Looking for family recs in Treasure Island

[LunasMom]

I don't get over to Treasure Island very often and so I have no idea where to go. My husband, my 21 month old daughter (who eats whatever we eat) are going to meet some friends who are vacationing there. They also have a son about 8, so I want some place he will feel comfortable, honestly we want to be comfortable to, so casual is key.

As a CH I want some place that has great food, we are meeting them Sunday about 6pm. As to price, probably main dishes aroung $15-$25.

Thanks

[LunasMom]

Hey everyone thanks for the recs, the blue cheese chips were too irresistable. We went to Sloppy Joes, and you were right, nothing much to speak of past the chips. The rest of out food was just food, nothing that stood out, but the drinks were good, the atmosphere was good, and the kids really enjoyed the drum circle after dinner.

Thank you FLA Hounds.

[joan]

Glad you had a good time!
It would seem so simple to upgrade the food at Sloppy Joe's - they have all the right ingredients: location, crowds, furnishings. Grrrr!!!!

[kenr]

I'm with you. Such a great location but it has nothing to offer in terms of food. I think they are just catering to the hotel's family burger clientel. But as you say they "have all the right ingredients: location, crowds, furnishings". Because of this and unfortunately for Chowhounds, the restaurant is probably making money and sees no need to upgrade the food.

[joan]

Yes. But there is a need they may not be considering. My daughter is getting married, and we live down the street, so naturally looked at the Bilmar for the wedding reception. They were so friendly and helpful, and the staff raved about the banquet food, I really wanted to like them! But I just didn't feel good about booking such an expensive party, knowing the meal would be lackluster there. As a result, we went elsewhere for the reception - but still booking a block of rooms at this family oriented (newly upgraded furnishings!) resort.

Somewhat of a loss for them.

[triff]

Congrats, Joan! My daughter (Miranda) was a friend of your daughters - how time flies! Let us know who you decide to cater - can use the info for her wedding in the future (although she wants to get married at Ca d’Zan at Ringling in Sarasota).

[laurie]

I second the vote for Caddy's. It's my favorite beach bar (with food) on the beach; I'll drive down from Clearwater (where I live) for their Reuben sandwich. Like Joan says, you can dine at a picnic table on a great stretch of sand. It's a good laid-back place to just hang and chill. I always feel like I'm on vacation when I'm there. The service is equally laid-back, so don't be in a hurry! Also, if you park at the lot next to the restaurant they'll take the $5 off your bill.

On the northern part of St. Pete Beach I've tried Philthy Phil's just once, and think that could possibly fit the fill for you, too. It's not as great a setting as Caddy's, however. The food is really good for "beach food"--your typical beach offerings done well.

[debbed]

Let me cast another vote for Caddy's, especially if you don't get to the beach very often. Super fun and good food!

[rhnault]

another vote for Caddy's and also the Bleu cheese chips at Sloppy Joe's. They really are good! The Bilmar is nice too. We live in Tampa but stay down there occasionally and their remodel is nice.

[joan]

Hi Luna's Mom!
I live on Treasure Island (lucky me!) and here are my thoughts:
Top two choices for your circumstances would be either Sloppy Joe's (in the Bilmar Beach Resort) or Caddy's on the Beach, at the south end of TI on Sunset Beach..
Sloppy Joe's food is ...so-so..except for their blue cheese chips, which is why I go there. And they are beachfront - the beach is extremely wide at this point, but as sunset approaches you will hear the beginning of the Treasure Island Drum Circle, which meets every Sunday night right in front of the hotel. So - dine outside or in, and follow up with a sunset walk over to the drum circle, kind of a Bohemian celebration. Everything from five gallon buckets to professional drum sets, lots of hippie fun.
Caddy's, on the other hand, is feet in your sand dining. The food is actually pretty darn good, and the 8 yo will love that he can wander onto the beach. Great for sunset and volleyball and people watching. Parking here can be an issue, but they do offer valet parking, so for five bucks don't sweat it! You can go early, hang out in their free beach loungers, swim, and eat in your swimsuit. I haven't had it, but I've read here on Chowhound that their corned beef sandwich is the best.

Both places will have live islandy music on Sundays. Both will be busy (unless we get some storms that is).

I would love to suggest the Pearl or Middlegrounds Grill - their food and ambience is on a better scale, but I don't think you'd be comfortable with the kids there. Kind of adult oriented.

Have a great Sunday! DH & I often go wandering on our tandem bike on Sunday nights, so if you see us, give us a Chowhounds shout out!