Everyone seems to have their favorite go-to spots for dining and Sunday Brunch is no different. After living in the area for more than twenty years and writing about great food, I put together a guide to help you find the best weekend hot spots in the area!
A time honored tradition in the South, Sunday brunch really is the nicest way to get your family and friends together to eat, drink, and connect creating the best moments and memories. Here is a run down for some of 30AEATS.com’s Top Spots For Weekend Brunch.
Great Southern: Grits A Ya Ya Photo: Susan Benton
Another Broken Egg – Grayton Beach and Destin
There is nothing Shrimp & Grits can’t fix, and Another Broken Egg located in Grayton Beach offers homestyle breakfast, lunch and brunch made fresh to order. Owner Clayton Green has been in the business since his family opened the original Destin location in 1998, now located in its new building near Target. Sourcing local ingredients and supporting local purveyors, Another Broken Egg-Grayton and Destin serves superb food and fine coffee with great service. I am in love with the Southwest Chop Salad! Both locations are spaces you will want to return to time and again. Patrons clammer for the Eggs Benedict, biscuits with house made sausage gravy, the variety of incredible omelets and another one of my my favorites, the Huevos Rancheros! The Mardi Gras omelette is also popular and filled with andouille, crawfish & red bell pepper, topped with tomato-hollandaise, diced tomatoes & green onions. Another Broken Egg is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m, but opens at 7 am in Destin.
The Red Bar
Having written for many magazines in the area for some time now, I can’t tell you how many times The Red Bar comes up as a local favorite! This Key-West like institution has become a “church” of sorts for South Walton locals. The Red Bar is a place to gather, reunite, enjoy good food, and soak in the sounds of Dread Clampitt, Hubba Hubba and the house Jazz band. You might even spot star-studded musicians who just happen to join un the musical sounds of the band on stage! This Gulf Coast Restaurant hot spot has locals and visitors lining up for hours, especially during the holidays and summer months. Go for the Belgian waffles, Eggs Benedict, and the famous Panne’ Chicken Sandwich! The Red Bar also serves one of 30A EATS favorite Bloody Mary’s on 30A!
Breakfast daily beginning at 8:30 a.m at Havana Beach Bar & Grill
Marie’s Bistro
Marie’s Bistro is a family friendly locally owned restaurant in Blue Mountain Beach offering a brunch buffet from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. every Sunday. The owners are beyond generous and the space so warm and inviting. Enjoy freshly prepared eggs, quiche, breakfast meats, pancakes, French toast, salads, lunch items and more. Patrons can savor the delectable buffet items or order from the menu, and even pick up via the drive through! A complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa is also offered. Marie’s Bistro showcases live music to enhance your dining experience. Come evening, Locals Night kicks off with half-priced select sushi rolls & $3 off all other select sushi from 4 p,m. till 9 p.m.! Savor this South Walton favorite!
Stinky’s Fish Camp
Also serving one of 30AEATs best Bloody Mary’s on 30A (Gulf shrimp included), Stinky’s in Dune Allen Beach is known for their flavorful fresh food and exceptional brunch. With a motto that reads, “It is what it is & it ain’t what it ain’t” , the Sunday brunch menu is limited yet scrumptious. Go for the French Toast with Maple Syrup, or this former NOLA gals favorite, the Crawfish Pie topped with Shirred Eggs. The Veggie Omelette with PepperJack Cheese Grits and Brabant Potatoes is another tasty choice, as is Stinky’s Brie Burger! Stinky’s is always packed with locals and visitors, especially on Sundays when The Steenos play from 12 to 3 p.m. Brunch is served from 11 to 3 p.m. each Sunday, and they are open for dinner as well. You might even get lucky when soft-shell crabs are in season, as Stinky’s offers a South Walton Sunday special Eggs Benedict topped withe the delectable Gulf treat! Try the fresh Gulf oysters swerved on the log.
