Unearth The Voyage
Winter Park wakes up early for this place, and you can smell why from half a block away. Briarpatch Restaurant has been dishing out legendary French toast and velvety grits since 1980, and the crowds still line up for a taste.
I showed up hungry, left ridiculously happy, and took notes so you can order like a pro. Ready to turn brunch into a sport with zero regrets and plenty of butter?
Very Berry French Toast
Berry confetti hits the table before your fork even arrives. The Very Berry French Toast is plush brioche with a custardy middle and caramelized edges that whisper crunch.
Syrup gathers at the corners like applause, while powdered sugar keeps things festive. Here is the move: a berry on each bite.
Strawberries bring brightness, blueberries bring jammy depth, and raspberries drop a tart mic. The bread soaks without getting soggy, which feels like magic and probably a little technique.
I first tried it after a morning walk down Park Ave and promptly stopped talking mid-sentence. You will too.
Ask for an extra napkin and a side of bacon for balance, because balance matters when joy runs this high.
Stone-Ground Cheese Grits
These grits do not whisper comfort, they sing it. Creamy, cheesy, and unapologetically rich, they hold a spoon like a firm handshake.
One bite and you forget every underseasoned bowl you ever met. Order them solo or as a side, then guard the bowl like a dragon.
The texture lands right between silky and substantial, with gentle butter notes and a cheddar finish that lingers. A crack of black pepper adds a nudge you will appreciate.
I once made the mistake of agreeing to share. Never again.
Pair with eggs or shrimp if available, or slide them alongside fried chicken for a brunch power play.
Short Rib Benedict
Runny yolk meets slow-braised glory and nobody remains calm. The Short Rib Benedict stacks buttery biscuit, tender beef, and poached eggs under a smoky chipotle hollandaise.
It is a saucy tower with serious intention. The short rib is fall-apart soft without being stringy.
Hollandaise brings warmth, not heat, so you still taste every layer. The biscuit stands up to it all, which is half the battle won.
I recommend a side of home fries for crispy relief between bites. If you are sharing, pre-negotiate your portion or prepare for betrayal.
This is the kind of benedict that makes schedules flexible and mornings better.
California Benedict
Sunshine on a muffin is the vibe. The California Benedict keeps things breezy with ripe avocado, tomato, and a clean, lemony hollandaise over poached eggs.
The yolk drapes like a silk scarf and suddenly the day looks easy. It is lighter than the short rib version, but not shy on flavor.
Avocado adds richness, tomato lifts it with acid, and the muffin delivers that necessary toast crunch. A sprinkle of herbs ties it together.
When I crave something bright that still feels indulgent, this is the order. Add a squeeze of lemon if they offer it.
You will finish feeling satisfied without slowing down your Park Ave wander.
Raspberry Lemon Pancakes
These pancakes arrive like a celebration and a dare. Tall, fluffy, and perfumed with lemon, they wear raspberry like a crown.
The plate is big, the portion bigger, and you will negotiate with yourself after bite two. Lemon cream keeps things bright while the berries add sweet-tart swagger.
The edges hold a delicate crisp, the centers stay pillowy, and the whole stack soaks syrup with dramatic flair. Sharing is smart, but solo victory tastes better.
I once boxed half, then ate the box half an hour later. Pace yourself.
Coffee helps, and so does a friend who believes in leftovers.
Thai Banana Pancakes (Special)
When Thai Banana pops onto the specials board, do not hesitate. Banana-scented pancakes arrive with caramelized rounds, coconut, and a whisper of warming spice.
The syrup leans caramel, not cloying, so flavors stay sharp. Sesame adds a nutty snap that surprises in a good way.
Each forkful brings soft fruit, gentle heat, and tropical cheer. It is vacation energy without leaving Park Ave. I stumbled into these once and talked about them for a week.
Ask your server early, because specials go fast. If they are out, order the raspberry lemon and keep your spirit high.
Nutella Waffle
Chocolate-hazelnut fans, assemble. The Nutella Waffle lands with crispy edges, an airy center, and glossy swirls of Nutella that melt into each pocket.
Strawberries keep it lively and prevent total chocolate hypnosis. It is sweet, sure, but not a sugar overload if you pace yourself.
