From Basic to Exotic, Our Restaurants Get Your Sundays Started Right
With all the outdoor activities in Orlando North, Seminole County, it only makes sense to fuel up before a day of fishing, hiking, biking, rowing, zip lining or all of the above. Perhaps you’re looking forward to a lazy day in the sun by the hotel pool. Either way, gotta eat. And you can eat good at any number of eateries in our destination. Here’s a survey of our favorite brunch options for the full spectrum of visitors’ tastes and budgets.
Buster’s Bistro — This laid-back, proudly Belgian, gastro bar in quaint downtown Sanford, owned by Paul “Paulii” Buster, has a reputation for doing a fantastic Sunday brunch — with a decided Belgian flair. The menu includes Breakfast Vol Au Vent, a puff pastry smothered in sausage gravy with a side of home fries, steak and eggs, omelets; a chicken & waffle sandwich; Stuffed Toast (French); and Classic Waffles (do you have to ask?) Brunch served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
300 Sanford Ave, Sanford
The Crepevine — Located in an unassuming outdoor mall on a busy county thoroughfare and surrounded by chain eateries, The Crepevine stands out as a locally owned place that makes wonderfully tasty food with a touch of whimsy. “Fast, fresh, friendly” is their motto — not terribly original, but not easy to live up to. With an array of sweet and savory crepes, plus build-your-own options, the Crepevine has is the ideal casual quick-stop brunch. Nothing on the menu exceeds $10.
249 West State Road 436, Altamonte Springs
You can’t miss the vibrant colors — keep an eye out for yellow — on the exterior of this classic American eatery that’s been serving hearty, affordable food since the 1950s. The menu has a Southern streak, with items like Country-Fried Steak, Pork Chop and Eggs, the Biscuits and Gravy Platter (with eggs, of course). Town House Restaurant is a four-time winner of the Foodie Award Critics Choice for Best Breakfast.
139 N Central Ave, Oviedo
Photo by Instagrammer @orlandoadventuring
We’re wagering that Italian French Toast tastes better when accompanied by the soulful strains of a saxophone solo. Experience both at this classy Italian eatery. Also consider Vitello Schnitzel (lightly breaded veal cutlet served with two eggs), Murano Benedict (grilled Italian bread layered with spinach prosciutto and other great stuff along, along with eggs and Hollandaise sauce), and other distinctively Italian takes on brunch entrees. Unlimited Champagne, Mimosas and Bellinis cost $12. Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A rotating slate of jazz groups start at noon and play ’til 3.
309 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs
And now for a different kind of brunch experience. This eatery sits on the edge of Lake Jesup, the most alligator-populated lake in Florida, next to Black Hammock Airboat Rides. An interesting combination. The restaurant is famous for — what else? — gator tail, along with corn fritters, frog legs, catfish nuggets and more. Not for everyone, but something different, for sure. Open for breakfast Saturday and Sunday only, serving lunch/dinners daily.
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo
This high-quality “Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch” chain specializes in fresh, innovative meals that range from breakfast fare — omelets (Lobster & Brie, anyone?), skillets (Louisiana Crawfish?), scramblers, Benedicts (Crab Cake?), pancakes, waffles — to bowls, burgers, sandwiches and salads. A thoroughly reliable brunch option, especially for folks in a hurry.
920 International Parkway, Lake Mary
Photo by Instagrammer @thehungrymexican
This intimate “scratch kitchen” eatery specializes in craft coffee and a blend of decadent and healthy breakfast/brunch items, from the Skinny Breakfast (egg whites, avocado, green onions, asiago cheese) to Zege (seasoned omelet stuffed with french fries, topped with rib eye mishkaki).
1145 Townpark Ave., Suite 1221, Lake Mary
Sometimes you want your breakfast or brunch quick, cheap, hearty, with no fuss. Enjoy all the breakfast staples at this local institution.
3575 W. Lake Mary Blvd., Lake Mary
Delve into a new a fresh spin on Southern cuisine by Chef Nat Russell. The farm-to-fork place has a small breakfast menu, all items under $10 — the Chocolate Gravy Biscuit jumps off the page. Lunch fare, too.
125 W. First Street, Sanford
About Orlando North, Seminole County:
Teeming with old Florida charm and young Florida vibrancy, Orlando North, Seminole County offers visitors nature-based attractions, eclectic dining, a booming micro brew scene, plus a year round calendar of festivals and events. With over 2,000 waterways, you’ll discover a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities from paddling in clear freshwater springs and rivers to airboating among alligators, or zooming through an aerial zip line course. It also features an array of sports and training facilities for amateur tournament play, including the 102-acre Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County. And getting here is easy via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Orlando International Airport (MCO), aboard the Amtrak Auto Train, or via auto on I-95 and I-4; and you’ll save 30% on accommodations over Orlando and beachfront hotels. All this and it’s less than an hour’s drive to area theme parks and beaches too. 1-800-800-7832 or 407-665-2900 or visit: www.DoOrlandoNorth.com