If you’re a mom in Fort Myers, you’ve probably found yourself staring at the menu, silently begging for a place that won’t make you want to pull your hair out mid-meal. I mean, I love a good night out, but let’s face it—when you’re hauling kids to dinner, the odds are pretty high that someone is going to spill a drink, fight over the last breadstick, or loudly announce to the entire restaurant that they “HATE the veggies.” So, let’s skip the stress and talk about a few local spots that get it—they know what it’s like to feed a family and, hey, they might even make your life a little easier while doing it.

First up, The Casual Pint in downtown Fort Myers. This place has become one of our go-to spots. Rob loves it because there’s a great selection of local beers (adulting isn’t dead, folks), and the kids? Well, they’ve got a super cool arcade. It’s an entire room dedicated to vintage games, so you know the twins—Jenny and Sam—can entertain themselves for at least 15 minutes before the “I’m bored” starts. They’ve got a kid’s menu too, with all the usual suspects like chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese, but with the added bonus of no judgment when they decide to order dessert first. The whole family can just relax and have a great time, and let’s be real, that’s all we’re asking for when we go out to eat.

Now, if you’re looking for something with a little more of that old-school family vibe, Dixie Moon Saloon is worth a visit. It’s got a super laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re eating in someone’s living room—if their living room had pool tables and a jukebox, that is. The kids are always entertained, either by the occasional live music or by the fact that there are enough fries to feed a small army (Jenny and Sam are big fans of the “loaded” fries). Plus, they’ve got a kid’s menu that’s a solid mix of comfort food with a little Southern flair. A place that can handle picky eaters AND keep things fun? Gold mine.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more fancy but still want to keep the whole family happy, The Winking Lizard is the place. Rob and I love it because the food’s always on point (hello, burgers and wings), and the atmosphere is just casual enough that the kids don’t feel like they’re in a stuffy restaurant where they have to behave like little adults. The kids’ menu here is great—chicken fingers, quesadillas, mac n’ cheese, and the like. They even have an outdoor seating area that gives the kids some space to stretch their legs. Trust me, no one will judge you if you let them run around a bit—every parent in the area is doing the same thing.

Then there’s Cielo’s Grill. It’s a little hidden gem in Fort Myers, and it’s one of my personal favorites for family meals. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff seems to get that kids can be… unpredictable. There’s a nice outdoor patio, so when it’s cooler outside, the kids can play a little while we sip on margaritas (seriously, I need a few of those after a long week). The kids’ menu is great, with options that actually feel a bit more “grown-up” than the usual offerings of chicken nuggets. Jenny always loves the quesadillas, and Sam can’t resist anything with “cheese” in the name.

Oh, and let’s not forget Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Café. Okay, okay, it’s not your typical restaurant, but if you’re up for a nature walk (and maybe a little peaceful escape), this place is awesome. The kids love the boardwalk trail, and there’s a nice little café afterward where we can refuel. The kids get a kick out of the “swamp snacks” (yes, that’s a real thing), and I can sit back and sip my coffee, feeling like I’ve just spent a little time in the wild, even though it’s only a few minutes from home. Plus, it’s one of those rare spots where you can actually hear yourself think—highly recommended for any parent who needs a break.

Okay, I could go on forever (because you know I will if you let me), but these are some of our favorite spots for a reason. They’re not just about the food (though let’s be real, the food is important). They’re about the experience—the ability to kick back, let the kids run around a little, and not feel like you’re ruining everyone else’s meal by having a family. It’s the simple things, like seeing Jenny finally dig into a veggie without drama or hearing Sam actually thank the waiter (I’ll take any win I can get).

So, next time you’re heading out to eat and you want to keep it cool, keep it fun, and—most importantly—keep your sanity intact, give these places a try. It’ll make family dinner time feel a little less like a battlefield and a lot more like a good time.