Brunch is America’s sweetheart of meal times. For some, it is a relaxing end to the weekend involving gently spiked orange juice. For others, it’s a sporting event that involves deep breaths and waistbands that stretch. Across the nation, cities have added their own flair to this dining affair that takes place in the last remaining hours of the weekend. If you’re in Orlando for a weekend getaway, rest assured there’s no shortage of places to spend your Sunday afternoon eating, drinking, and enjoying Florida’s pride point—its sunshine.
White Wolf Café
Restaurant, American, $$$
White Wolf Café has made its home in Orlando’s antique district, Ivanhoe Village, for over 20 years. Bring your pup and dine outside surrounded by fresh flowers and stained glass. Brunch at White Wolf is made special by its unique antique décor—an homage to its neighborhood. Must-try meals include their crab cakes benedict and their generous serving of country fried chicken. For those looking for a kickstart to Sunday, their spicy bloody mary will do the trick.
At times, The Porch may be swimming in college kids, but on Sundays, you’ll find those of legal age indulging in their $5 bloody mary bar. Sundays at The Porch are also great if you’re with a sporty group who can’t keep away from the TV screens. Enjoy the Florida breeze that blows through the open-air restaurant, and order up some fresh hot beignet poppers and wash down the weekend with some Angry Orchard apple cider.
The Hammered Lamb, a restaurant that opens up its garage-style front of the house to make the whole place open and dog-friendly, boasts a bloody mary bar that puts the rest to shame—it features over 75 toppings from which to choose. As for food, brunch items include spins on all the classics, such as their chicken and waffles drenched in bacon-sriracha-infused syrup. Open until 2 am every night, the ‘Lamb may be where you earn your hangover on Saturday and nurse it on Sunday.
Slate’s menu is tiny but fierce, full of locally sourced fresh flavors, and you’ll also find a craft cocktail menu that will have you sipping like a European. Try their house Aperol Spritz, composed of Aperol, lemonade, bitters, and a bit of bubbly, and the London Bell, which features refined flavors of lemon, rosemary, and black pepper.
Hamilton’s Kitchen boasts a stunning patio and a Southern-inspired menu that is more than just your average comfort food. This restaurant lives inside the Alfond Inn, an upscale hotel in bougie Winter Park. Hamilton’s prides itself on using locally sourced produce and protein, which is why you’ll find items such as blue crab hollandaise and fish tacos featuring seasonal fish or local rock shrimp. Reservations are recommended at this in-demand dining spot.
In the haze of Sunday morning, you don’t need to wrack your brain for 903 Mills Market’s hours or address. You guessed it, 903 Mills Market lives at 903 South Mills Ave and closes every day of the week at—wait for it—9:03 pm. Besides keeping their brand straight and simple, this local deli takes sandwiches to the next level. They also serve up locally sourced drafts, and for brunch, they offer mimosas by the pitcher. At 903 Mills, you can spend your lazy Sunday outside while shaded by live oaks and Spanish moss.
For brunchers who aren’t into bacon, there is Market on South, home to two vegan businesses: Dixie Dharma and Valhalla Bakery. Together the two make a fine pairing of savory and sweet while serving up 100% plant-based eats that will have anyone’s mouth watering. Try Dixie’s BBQ pulled jackfruit sloppy joe or their famous baked mac-n-cheese. For something sweet on Sunday morning, Valhalla has you covered with cakes, tarts, bars, cookies, and their famous donuts tinged with local flavors (strawberry passionfruit, anyone?). For a real mouthwatering experience, follow their Instagram.
Enjoy your brunch with some soulful live music and a strong drink in hand at this quaint neighborhood eatery. Maxine’s on Shine serves up all the classic brunch cocktails—mimosas, bloody mary’s, and sangria—but with a twist. “Warnin’ in da Morning” is the bloody mary’s wild cousin, served with a “beer floater, bacon stir stick & smoked shrimp olive skewer.” Mimosas can be made with an assortment of organic juices, including pomegranate. Maxine’s restaurant is as local as it gets, with her bungalow home in Colonialtown transforming into a neighborhood gathering place for food, laughs, music, and community.
It wouldn’t be a brunch roundup without a brunch buffet, and Kasa Restaurant & Bar hosts a buffet with style. For $33, you get bottomless mimosas and sangria, live entertainment, and a great view of Orlando. Reservations are recommended for this classy downtown spot, especially if you want to be the first to hit the sangria bar.
Nestled deep in the historic streets of Orlando in Thornton Park is where you’ll find Soco. Among Florida bungalows blanketed in shady oaks and tropical plants lives this award-winning brunch spot for those seeking “Southern Contemporary” fare (hence, Soco). Try their Southern-fried quail and waffles, or the pecan-crusted Florida snapper for a taste of Floridian “Southern” cuisine. Their patio is perfect for people-watching, sun-basking, and slowly sipping away on a pitcher of Soco’s take on mimosas—“Lemonade and Bubbles” (citrus-infused vodka, Lillet, lemon, and sparkling wine). Sundays don’t get more refreshing than that.
