In this month’s Delicious Destinations we’re traveling to the sleepy beach town of Vero Beach, Florida. The adorable area is know for boutique hotels, overgrown mangrove trees that lead to the beach, and tasty spots to grab a bite to eat.
Best Restaurant for Breakfast: Wind and Waves Grill, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
If you love Mickey waffles but don’t want to travel to Orlando and Anaheim, you can also find the yummy breakfast treat at Wind and Waves Grill at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The cute restaurant serves up breakfast classics like Mickey waffles, French toast, and eggs Benedict. Reservations at this family favorite spot can be made on Open Table and non-resort guests are allowed to dine at the restaurant as long as they have a reservation.
Wind and Waves Grill Must-Have: Key Lime Stuffed Mickey Waffles
Best Restaurant for Families: Lemon Tree
Cool diners are dotted around the Vero Beach, but one of the best is Lemon Tree. The restaurant serves American favorites like salads and sandwiches in a casual setting. One of our favorite things on the menu is the crab cake sandwich, which is mostly succulent crab meat and very little binder. Kids will love the grilled cheese with bacon and tomato.
Lemon Tree Must-Have: Crab Cake Sandwich
Best Restaurant for Adults: Waldo’s Restaurant
If you’re looking for a casual adult restaurant with all-day happy hour, live music, and an eclectic menu, then Waldo’s Restaurant is the spot to be. This well-reviewed spot is just steps away from the beach, and has private beach access from the patio of the restaurant. Be sure to arrive here a little early because tables are limited and the place does get very busy when there’s live music on the patio. The menu book is filled with seafood favorites like fish and chips and fish tacos, along with a Waldo’s take on jerk chicken that’s full of flavor.
Waldo’s Restaurant Must-Have: Fish Tacos
Best Restaurant for Solo Travelers: Casey’s Place
Casey’s Place is just a few blocks away from the beach in the very walkable downtown area of Vero Beach. The top-rated quick-service style restaurant only serves breakfast and lunch, so be sure to plan accordingly, but once you get there you’ll know why it’s worth the wait. The line is often long but moves quickly and the menu is filled with hot and cold sandwiches. A few of my favorites are the steak, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich and the turkey club for lunch. Be sure to always look at the special board too, since there’s always something new to try.
Casey’s Place Must-Have: Turkey Club
Best Snack: Abbott’s Frozen Custard
A big bowl of frozen custard is a great treat on warm Florida days. The best spot for frozen custard in Vero Beach is Abbott’s Frozen Custard. The small stand has been making homemade custard for decades with traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate and a few other daily specials. The stand has a few tables outside to sit at while you enjoy your cup or cone, but oftentimes the tables are full on weekends or very hot summer days, so grab a few extra napkins and take your treat to your car.
Abbots Frozen Custard Must-Have: Pick your favorite flavor and get it in a homemade waffle cone
Best Brewery: American Icon Brewery
Just a few miles down the road from Abbott’s Frozen Custard is American Icon Brewery. The brewery is housed in a 1926 historic building that was once a diesel power plant. The brewery specializes in craft beer and tasty burgers, which make for a crowd-pleasing classic combination. There’s a cute outdoor patio where you can order a meal, or enjoy a few yard games and a fire pit when the days cool off.
American Icon Brewery Must-Have: Whatever beer you like most, and a burger to go with it
More About Delicious Destinations
Some people plan their vacation with no thought of where they are going to eat, while others plan their entire trip around food. No matter which camp you’re in, FamilyVacationist’s Delicious Destinations has you covered. Each month, this food column covers local favorites including the best family dining spots, the best places for solo travelers, and irresistible snacks in cities around the U.S. Up this month: the best places to eat in Vero Beach, Florida.
I’m Megan duBois. I’m a full-time food and drink writer, and when I don’t have a fork in my hand, there’s likely an ice cream cone there instead. In this Delicious Destinations column, you can come with me to a different city each month and we’ll explore great restaurants, bars, bakeries, and other eateries. I’ll offer recommendations for families, adults, and solo travelers in each city. I’ll also give you tips on finding great themed restaurants, mid-day snacks, and breweries.