The Marigny:
This Gulf coast restaurant is a locals hang out and one of the hottest on the South Walton scene. Located just off Hwy 98 on East Hewitt Rd. in Santa Rosa Beach, the Marigny is known as the go-to place to watch the Saint’s game and began serving brunch January 5th, 2014. Chef Chris, formerly the executive chef of restaurant FIRE at Gulf Place, has had culinary training at Commander’s Palace and Cafe Adelaide in New Orleans to name a few. He partnered with General Manager Jason, a veteran restaurant and bar owner, friend and Katrina transplant, to create a family friendly place that is safe for kids to play while parents are too entertained. From Grits & Grillades, Yard Bird & Waffles, Po’Boys made fresh on Leidenheimer bread, Eggs Sardou, Crabcakes to Beignets, The Marigny offers a true Sunday dinner space to share good times over great food. Bottomless bubbles are included with entree, and brunch begins at 11a.m. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Read more about them here.
V Seagrove
V Seagrove is open from 11-2 p.m. for Sunday brunch in season only with hours changing, so check their Facebook page or call! They are located on the northwest corner of CR 395 and Scenic 30A in South Walton. At V Seagrove Chef David Cunningham serves a brunch menu that is constantly evolving due to the seasonal produce and freshest ingredients sourced. The Sunday Omelette is always creative and delicious like the one chef made for me with local crab and lobster, while other menu favorites include the Waygu Brisket Benedict and Farmhouse Belgian Waffle. The Bloody Mary menu is superb and Bellini’s along with bottomless mimosas are offered for a small fee when purchasing an entree.
Elephant Walk
Another Top Spot for Sunday Brunch that will have your taste buds jumping for joy is the delectable fare served at Elephant Walk located on property at Sandestin Golf Beach Resort & Spa. This unique restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico is the perfect place for family and friends to enjoy superior food and with a stunning Gulf view. The recently re-opened and renewed Elephant Walk has certainly rekindled the spirit and essence of the original, making it a 30AEATS favorite. Try the Lump Crab Cocktail, Lobster Bisque and famed Grouper Elizabeth. Open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m and dinner from 5-9 p.m, you will definitely want to Savor South Walton here!
Local Catch Bar & Grill:#SundayFunday Live Music, Food & Bar Specials.
Brick & Spoon- Just opened from 7am-3pm daily with 25% locals special at The Palms , Destin. Coming October to Grand Blvd.!
Grayton Bar & Grill: Huevos Rancheros is the best! Mimosa’s for brunch, Happy Hour 3-7, and live music at night!
Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi: Locals serving locals at HarborWalk Village, Destin.
Harbor Docks: Fresh Gulf to Table Cuisine, and best sushi in town. Open daily for breakfast 7am.
The Donut Hole: Whether visiting the original in Destin, the Santa Rosa Beach location or the newest at Inlet Beach, get there early, as the line begins to form when they open at 6pm!
Boshamps Oyster House: Seen in photo above, the best place to sit inside to watch a game, dine on the big deck outside, and dock your boat to savor the excellent cuisine served by Chef Andi Bell.
Mama Clemenzas: True European breakfast with Italian influences located in Ft. Walton Beach!
The Bay Cafe: A French culinary gem in Ft. Walton Beach offering dining with water views
Havana Beach Bar & Grill: Great Patio to dine al fresco, opening at 8:30am.
The Bowery Thirty-A- The newest 30A restaurant and live music venue in Blue Mt Beach, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Cabana Cafe-Seascape: Casual Comfort Food, Sunday Brunch, live music.
Vue 30A: Best view on 30A, great Sunday Brunch.
723 Whiskey Bravo: NFL Sunday Shrimp Boil 11am-5pm.
Summer Kitchen Cafe opens at 7:30 in Rosemary Beach, my friend Heavenly Dawson owner of Pickles Beachside Grill in Seaside serves a mean Hangover Omelette, and Don Pedro’s has been a family favorite of ours for years! I’d love to hear about your top spots for Sunday brunch. Be sure to list them in the comments below and check out GulfCoastRestaurants.com , 30AEATS.com partner site with a content rich user friendly dining guide for South Walton and The Florida / Alabama Gulf Coast! You can rate and comment on your favorite places, see videos, get recipes, and easily locate all of the restaurants that suit your mood or the tastes of your group! Also be sure to check out 30AEATS.com/local/restaurants full of great tips and insider scoop. Have a great weekend!
PS: In writing for many local and regional magazines, be certain to pick up the Nov/Dec Thirty-A-Review Dining Guide each year where I have more than 30 stories featured along with my photos. Here are a few breakfast/brunch examples:
Charlie’s Donut Truck Alys Beach
CUP: Food You Pick Up
A Highlands House
Cowgirl Kitchen’s: CK Feed & Supply
