The U.S. Virgin Islands is a fantastic vacation destination for families. Your children can get a taste of the islands at the many family-friendly restaurants that offer unique local dishes and drinks. And for kids who just want a burger or pizza, you’ll easily find that, too. See our picks for the best family dining on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
ST. CROIX
Casual eatery Polly's at the Pier, located on the waterfront in downtown Frederiksted, serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday, and brunch on Sundays. Settle into the courtyard for tasty breakfast dishes like their classic cinnamon rolls and egg sandwiches. Kids love the jerk chicken wrap and gourmet grilled cheese sandwich for lunch.
Since 1956, La Reine Chicken Shack has been a family favorite for its flavorful, spit-roasted chicken and welcoming atmosphere. Picnic table seating adds to its casual, kid-friendly vibe. Of course, chicken is the star of the menu here, and it arrives tableside with a side of johnny cakes (slightly sweet fried bread), mac ‘n' cheese, coleslaw or mashed cassava. But the barbecued ribs, fried seafood, and island specialties like salmon balls and salt fish stew, are also outstanding.
The Landing Beach Bar in Cane Bay is true to its motto, “Relax, you've landed.” Kick back with your family at this beachside bar with sandwiches, wings, wraps, burgers and tacos. Moms and dads will appreciate the extensive craft co*cktail list, while children can take their pick from the kid's menu featuring favorites like chicken nuggets, hot dogs and quesadillas — all served with fries and a scoop of ice cream for dessert. Save room for a slice of the pie or cake of the day.
ST. JOHN
What kid wouldn't love dining at a floating restaurant? Dig into tacos from the comfort of your family-sized floatie at Lime Out. This floating bar and eatery in Coral Bay Harbor is accessible only via shuttle boat or dinghy. Due to the nature of the floating setup, only kids ages six and older can dine at Lime Out. And the restaurant may not be suitable for those uncomfortable in the water. Lime Out's tacos feature tasty fillings like braised short ribs, blackened grilled shrimp and pulled pork, so you're bound to find a taco to satisfy everyone’s taste. Or stick to the sand and take your pick from Lime Out's taco menu on land at their new Cruz Bay restaurant, The Lime Inn.
Watch the best show in town — the sun dipping below the horizon — with your family on the outdoor deck at The Windmill Bar, named the best spot to catch a sunset by the locals. Perched on St. John's North Shore, the family-friendly bar hosts live music most evenings, so as the sun sets and the stars come out, your family can enjoy the Caribbean rhythms of local musicians. The casual menu features kid favorites, including burgers, tacos, burrito bowls and a variety of mac 'n' cheese.
St. John Brewers Tap Room is a family-friendly spot on the second floor of the Mongoose Junction shopping complex in Cruz Bay, just a five-minute stroll from the ferry dock. Parents will appreciate the locally brewed beer, while littles will love the craft sodas and kid-friendly apps like Bavarian pretzels, baked chicken wings and cheesy bread. The entire family will love the mouthwatering smash burgers and oven-fresh pizza featuring a variety of toppings. They also have a location in St. Thomas, St. John Brewers on the Waterfront.
ST. THOMAS
Indigo 4 Restaurant is Yacht Haven Grande's more upscale dinner or brunch option, best suited for families with tweens and teens. It's an excellent pick for the family seeking a unique island meal to honor a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary. Renowned for its seasonal and refined Caribbean cuisine, the dinner menu puts diners in the driver's seat by encouraging them to build their own meals, pairing a protein with sauces and sides of their choice, providing a personalized dining experience. Choose from grilled salmon, rack of lamb, New York strip steak or, perhaps best of all, fresh-caught lobster. Save room for dessert — kids will love the donut bread pudding with dulce de leche ice cream.
While Greengos Caribbean Cantina is best known for its literally towering tequila selection (with its own library ladder), it's also family friendly. Housed in a historic waterfront building along Hibiscus Alley in Charlotte Amalie, its colorful murals add to the fun atmosphere. The restaurant's Sonoran-style Mexican menu features your choice of chicken, fish, beef, pork and/or veggies served in a cantina bowl, tacos, burritos or over nachos. You'll also find a Greengos Caribbean Cantina outpost in Mongoose Junction on St. John.
Nobody makes conch fritters quite like , a waterfront restaurant with picture-perfect views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor. The family-owned establishment has been serving locals and visitors for over 50 years. Open for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant dishes up American classics like buttermilk pancakes and burgers. But the house specialties are decidedly Caribbean, like the saltfish breakfast platter, fresh conch sauteed in lemon-butter sauce and stewed oxtails. All lunch entrees are served with vegetables and plantains, plus a choice of two sides, which include kid-friendly rice, mashed potatoes and mac ‘n’ cheese. Don't leave without trying the house-made mango-and-soursop ice cream.
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