I don’t remember ever eating so well as we did in Sarasota. From Cuban sandwiches that melt in your mouth to donuts so fresh you’ll smell them before you see them, this city knows how to keep your tummy happy. The best part? Most of Sarasota’s restaurants are both wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, so you don’t have to choose between good food and an easy experience.
Here’s a round-up of our favorite wheelchair accessible Sarasota restaurants.
Wheelchair Accessible Iconic Sarasota Restaurants
Columbia Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat on the entire planet. If there’s one place you absolutely must try, this is it. It’s Florida’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1905, and every bite is full of history and flavor. Their Cuban sandwich is unforgettable, the yellow rice is spiced just right, and the churros… well, let’s just say you’ll want to order extra.
A diverse children’s menu makes even picky eaters happy. Freshly baked bread comes before every meal, so no one is left waiting.
Accessibility: Accessible indoor and outdoor dining. Wheelchair accessible restrooms. Zero entry. Spacious design. Located in St. Armand’s Circle.
The Old Salty Dog
It’s always fun to check out a place that’s been featured on TV, and The Old Salty Dog did not disappoint. Famous for its beer-battered hot dog on Man vs. Food, this spot also serves up delicious fish and chips.
Families will love it for the children’s menu (which even includes seafood options) and the frisbee plates the kids get to take home. With three locations, it’s easy to find one near you. Our experience (where I can confirm accessibility) was just across the street the Marine Center
Accessibility: Accessible indoor and outdoor dining. Wheelchair accessible restrooms. Zero entry. Spacious design in some areas.
Wheelchair Friendly Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Sarasota
Toasted Mango Cafe
I joke that the waffle at Toasted Mango Cafe changed my life… but I might not be joking. They take all your breakfast favorites and give them a tropical twist, like topping a fluffy waffle with fresh mango, toasted coconut, and whipped cream (I’m still trying to recreate this at home, but it may be worth flying back to Florida). Add giant biscuits and the biggest breakfast potatoes you’ve ever seen, and you’ve got a meal worth planning your morning around.
The kids were just as impressed as I was, and it’s fun that they have both a downtown and a Siesta Key location.
Accessibility: Accessible indoor and outdoor seating options. Spacious layout. Wheelchair accessible restrooms—with a complimentary salt scrub for a mini spa experience!
Wink Wink Lounge
We found Wink Wink Lounge because it was in our hotel, but it turned out to be a highlight of the trip. The retro atmosphere is fun and funky, and the menu puts a creative spin on local favorites—like French toast coated in cereal, deep fried, and drizzled with peanut butter sauce.
It’s a fun stop with kids, and parents will enjoy the playful vibe just as much. The hotel has a fabulous accessible pool, hot tubs, and play area – worth a resort pass to come for breakfast and spend the day.
Accessibility: Accessible indoor and outdoor poolside dining. Accessible restrooms. Spacious design.
International Flavors
Reyna’s Taqueria
Fresh, local ingredients and vibrant flavors make Reyna’s Taqueria stand out. Whether you go for carnitas tacos, quesadillas, or one of their rotating specials, you can’t go wrong here.
The casual atmosphere makes it easy with kids, and everyone can find something to love.
Accessibility: Accessible indoor and outdoor dining. Wheelchair accessible restrooms and a spacious layout.
C’est La Vie
We always try to find a little Paris wherever we go, and C’est La Vie did the trick in Sarasota. This award-winning French bakery and café has everything from buttery croissants to authentic French entrées. Pair it with a cappuccino, and you’ll feel transported across the ocean.
It’s a quieter spot, perfect if you need a little reset in the middle of a busy travel day.
Accessibility: Accessible indoor and outdoor dining. They have an accessible restroom, but it was blocked by high chairs when we visited.
Wheelchair Accessible Waterfront Dining in Sarasota
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill
O’Leary’s was our very first stop after landing – and it’s such a good “welcome to Florida” vibe! For a relaxed, beachy vibe, this is the spot. The menu is simple—think tacos, burgers, and fries—but it’s the setting that makes it special. With waterfront views, live music, and sand for the kids to play in, it’s more than just a meal.
Accessibility: Accessible indoor and outdoor dining. Obviously, the sand is tricky, but there are plenty of tables that avoid it altogether. Wheelchair accessible restrooms. Ramped access to the sand (though once you’re down there, it’s a sandy surface).
Sweet Treats & Ice Cream
Main Street Creamery
Bright, cheerful, and loaded with endless flavor choices, Main Street Creamery is an easy family favorite. With over 30 flavors and smooth coffee for parents, there’s something for everyone.
Accessibility: Accessible indoor and outdoor seating. Vegan options available. Accessible restrooms.
St. Armand’s Circle
St. Armand’s Circle is a downtown hub – similar to a boardwalk – with something for everyone: boutiques, galleries, and plenty of sweet treats. This was where we enjoyed Columbia Restaurant, but on other nights when we weren’t filling up on churros there are plenty of sweet options to check out. River Street Sweets was a hit for pralines and fudge.
Accessibility: Most shops and restaurants are zero-entry or ramped. We did encounter one steep ramp, but otherwise it was very manageable.
Accessibility + Family Round-Up
What made Sarasota so special for us was that we never had to choose between accessibility and family-friendliness—every restaurant we visited offered both. Most had step-free entry, a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, and wheelchair accessible restrooms.
These places are fun with thoughtful children’s menus, fun touches (like frisbee plates at Old Salty Dog), and plenty of sweet treats to keep little travelers motivated, while holding onto all of the big flavor for mom and dad. Sarasota is a city that feeds everyone well.
Plan Your Trip
Eating your way through Sarasota is just the beginning. Pair your meals with a day at a wheelchair friendly beach, a stroll around a beautiful garden, or an adventure in downtown Sarasota.
For more tips on where to stay, things to do, and how to get around, check out my full Wheelchair Accessible Sarasota Guide.
Quick Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Family Friendly Restaurants in Sarasota:
- Columbia Restaurant: This restaurant offers wheelchair accessible indoor and outdoor seating, a children’s menu, zero-entry access, and a spacious layout.
- The Old Salty Dog: Wheelchair accessible indoor and outdoor seating, children’s menu (including seafood options), zero-entry access in some areas, and spacious layout make this spot easy for families.
- Toasted Mango Cafe: Enjoy wheelchair accessible indoor and outdoor seating, a children’s menu, spacious layout, and accessible restrooms—with a complimentary salt scrub for a mini spa experience!
- Wink Wink Lounge: Wheelchair accessible indoor and outdoor poolside seating, children’s menu, spacious design, and accessible restrooms make this a fun choice for families.
- Reyna’s Taqueria: Offers wheelchair accessible indoor and outdoor seating, a children’s menu, and a spacious layout.
- C’est La Vie: Wheelchair accessible indoor and outdoor seating, children’s menu, and an accessible restroom (though it may occasionally be partially blocked by high chairs).
- O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill: Provides wheelchair accessible indoor and outdoor seating, a children’s menu, ramped access to the sand (with some sandy surfaces), and accessible restrooms.
- Main Street Creamery: Wheelchair accessible indoor and outdoor seating, a children’s menu, vegan options, and accessible restrooms.
- St. Armand’s Circle (sweet shops): Most shops and eateries are zero-entry or ramped, with family-friendly sweet treats and generally accessible layouts, though a few spots have steep ramps.