Boardwalk - family friendly dining?

[malibukelly]

My brother in law tells me we should check out the Boardwalk. I was thinking of doing dinner with my family there one night (two kids - 7 and 10), any recommendations? Or should we not bother eating there?

 

[CarolynFH]

I would consider ESPN Club, Trattoria al Forno and Big River Grille all "family friendly." Flying Fish (currently closed for renovations) was (and I assume will continue to be) more upscale - but fine for kids the ages you have. The Boardwalk itself is fun, with various acts (change from time to time, but often jugglers, magicians, etc.) and carnival games.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would highly recommend Trattoria al Forno. We've eaten there a few times and the food is very good and very family friendly, plus they take reservations. Big River Grille's food is just ok and ESPN is sensory overload (for me anyway! Sports fans obviously love it) but neither take reservations and could have a big wait in the evening.

If you eat at Trattoria, I would highly recommend skipping dessert and getting ice cream afterward at the new Ample Hills Creamery on the Boardwalk. The ice cream is AMAZING!!

Also, bring cash if you want to play the carnival games as they don't take MB's or credit cards.

The Boardwalk entertainment is a BLAST! And they show movies on the Village Green as well.

 

[fly girl]

Even if you find you prefer an Epcot restaurant, make your way over to the Boardwalk in the evening. The performers are a lot of fun for the kids. Daytime is ghost town -- make sure you head over at night.

I highly recommend Trattoria al Forno for a nice family dinner. If you prefer more casual, either ESPN Club or Beaches and Cream at Beach Club. Personally, we are not fans of Big River Grill.

 

[hammie59]

If you want ultra causal, there's the Boardwalk Pizza window and you can eat outside by the water. Its right next to the bakery so you could also pick up a salad or dessert there. Keep in mind, this is not a restaurant, but we enjoyed it many nights when we stayed there.

 

[Parker Clan]

We had a great experience at Trattoria Al Forno last year! The food was very tasty and the service was excellent. I'd recommend it! It is definitely a family friendly place

 

[Hikergirl]

We eat at Big River Grille and ESPN when we go. The food is good and I like to sit out on the Boardwalk at BRG.
ESPN is sensory overload but if your kids are into sports they will like it.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I'd second the recommendation of Beaches & Cream across the lake at the Beach Club resort. They also have a quick service, Hurricane Hanna, next to the pool. There are also options in the Swan & Dolphin hotels. Il Mulino has some great Italian. The Fountain is very casual & atmosphere is nothing special but the burgers are delicious!!

 

[lovin'fl]

Beaches and Cream is at the Beach Club which is right there across from the Boardwalk. It is comfort diner food. Also at Beach Club is Cape May Cafe which is a seafood buffet. On the Boardwalk is Flying Fish which is signature (and closed right now for reno) and kinda fancy...plus my inlaws ate there and weren't impressed. There is also ESPN Club which is okay...been there done that. Then Big River Brewing which is also okay. I have not yet been to Trat al forno because my DH and kids aren't fans of Italian/pasta. At any rate, my kids (3 teens) will request Beaches and Cream and Cape May but nothing else over there.