip* (Steak /Seafood)
***
$$-$$$
Specialty: Steak & Seafood
Location: 207 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa Village
Tel: 321-631-1133
Website: www.theblacktulip.net
Hours:
Menu (Click Here)
Coming Soon!
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