The Ultimate Jacksonville Brunch Bucket List

Find out why Vicious Biscuit’s well, biscuits, are oh-so-satisfying.

They (whoever they are) say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. What is failed to be mentioned is, that brunch actually is. (Go ahead and try to change our minds.) People who brunch are the best kind of people. It’s a no-rules situation of what you can put on your plate (or in your glass). Want some eggs benedict with a beer on the side? Do it. Bottomless cups of coffee while your kids eat Nutella pancakes the size of their faces? Sign us up. Jacksonville has been booming lately with great restaurants, along with the ever-expanding list of places that offer brunch. OG contributor Cheryl Leddy and contributor Allie Testoni of @allieluvsfood kicked off the list, and we’ve since expanded it (as well as our waistlines). Take a look below, and be sure to let us know any favorites we may have missed!

Beaches & Intracoastal

Another Broken Egg Cafe: A great spot for southern-inspired brunch and lunch with one-of-a-kind menu items like the lobster and brie omelet and amazing pancakes like the lemon blueberry goat cheese pancakes (you can also get a pancake flight and try a few flavors at once!). We are SOLD on this gem located on 3rd Street in Jax Beach, but be sure to check out the other three locations through Jacksonville.

Beach Diner: With four locations in Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, Beach Diner has been serving breakfast and lunch for many years. They have an extensive menu, but the best part is, you can enjoy breakfast all day long! Many locations also offer delicious Reina Cookies for a special treat afterward — the most amazing cookie ever. They are open daily, 6am–2:30pm.

Cantina Louie: Now with various locations (Atlantic Beach, Southside, and Nocatee are just a few), Cantina Louie does not disappoint. Boasting authentic, affordable Mexican street food, you definitely want to add this to your brunch bucket list. Sunday brunch includes homemade tamales (available only while they last!), and the must-try Breakfast Torta. The kids will love it here! Sunday brunch from 11am to 2pm.

Waffles? Yes, please. Photo courtesy of @casamarinahotel.

Casa Marina: Located right on Jacksonville Beach, this beautiful hotel has a delicious Sunday brunch with incredible ocean views. However, the best part might be the unlimited mimosas option! Their award-winning bunch is served 9am–2pm on Sundays.

Cinotti’s BakeryLocated in Jacksonville Beach, Cinotti’s Bakery has delicious doughnuts, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches (lunch, too). But what they are famous for are their amazing, seasonal pumpkin doughnuts which come out toward the end of September. If you live in Jacksonville or the surrounding areas, do yourself a favor and try one of these at least once in your life! They open early (like 6am early) Tuesday through Saturday.

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Grumpy’s was voted “Best Breakfast in Jacksonville” in 2022 by News4Jax!

Grumpy’s Restaurant: With locations in Neptune Beach, Orange Park, and St. Johns, Grumpy’s Restaurant is a full-service American and Southern-style diner offering breakfast, lunch, and brunch daily. The head chef goes by the name of, well, Grumpy and serves classic American and Southern diner dishes, along with daring and universally appealing new ventures. Don’t miss the weekly blackboard specials — or their fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Jax Beach Brunch Haus: A staple down in Jax Beach for brunch, but a great option nonetheless! It has solid options for vegetarians and vegans, so you are sure to find something you can “Sunday Funday” with. Open daily (minus Tuesdays), 8am–2pm.

We love Kairos for its healthy menu options and delish juices.

Kairos: Open Monday through Saturday at 8am, Kairos on Beach Blvd. is a must for smoothies, coffee, delicious fresh-pressed juices, and food fare (try their avocado toast and breakfast tacos).

The Local: This Neptune Beach institution is known for its locally sourced ingredients and serves brunch Friday through Sunday, starting at 9am. Try the hot chicken and waffle or brunch burger for a feast you won’t forget!

Maple Street Biscuit Company: With most locations open 7am to 2pm, Maple Street is known for (you guessed it!) their amazing biscuit sandwiches. We love the Jax Beach spot (and their coffee, especially the maple vanilla latte), but don’t forget about their spots in Murray Hill, Point Meadows, San Marco, and Julington Creek.

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The biscuits (and coffee!) at Maple Street Biscuit Company are a must-try.

Metro Diner: Known for their chicken and waffles, Metro Diner has been a staple in our household forever and offers several locations throughout Northeast and Central Florida, including one right in the heart of Jacksonville Beach. Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives gives it his seal of approval! Breakfast starts at 7am.

Orange Blossoms: Located in the former home of the Florida Cracker Kitchen, the Southern-inspired Orange Blossoms boasts locally sourced ingredients and house-made dishes, such as their trademark croissant beignets, pseudo-famous fish and grits, and chicken and waffles. Their kitchen is open and ready to please your taste buds Tuesday through Sunday, from 7am to 2:30pm.

