Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille

At this brunch, you might end up singin’ the blues. But you won’t be sad about it. Because the Blues Brunch at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille is pitch-perfect for Sunday Funday. Situated alongside downtown’s lively Riverwalk, Mattison’s Executive Chef and proprietor Chef Paul Mattison has designed an upscale brunch featuring only fresh, natural and local ingredients.

On the menu are the usual brunch staples dressed in their Sunday best. For the breakfast lovers, there is Niman Steak and Eggs, a Three-egg Omelet Niman Ranch or Stuffed French Toast. And with the Riverwalk only steps away, the Riverwalk Breakfast (two eggs any style, home fries, toast with bacon or ham) always seems a good option. A post-brunch stroll along the Riverwalk will help you feel less guilty about ordering the Breakfast Sundae. At Mattison’s, having the blues never felt so good.

The Sandbar Restaurant Serves Up a Jazzy Brunch

On the north end of Anna Maria island, another happening spot, The Sandbar Restaurant—a favorite of locals and tourists alike for its fresh Florida seafood—hosts a brunch with live Jazz music every Sunday. Located directly on the beach with an unobstructed view of the gulf waters, you can nosh the hours away with your toes in the sand, a mimosa in hand and waves of jazz providing the soundtrack to your Sunday.

With a long list of brunch entrees, your hardest decision of the day will be what to order. The ample menu features a full-range of locally sourced appetizers, salads, sandwiches, sides, drinks and (naturally) seafood—such as the Gulf Seafood Quiche, the Seafood Hash browns and Crab Cake Benedict.

Sage Biscuit is a Wise Choice

Sage is culinary herb native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It’s also a person of immense wisdom. And when you come to Sage Biscuit in downtown Bradenton (or near Cortez Village), you can experience the aromatic flavors on your palette and feel pretty smart about your decision to make this your destination of choice for brunch.

As the name suggests, the sage biscuit is their signature inspiration. But it’s the wide variety of homemade from scratch dishes—including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options (with most everything on the menu made from scratch)—that has made them a local favorite.

And as many sages do, Sage Biscuit has developed a loyal following for their eclectic and satisfying brunch menu. In additional to brunch classics like Two Eggs and Meat, Oatmeal and a host of Benedicts, we highly recommend the Sage Biscuits and Gravy, which is smothered in Chef Joe’s thick and creamy sausage gravy. But if you want to keep things lite, there’s also the Tofu Scramble, Veggie Hash or low-carb Breakfast Wrap. 

Whitney’s LBK

Housed in a former gas station-turned-mid-century-inspired café, Whitney’s LBK is a popular favorite for brunch. Their casual spot offers elevated brunch favorites like their Egg Sammy with house-made tomato jam and their eggs benedict, made with a crab cake instead of ham. Whitney’s location is lush and beautiful with many favoring their outdoor dining to enjoy brunch under the warm Florida sun.

Brunch wouldn’t be complete without a cocktail (or three). At Whitney’s you can order the fan favorite Frosé (made from rosé and dreams, according to the staff) or you choose one of their craft cocktails. Larger groups will appreciate the group margarita which serves up to four people!

Food + Beer

Located in south Bradenton, Food + Beer has a pretty simple concept for their customers: come here to eat food and drink beer. And while that sounds simple enough, choosing your brunch option at this casual spot might not be as easy as it seems. Sure, you can get the traditional southern brunch options like biscuits and gravy or avocado toast, but the further you get down the menu the more you’ll see that you’ll want to bring a big appetite to dine here. Try indulging in their Fried Chicken and Red Velvet Waffle or feast on a Huge Freakin’ Breakfast Burrito (their words!).

And as the name of the restaurant implies, beer is abundant here. For brunch, beer lovers should be sure to order the PBR Hard Coffee with salted caramel, or you can just go with one of the many local craft brews on tap. Mimosa lovers will appreciate their bottomless mimosa bar, or the mimosa flight that comes with four different flavors.