Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Rusty Pelican - Miami
★3.8(3,062 reviews)$$$Restaurant
🕑 1.5-2 hours for a full meal👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children who can sit through a full-service meal will appreciate the water views and kid-friendly menu options, while older kids and teens enjoy the upscale atmosphere and variety of fresh seafood choices.🧡 Saved by 21 families
About
The Rusty Pelican offers families a special dining experience where delicious seafood meets breathtaking waterfront views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Kids will be mesmerized watching boats cruise by while enjoying their meals from the dedicated children's menu, making this Key Biscayne staple a favorite for both special occasions and casual island weekend brunches.
Highlights
- ✓Panoramic waterfront views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami skyline
- ✓Dedicated kids menu with familiar favorites beyond just seafood
- ✓Outdoor patio seating perfect for families with active children
- ✓Boat-watching and wildlife spotting opportunities during meals
- ✓Weekend brunch options popular with Key Biscayne families
Pro Tips
- 1.Request outdoor patio seating for the most kid-friendly experience,children can move around more freely and enjoy unobstructed bay views without worrying about noise levels
- 2.Visit during sunset hours (typically 6-7:30 PM depending on season) for spectacular views that will keep kids entertained while waiting for food
- 3.Weekend brunch is popular with locals, so make reservations well in advance or arrive right when they open to avoid long waits
- 4.Bring binoculars or a camera,kids love spotting boats, birds, and even dolphins from the waterfront location
- 5.Parking is available on-site but can fill up quickly on weekends; arrive 10-15 minutes early to secure a spot
Best Time to Visit
Weekday lunches or early dinners (4-5:30 PM) offer shorter waits and a calmer atmosphere. Weekend brunches are popular but bustling, so families with energetic kids may prefer quieter weekday visits when staff can be more attentive.
What to Know
This is an upscale restaurant with higher price points ($$$), so expect to budget accordingly for a family meal. The location along Rickenbacker Causeway offers convenient parking, and the venue is stroller-accessible with family-friendly restrooms.
Seasonal Notes
The outdoor patio is most comfortable during fall through spring (October-May) when Miami temperatures are milder. Summer months can be hot and humid, though ceiling fans and bay breezes help. Sunset times vary by season, so check ahead if planning a scenic dinner.
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