Unless your morning routine involves meditating on a yacht or writing poetry while sipping single-origin coffee, you probably have someone who expects you to know where to eat. This person might be your visiting in-laws, your hungover friend, or even your own demanding taste buds. Sure, you didn’t move to South Florida just to Google ‘pancakes near me,’ but such is life. So here are the spots worth setting your alarm for.
Nanou Sunrise
$ | (954) 616-5761 | WEBSITE
Does your morning need a touch of Paris? Head over to Nanou Sunrise. It’s a charming breakfast spot conveniently located near the Sonesta Resort, and it’s a good place to eat some authentically French croissants, crepes, and sandwiches. This place also serves a lot of very good breakfast items – recommend the smoked salmon bagel and breakfast sandwich, and there’s a chance you’ll feel transported to a cozy French café.
You probably won’t actually be in France, but it’s important to dream of things.
Java & Jam
$$ | (954) 353-3250 | WEBSITE
Java & Jam and The Foxy Brown are two of my favorite brunch spots in Fort Lauderdale, and Java & Jam is sort of like their cooler cousin who knows how to throw a proper morning party. It’s a hip space in Las Olas with a perfect vibe, an excellent coffee bar, and a menu of things like steak and eggs and salmon eggs Benedict. They also do amazing avocado toast and the best French fries I’ve ever had, and those should be on your table. Or your friend’s table.
Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar
$ | (954) 530-9932 | WEBSITE
Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar is set up in one main space, and it feels like you’ve stepped into the living room of a very stylish friend who knows exactly how to make you feel at home. It’s bright and inviting, there’s a counter showcasing beautiful espresso machines, and the coffee is just as impressive as the atmosphere.
The menu is versatile and thoughtfully crafted, with things like great coffee, delicious chai tea latte, and high-quality pastries – and you can also pretty much always find a seat here.
PX Grill Mediterranean Cuisine
$$ | (954) 280-0050 | WEBSITE
PX Grill is a cozy Mediterranean spot in Fort Lauderdale where the staff wears crisp uniforms and the menu features things like chicken soup with amba sauce, araios pitas, and delicious steaks and small plates. All of the food is incredibly flavorful and beautifully prepared, and the atmosphere feels sort of like a warm homecoming where everyone is seated comfortably.
It’s a welcoming place, and your friends will enjoy telling people about this little gem they discovered, which has actually been a local favorite for years.
NY DELI & RESTAURANT
$ | (954) 566-2616 | WEBSITE
NY Deli & Restaurant is a classic breakfast and lunch spot in Fort Lauderdale, and they serve generous diner portions with standout options like the chopped Italian sub salad. The whole place is cozy and intimate – and it’s just family-friendly enough for any kind of morning outing. That being said, it isn’t chaotic or overwhelming, and, if your kids want to, they can share one of the amazing cakes from their dessert menu.
It can be a little busy at peak breakfast hours, but either arrive early or convince your family that all the smart people are eating at 8am now.
The Original Pancake House
$ | (954) 564-8881 | WEBSITE
The Original Pancake House is a big, all-purpose breakfast spot in Fort Lauderdale that’s essentially the reliable go-to for morning classics. There are clean tables and friendly faces, and, like any good breakfast joint, there’s also a steady stream of regulars. The menu is satisfying, with plenty of classic pancake options like rainbow pancakes and standard stacks, in addition to some other things like quick service and kid-friendly choices.
Grab a table here and hope Tammy or Mel will be serving this time, too.
JJ Cafe
$ | (954) 977-4303 | WEBSITE
JJ Cafe is a classic breakfast spot, but it isn’t as hectic as some of the other diners in the area. Sure, there’s a ham & cheese omelet and a BBQ bacon burger, but you can also just order the Gyro and have some scratch-made grits. It’s good for a weekend brunch or a casual meal when you don’t necessarily want to spend $50 – although you could still spend that much on a hearty meal if you wanted to.
IHOP
$ | (954) 567-9687 | WEBSITE
Your friend wants a classic breakfast spot, but you’ve tried and failed to get a table at The Original Pancake House. Try IHOP instead. It isn’t a fancy brunch place – but it’s a welcoming spot with friendly service and top-notch food. The breakfast is American diner classics, and while it isn’t perfect, it’s pretty solid overall (we particularly like the bacon and hash browns).