Southern Grounds & Co: Located in Neptune Beach, this coffee shop livens up the Courtyard at the Beaches Town Center. When the weather is perfect this is a favorite spot for breakfast favorites like homemade oatmeal and the grits bowl with a poached egg. The kids will love the fluffernutter and ‘nana sandwich! You can usually find one of our contributors here at all times. Open daily at 6:30am. Also find locations in Avondale and San Marco.

You won’t want to miss brunch at TacoLu! Photo courtesy of @tacolujaxbeach.

TacoLu: Located in Jacksonville Beach, TacoLu is famous for its tasty tacos! And if you haven’t known Allie around these parts, she and tacos are the BEST of friends. Tacos for breakfast are a bona fide love language, just sayin’. Huevos Rancheros, anyone? How about a margarita before noon? We won’t judge. They serve brunch both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10am.

Tulua Bistro: This Jacksonville Beach breakfast and lunch spot serves up vegetarian options in addition to the usual brunch fare, including (get this!) charcuterie/breakfast boards, in addition to burritos, bagels, benedicts, and platters galore. Open daily, 8am–3pm.

Find out why Vicious Biscuit’s well, biscuits, are oh-so-satisfying.

Vicious Biscuit: From a fried-chicken sandwich known as “The Fat Boy” to mouth-watering beignets, this delicious fast-casual restaurant in Neptune Beach is MUST for your brunch bucket list! Find out why they boast “the most ridiculously satisfying biscuits ever.”

Whiskey Jax (Beaches): Located in Atlantic Beach, this lively restaurant offers Sunday brunch at 11am  — definitely try the avocado fries!

More brunch spots in the Beaches & Intracoastal: Culhane’s Irish Pub, Le Petit Paris.

Downtown, Riverside/Avondale & San Marco

bb’s Restaurant & Bar: Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm, enjoy a full brunch menu comprised of the freshest ingredients. Go for their cinnamon bun pancake stack, fish and grits, or gourmet avocado toast.

Biscottis: Whatever you do, do not miss Biscottis in Avondale for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, 8am to 3pm. Mouth-watering dishes include creme brulee French toast, their fried egg sandwich, and steak medallion benedict, just to name a few.

Get your breakfast sweet tooth fix at Biscottis. Photo courtesy of @biscottisjax.

Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar: Local seafood, an option to jump into a buffet or order off the menu, and some delicious drinks are all served up here! Blue Fish gives options, including that they serve brunch on both Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 2:30pm.

Brick Restaurant: With SEVEN different types of benedicts to choose from, among a variety of other delicious options, Brick offers brunch both Saturday and Sunday. There is also a delicious drink called a “Champagne Mojito,” that you won’t be disappointed in ordering. Serving brunch from 10am to 2pm.

Community Loaves: From a delivery bakery to one of the best spots to brunch in town, this is a Murray Hill gem! Seasonal breakfast and lunch menu served daily until 2pm (closed Mondays). Brunch specials every weekend.

Cool Moose Cafe: Cool Moose Cafe is a neighborhood restaurant that serves a fantastic menu. Located in the Kings Street area of Riverside, this restaurant offers a laid-back New England charm that makes it “cooler” than most. This is a great restaurant to go with the family or catch up with some friends. They begin serving breakfast at 8am, Wednesday through Sunday.

Estrella Cocina: Enjoy Sunday brunch starting at 11am at this rooftop kitchen and bar boasting coastal Mexican cuisine with a Southern Baja flair.

The Fox Restaurant: This classic diner is popular for good reason — with a vintage feel and classic breakfast dishes, it’s a go-to breakfast spot for Jax locals. Open daily from 7am to 2:30pm.

Dear Orsay, we love you. Photo courtesy of @natedoesfood.

Orsay: This Avondale gem is a favorite among brunching locals in Jacksonville, with or without kids. Without kids, it is easier to enjoy a delicious cocktail (duh!) and the fresh killer omelets. You can’t go there without eating the Wild Local Shrimp and Anson Mills Grits. They are so amazing that our mouths are watering just thinking about them. Brunch begins at 11am on Saturdays and Sundays. Take our word for it, it is worth the later start.

Prospect Five Points: Prospect prides itself on its delicious, chef-inspired dishes (such as the breakfast flatbread and lemon avocado fried egg toast) and creative drinks. Enjoy brunch Friday–Sunday, 11am–2pm.

River & Post: This downtown staple (including its stunning rooftop lounge overlooking the river) serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Think huevos rancheros, bread pudding French toast, shrimp and grits, and beyond.

Breakfast Pizza at Taverna--the kids love it!
Breakfast Pizza at Taverna — the kids love it!

Taverna: Located in quaint San Marco, Taverna has a delicious brunch that is for adults and kids alike. You cannot go here, though, without trying the Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes — amazeballs. So good, no syrup is needed, but encouraged. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10am.

