Where do YOU eat in Vero?

[tgr1116]

I am going down to Vero in June and would like suggestions on where to eat dinner (besides the onsite rest.) We are 4 adults and 4 elementary age children, so family atmosphere is a plus! We enjoy ALL kinds of foods! Anything close (within 15-20 minute) from resort?

 

[SnowWitch]

The Patio was great. Very friendly servers and my kids said their chicken fingers and hot dog were the BEST they ever had. Granted I have to admit those were nice looking chicken tenders, 2 small kids could have easily shared that plate and the kids recieved the salad, soup of the day and ice cream with cherries on top with their $5.95 or $4.95 meal just like the grown ups.

The Ocean Grill was nice but not our favor of the trip. They were very accomodating to my childs specific instructions on his burger. However, it seemed just a little like a couples restrau, rather intimate maybe thats the word I'm going for.

They have a huge book full of places off of the lobby at VB and directions.

 

[kel3420]

We ate at one of the restaurants once, and ate the rest of our meals in the room

Have a great trip!!!

 

[walter]

For a casual atmosphere in Vero Beach, we ate at a place called Bono's. There is a book of resturants in the lobby showing menus, etc.

 

[Jeff P.]

We ate at the Ocean Grill last year with our two children (ages 5 and 2). The food was very good, and the staff was accomodating for our children. I cannot say the same about others in the restaurant. There were couples around us that did not seem pleased with the noise and mess caused by our children. After having spent a few days in WDW and at Vero where kids are expected, this was a little bit of a surprise.

We would recommend it unless you have young children.

jeff

 

[tgr1116]

Thank you all for your replies! Sounds like the Ocean Grill is a favorite... our children are 12,10,7, and 6 years old... but very well behaved! We take them out to eat often. I know what you mean about the 'looks' from couples without children! On the rare occasion that my DH and I get to go out to eat by ourselves we like it quiet as well. But the funny thing about that is we always end up saying "the kids would like it here, wouldn't they!" LOL Has anyone tried a place called Mr. Manatees? I saw that place come up when I did a search on Vero restaurants. TIA

 

[Dreamfinder2]

We used to live in Vero, and found the Patio to be reliably our favorite restaurant. It's not much to look at from the outside (OK, it's ugly), but the service is always accomidating and the food dependable.

The Ocean Grill is just fine, too. Re the "looks" from other patrons: Vero is a rich man's town in a lot of ways, and there are a lot of folks who move down there to escape "whatever." They may give looks to kids, but they probably give the same looks to most anyone else who annoys them. (If that sounds like a biased statement, it is!)

BUT -- my #1 call for a restaurant that is not too much of a drive is Dixie Crossroads in Titusville. Kid friendly, a local favorite, a waypoint for folks traveling the coast, and I PROMISE you won't be dissapointed. VERY reasonable. Their claim to fame is their "discovery" of rock shrimp. They split 'em, butterfly them in their hard little shells, toss 'em on the grill with lots of butter, and the results are absolutely delicious. You'll find no other shellfish from shrimp to lobster that tastes any better. There's a playground for the kids, fish for them to feed, and you'll have a great time. Get there EARLY; I can't remember if they take reservations or not. It is worth the trip, especially if you can link it with an excursion to Kennedy Space Center.

 

[HarrietSLP]

Does The Patio still have the "Early Bird" specials? We ate there in '97 and it was a favorite!!

HARRIET
DVC Member '96 Vero & OKW
Next Trip: DVC Anniversary Cruise 4-7-02

 

[PamOKW]

: Vero is a rich man's town in a lot of ways, and there are a lot of folks who move down there to escape "whatever." They may give looks to kids, but they probably give the same looks to most anyone else who annoys them. (If that sounds like a biased statement, it is!)

I was going to try to say the same type of thing. Vero is not a traditional tourist town where kids are expected...like at WDW. It is a wealthy winter escape area. The same folks who live in the wealthy towns of Fairifield County, CT (and elsewhere) also have winter homes in Vero Beach. Things are busiest in Vero in the winter months. Summer months you'll run in to more of the year-round residents of the area.

I really enjoy the Ocean Grill, even went there before Disney was built there. It is not super fancy but is very nice and has good food. It does seem to be very popular as a place for business lunches, couples going out to dinner, etc. Children are welcome but not necessarily catered to like they might be in a Friendly's or other chain restaurant. Attitudes of patrons can't be controlled. You will find many wealthy retired people in the area -- some friendlier than others.

 

[SnowWitch]

Yes the Patio does still offer early bird specials. We intend on eating at the Patio every other night on our next trip.

Yes it does look like a dump from the outside. This past summer when we went, we drove by and I said "Oh there it is!" My DH responded, "It looks like a dump." Had we not been warned we wouldn't have tried it.

 

[KimOhio]

our favorites are Capt Hiram's in Sebastian and Mr. Manatee's in Vero both are very casual but fun also Capt hiram's has a web site

 

[Michelemouse]

We love Capt. Hirams and Mr. Manatee's too!

Also, on our last trip to VB in 9/01 we ate at Hurricane Harbor. It's very basic but it was very good and a terrific bargain. The place is owned/run by a German family and there are several German dishes on the menu, in addition to the seafood. They have early bird specials for $8.95 or so and one a month they have Octoberfest. We'll definitely go back!

Michele

 

[tgr1116]

Thank you all so much for your replies! Sounds like the Patio for sure, maybe Ocean Grill and then Mr. Manatees and Hirams! We may stay near Cocoa Beach our first night on the way down, so might give the Crossroads place a try in Titusville! You guys are great!