It’s also a nice casual space with comfortable booths and bright lighting – and despite the fact that the cooked-to-order meals are consistently tasty, getting a table isn’t too tough. The manager ensures customers are number one, and servers like Coffee are attentive and sweet. Chef Susan and the team work together to provide a perfect and fast dining experience. While service may be a bit slow at times, the delicious flavors make up for it.
However, some nights can be less comfortable, as there have been reports of staff yelling across the restaurant, which affects the atmosphere. Still, staff like Juan are helpful and accommodating, making efforts to improve things. There have been occasions when pancakes or French toast arrived cold, and eggs were undercooked, showing room for better consistency. Overall, IHOP offers good food and friendly service in a nice atmosphere, though it can vary depending on the night.
Joe’s Cafe
$ | (954) 760-5637 | WEBSITE
Joe’s Cafe is in a strip mall in Fort Lauderdale, and it doesn’t look like much from the outside – but walk inside and you’ll find a big dining room with vinyl booths, an overhead train, and some chrome stools. You’ll also find some very good breakfast food, including pancakes that your kids will talk about all morning. The best part is that it isn’t very hard to get a table. So keep Joe’s Cafe in your breakfast rotation.
The New Lighthouse Caffe
$ | (954) 367-3765 | WEBSITE
The New Lighthouse Caffe is the perfect spot to bring someone who’s never ventured into a trailer park for breakfast. We aren’t saying it’s fancy—it’s just cozy and welcoming with its clean, lovely decor, and the menu has a bunch of breakfast classics that pretty much everyone will love. This place is tucked away in an unexpected South Florida trailer park, and it’s a great spot for your family and a friend to share some goat cheese omelettes while they chat about the day ahead.
Waffle House
$ | (954) 792-8150 | WEBSITE
Your friend might be craving brunch at some trendy spot with a two-hour wait, but that just isn’t happening this morning, or any weekend morning for the foreseeable future. Here’s the good news: Waffle House has plenty of seating, the food here is reliable, and getting a table right away isn’t a problem. So if you want a hearty breakfast in a place where you can get strong coffee or a quick, satisfying meal, head over here.
It’s also always buzzing with energy, which is another plus (for anyone who appreciates a lively start to the day).
Nanou Ocean (Nanou French Bakery & Cafe)
$ | (954) 533-0413 | WEBSITE
At Nanou Ocean, there are only two things you can order: a classic French breakfast for $18, or the deluxe Moroccan breakfast for $26. You’re not paying, so opt for the more expensive one on your friend’s behalf – it will come with things like almond croissants, Moroccan Bastilla pastry, and amazing coffee, and it’ll cause people to stare and wonder how they too can eat such things.
Reservations here are pretty easy to get, although you should request the Moroccan sitting area if you want to give your friend the full experience of having pastries served on low tables with carpets.
Tinta
$ | (954) 245-3069 | WEBSITE
Breakfast spots by the ocean often feel like they were designed for Instagram influencers and/or tourists who just want a photo with their avocado toast. But Tinta is different. It feels like it was designed for locals who actually enjoy their morning meal. It’s elegant yet relaxed, it isn’t very pretentious, and, much like its oceanfront view, it looks like it could be located in a casual beach club in Fort Lauderdale.
Your family will have fun here, and also probably spend a very reasonable amount of money on delicious, plentiful breakfast classics.
La Corte Cafe
$ | (954) 828-9208 | WEBSITE
If your morning routine sometimes feels like it needs a genuine pick-me-up rather than just caffeine, La Corte Cafe might be the right choice. Many of the dishes here consist of eggs or breakfast meats, so it’s perfect for someone who occasionally talks about starting their day with a proper meal – although there are also some other options, like breakfast burritos and croissant sandwiches.
The space is a cozy spot in Fort Lauderdale, it has a casual and clean environment, and it’s run by the owners Dario and his wife, which should make you feel like part of the family.
Michael’s Cafe Bistro
$ | (954) 776-6191 | WEBSITE
If your friends keep talking about their quest for the perfect breakfast spot, try Michael’s Cafe Bistro. It’s been a local favorite for years, and it’s been serving exceptional morning meals ever since. The cozy, welcoming space is both charming and comfortable due to the fact that it’s a small cafe, so it’s particularly good for something like a leisurely weekend brunch or catching up with close friends.
The fresh coffee and hot food make every visit feel special, and the friendly staff ensures you’ll want to return again and again.