Town Hall: With a Sidewalk Sipper, and shrimp and pimento cheese grits on their menu, it’s amazing if you haven’t had the chance to check out this spot in San Marco. Avocado toast fanatics, rejoice! They’ve got you covered there. The atmosphere is calming, clean-lined, and it’ll make you want to re-do your own house. This place is a great go-to for a date night spot but even better for a brunch one. They serve it up on Sundays from 10am to 2:30pm.

A fresh spin on avocado toast at Town Hall. Photo courtesy of @townhalljax.

Uptown Kitchen and Bar: Located in historic Springfield, and depending on your location, it’s worth the drive on the weekends because it is that good. Their breakfast menu is full of fresh ingredients. They also have an amazing biscuit selection (hello, Surf & Turf Biscuit with Cajun shrimp, sausage gravy, and fried egg) and their amazing Ciabatta Pimento Cheese Egg Sandwich. You cannot go wrong at this establishment. Breakfast starts at 8am Tuesday through Sunday.

Village Bread: Village Bread has two locations in Jacksonville. This is a great breakfast (and lunch) restaurant that is ideal for children as it is pretty quick, as well as tasty. Breakfast starts at 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends.

More brunch spots in Downtown, Riverside/Avondale & San Marco: Another Broken Egg Cafe, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Metro Diner, Southern Grounds & Co.

Orange Park & Clay County

Just-A-Pinch Cafe: Want southern comfort food with, wait for it… “just a pinch” of Hawaiian? This is the place for you. The menu is oh-so-familiar but with amazing additions, you are hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Pineapple Upside-Down Pancakes, Teriyaki-glazed meats, and yes, they have Spam. This place is fun, funky, and delicious! Open at 9am Wednesday–Saturday and 8am on Sunday.

The Pineapple Upside-Down Pancakes at Just-A-Pinch Cafe are amazing.

Spring Park Coffee: If you happen upon this little gem in Green Cove Springs, you will not be disappointed. Serving up in-house brews of Brass Tacks Coffee Roasters, and made-in-house biscuit sandwiches, it’s a true gem. Be sure to follow them on social media, as they do a “name of the day” for free coffee. Open daily.

The Urban Bean Coffeehouse Cafe: Sometimes you just want the local coffee house feel — but with GREAT food to pair with it. The Urban Bean serves everything from a breakfast flatbread to what they affectionately call Oat Pots, and they all go great with their in-house specialty drinks. The drink list goes above and beyond just coffee, be sure to check out their sparkling refreshers, too!

More brunch spots in Orange Park & Clay County: Grumpy’s Restaurant, Metro Diner.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee & St. Johns

3Palms Grille: Any place that has a lobster flatbread paired with mimosas is my kind of spot! With a wide array of delicious items to choose from, a kid-specific menu, and a personal favorite of the Fried Egg BLT (it comes on a homemade biscuit). The location is gorgeous and a nice spot to bring out-of-towners.

Barbara Jean’s Restaurant and Bar: One of the few waterfront restaurants in Jax (Ponte Vedra), Barbara Jean’s is known for their coastal southern cuisine. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach and offering picturesque views of the Intracoastal Waterway, it is a local’s favorite for a sunset dinner, brunch, cocktails on the back deck, or a relaxing lunch with waterfront views. A great spot for the kids, as well!

This house-favorite cinnamon roll at Canopy Road Cafe is larger than life.

Canopy Road Cafe: This Florida brunch spot has a little something for everyone on the menu, and their seasonal specials are not to be missed. Start with the housemade cinnamon roll — perfect for sharing!

Ember & Iron: Rustic American eatery Ember & Iron utilizes seasonal ingredients and live-fire techniques (over a towering 8-foot oak-burning grill!) when serving up their culinary fare — a concept that originated with the idea of campfire cooking. Hence the name, Ember & Iron. Start with the croissant beignets, you can thank us later. Serving from 11am–3pm on Sundays only.

The shakshuka at Ember & Iron is a must if you’re craving something savory. Photo courtesy of @natedoesfood.

Nona Blue Modern Tavern: With no meal going over $17 price, Nona Blue serves up some classic brunch fare. The Belgian waffle is hard to beat, because who doesn’t love a waffle? Especially one from Belgium. An easy-to-get-to location right in heart of Ponte Vedra with excellent shopping right nearby, this makes it a great go-to Sunday brunch spot. Serving from 10am–3pm on Sundays only.

South Kitchen + Spirits: Located in Nocatee, South is KILLING the game in southern comfort food with a flare! From the moment the Bourbon Butter Glazed Biscuits hit your mouth to the Cuban Eggs Benedict… just thank me by inviting me to go with you.