I like a small pour of syrup just to underline the crunch. A whipped cream cloud never hurts.
Grab this when you want dessert for breakfast with zero judgment. Split it as a table starter if you are planning savory mains.
You will not see regrets, only clean plates.
Southwest Omelette
Spice without drama defines this omelette. It is fluffy, well-seasoned, and happily overloaded with peppers, onions, and cheese.
Salsa and avocado on top make it brunch with confidence. The portion could fuel a morning stroll and a shopping lap.
Home fries arrive golden and crisp, adding crunch to every bite. A dash of hot sauce is optional, not required.
On a busy Saturday, this is my reliable pick. It travels well into leftovers, though that scenario is rare.
Order coffee, settle in, and watch plates parade by like edible postcards.
Smoked Salmon Scramble
Creamy eggs meet smoky salmon and manners disappear. The scramble is soft, custardy, and folded with generous fish, not tiny confetti.
It tastes like someone respected the eggs and the ocean equally. A flaky biscuit leans buttery and warm, ready for jam or nothing at all.
Home fries go big and crispy outside, tender inside. The plate feels like a gentle flex from the kitchen.
If you love savory breakfasts that do not feel heavy, this hits. I add lemon if I spot a wedge.
Either way, you will leave plotting your next visit.
Bacon Jam Burger
Yes, brunch can absolutely involve a burger. This one brings a rich bacon jam that leans smoky-sweet, melted cheese, and a juicy patty cooked to request.
The bun holds its dignity until the last bite. It is a mountain, so plan your angle of attack.
Fries land hot and salty, perfect for swiping through escaped jam. Napkins are not optional.
I ordered it once as a split and refused to split. If you are torn between sweet and savory, pair this with a side of grits.
You will call it balance and be completely correct.
Bellini And Brunch Cocktails
Brunch sparkles brighter with a bellini in hand. The peach is fresh, the bubbles cheerful, and the vibe instant weekend.
If you lean smoky, the mezcal margarita turns heads without hijacking the meal. These are not sledgehammers, they are companions.
Sip between bites of something buttery and see how flavors high-five. Hydration matters, so water chaser recommended.
I love starting with a bellini when the patio hums. It sets the tone for slow bites and good conversation.
Just pace yourself, because the menu keeps tempting.
Sticky Bun Starter
Order this first and thank yourself later. The sticky bun is a spiral of buttery dough lacquered in glossy caramel and toasted pecans.
It pulls apart in satisfying ribbons that beg for coffee. Sweet, yes, but not toothache territory.
The nuts bring crunch and a roasty note that keeps bites interesting. Sharing buys goodwill before you monopolize the entrees.
I have used this as a table truce more than once. Warmth plus sugar equals instant harmony.
Save a piece for last or surrender to the moment.
Home Fries, Done Right
These potatoes are not background actors. Big-cut, golden, and audibly crisp, they deliver fluffy centers that prove care in the kitchen.
A dusting of herbs nudges them from simple to memorable. They anchor omelettes, cuddle up to benedicts, and disappear fast.
Ketchup is optional, hot sauce welcome, and stealing from a friend is expected. Consider ordering extra, then pretend you misheard.
Once, my table debated whether they were best in town. Silence followed the second round.
That is a yes, in potato language.
Park Ave Patio Strategy
The patio is prime time if noise bothers you. Indoors gets lively and tight, which is part of the charm, but outside brings breezes and people watching.
Show up early, put your name in, and stroll the avenue until the text buzzes. Weekends move fast, and the line can snake, yet the turnover stays efficient.
Staff handle the rush with friendly precision. Bring sunglasses and patience, both will pay off.
I like to time my arrival near opening on weekdays. Coffee in hand, sun on the table, and a plan to order big.
It turns brunch into a mini vacation.
Service That Shines
Names stick because service sticks. I have had friendly help from Daniel, Jill, and Rayna on different visits, each guiding choices like seasoned pros.
Water stays full, questions get real answers, and special requests land smoothly. Even on packed mornings, the vibe stays upbeat.
Seating can feel close, but the team keeps things moving with grace. You feel looked after rather than rushed.
When a server points you to a sleeper hit, listen. That is how I found the salmon scramble and never looked back.
Tip kindly, they earn it here.
