Sunday is the day that our family comes together, my parents included, either for Sunday Brunch at a local restaurant or at home. When my children were little I cooked a mean spread after church that was filled with Southern favorites like biscuits and sausage gravy. I adore brunch and am thankful for the 19th century English for inventing it. Who doesn’t love leisurely noshing on sinfully delicious food between the hours of 10am to 3pm? With that, I give you a few favorites on 30A West. That would be restaurants on 30A, west of Grayton Beach proper, before Uptown Grayton (not included on this list).
1. Vue 30A in Santa Rosa Beach near Gulf Place is the best spot on 30A to dine with a view of the Gulf. The menu at Vue on 30A offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for your senses and is the only restaurant on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A that has been voted as having the Best Waterfront Dining by Florida Travel + Life Magazine, and most recently the “Best Place to Watch a Sunset” by the readers of Destin Magazine. Chef Giovanni Filippone brings his extensive training from the Culinary Institute of America, along with sixteen years of experience to the stunning restaurant space. Enjoy the Fried Oyster Eggs Benedict and sip on a Mimosa while taking in the gorgeous natural scenery.
2. Maries Bistro in Blue Mountain Beach is the quintessential eatery on 30A that has a heavily influenced local crowd. The owners, Hanie and Marie, make you feel like you are at home and serve with love and pride. Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They offer a buffet or menu to enjoy with one complimentary Mimosa, or can you choose all you care to eat & bottomless for $20 till 2 pm.
3. I have written about Oliver Petit’s Red Bar in Grayton Beach on countless occasions over the decades, and have enjoyed this hangout as many times with family and friends. It is where those entering the front door are stepping into a musical church of sorts. The Red Bar pairs food and fellowship together each Sunday, beginning at 11am. While listening to the legendary Dread Clampitt, order the Shrimp & Grits from the chalkboard menu along with the popular Bloody Mary or Double Mimosa on the side. It is cash only, but there is an ATM on site.
After Brunch: Another Sunday favorite is Local Catch Bar & Grill in Blue Mountain Beach. When you wrap up brunching, keep Sunday Funday flowing by heading to Local Catch where Forrest Williams and other local musicians will be playing tunes to a small crowd of patrons who might also be enjoying football on one of the many televisions. There are special deals on drinks and food. One of my favorite menu items is the finger licking good house made chicken wings, and the pork tacos are always tops on the locals list.
Lagniappe (a little something extra):
Dune Allen:
Having lived in New Orleans it is not difficult to choose Stinky’s Fish Camp as a favorite for brunch. With a motto stating, “It is what it is, and it ain’t what it ain’t”, Chef Jim Richard, Brannon Janca, and Todd Misener and team, have captured the essence of South Louisiana’s bayou country and put it on a plate to savor. They even make their own boudin in house! Try the Grits & Griadlles, Rockstar Crawfish, Pie, and definitely the signature Bloody Mary. Their new restaurant Trebeache at Redfish Village opened in January and also serves brunch.
Visit GulfCoastRestaurants.com, our sister site, for the best restaurants on where to dine along the Emerald Coast. Showcasing menus, maps, photos and more!
Pork Taco: Susan Benton, 30AEats.com
Top Photo: @30astreetstyle instagram
Red Bar: SoWal.com