Valley Smoke: What if I told you there was a place you can take your boat (if you don’t have a boat, pretend you do) and eat beignets that come with a coffee caramel sauce? This place exists, and you will LOVE the atmosphere at Valley Smoke. It is truly amazing for people of all ages and tastes. Brisket Hash and Eggs is sure to get you out of bed and ready to take on the week, and the pricing of their menu is such a great value! Open for brunch Saturday and Sunday 11am–3pm.

Photo courtesy of Valley Smoke / Facebook.

Vernon’s at Sawgrass: Located inside the Sawgrass Marriott Resort in Ponte Vedra, expect the BEST farm-to-table brunch at Vernon’s. With a rotating theme every Sunday, the whole family will enjoy an extensive brunch buffet. Vernon’s is definitely on the fancier end, but with a “Kid’s Zone” buffet and activities, it is perfect for the whole family. Sunday brunch served 11:30am–2pm.

More brunch spots in Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee & St. Johns: Beach Diner, Cantina Louie, Grumpy’s Restaurant, Metro Diner.

Southside, St. Johns Town Center & Mandarin

Culhane’s Irish Pub: Aside from being an awesome Irish pub, this place serves a mean brunch with great drink specials ($6 Mimosa, $8 Sisters Bloody Mary, $16 Bottle of Champagne & Fresh Juice). Some favorites include MJ’s Biscuits N’ Gravy and Kearney’s Corned Beef Hash. Be sure to check out the special Kids’ Brunch Menu, too! Located in Atlantic Beach and Southside. Saturday and Sunday, 9am–2pm.

Ida Claire: Ida Claire boasts the best comfort food in Jacksonville and serves it all up in an adorable atmosphere with fresh French-pressed coffee at the table. Don’t forget their delectable biscuits! This Town Center restaurant is open weekdays at 10am and weekends at 9am.

Journey into French-inspired cuisine at Le Petit. Photo courtesy of @lepetitparis.

Le Petit Paris: This charming French-inspired cafe features gourmet salads, sandwiches, freshly made baked goods, and more. Visit the original location in Mandarin or the newest spot in Atlantic Beach.

Prati Italia: Located in the heart of St. Johns Town Center, Prati’s famous brunch features daily scones, chicken and waffles, a tiramisu custard French toast (!), and more, every Sunday from 10am to 2:30pm. You’re welcome.

Secret Garden Cafe: Featuring breakfast bowls, platters, omelets, and benedicts (not to mention pancakes and waffles galore), the Secret Garden is a Southside secret gem. Enjoy breakfast daily from 8am to 2pm.

Don’t miss TimWah Dim Sum! Photo courtesy of @natedoesfood.

TimWah Dim Sum: Sometimes the eggs benedict won’t cut it and that’s where TimWah comes in. Authentic Chinese dim sum and right here in the Bold City. Carts come right to you filled with things that are too pure for this world. Like the soup dumplings that’ll change your life. Go hungry and be sure to invite a group!

Wicked Barley Brewing Company: One of Jacksonville Mom’s favorite spots to bring the whole family! Check out our full review here. A gorgeous outdoor patio is a great place for brunch, served Sundays from 11am to 4pm.

More brunch spots in Southside, St. Johns Town Center & Mandarin: Another Broken Egg Cafe, Beach Diner, Cantina Louie, Culhane’s Irish Pub, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Metro Diner, Village Bread Cafe.

What local breakfast and brunch restaurants do you frequent? 

Tina Smithers Peckham
Originally from Kansas City, Tina relocated to Jacksonville, FL with her dear husband, feisty cat and sweet-natured corgi mix in 2016. After eight years working various gigs in New York City from magazine publishing to digital marketing, Tina joined the world of freelance, writing and reporting for a variety of publications and websites including MTV News, ET Online, Glamour, Us Weekly and more. Tina has also assisted with social media, editorial and content strategy for brands and personalities such as Britney Spears, Jordin Sparks, Beauty Brands, truTV and WE tv. When she’s not plugging away on her laptop, she can be found exploring the Jacksonville beaches, reading a good book or enjoying a local coffee shop with her cherub-cheeked little boys, Archer and Austin.

10 COMMENTS

  1. We tried Uptown Kitchen based on this blog post. Unfortunately, we were very unhappy with both the food and service. Our table wasn’t clean. Poached eggs were uncooked on the inside, the bacon we ordered was forgotten, the omlett overcooked. The server brought us hot sauce with a missing cap and dirty top, along with syrup that was nearly empty. There wasn’t soap in the bathroom. This isn’t even a complete list of what was wrong, but you get the picture. It was a waste of a 30 min drive and $50.

  2. I would add Magnolia Point Golf and Country Club to the list. Great brunch Saturday and Sunday from 7-12. Open to the public!!!!!!

  3. You totally omitted the Northside. looking for a place to go but everything you mention is a half hour to an hour away.

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