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.
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.
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.