Top 4 Brunch Spots in Tallahassee

By Alexia Gonzalez on June 1, 2014

As a health conscious (and self-aware) female college student, I understand the importance of staying physically fit and maintaining a healthy diet with consistent exercise. I’ve adapted this kind of lifestyle and have found it to be the most successful way to go. So that’s me, counting calories and avoiding unhealthy foods Monday through Friday. However once Saturday arrives, I conform to a much less nutritious routine. The way I see it, my weekly sacrifice and hard work leads to a glorious weekend reward, or what I like to call brunch.

Any close friend of mine would tell you just how much I look forward to my favorite meal of the week. In my mind, meatless Mondays, avoiding carbs at dinnertime, and daily work outs, are only a few of the hurdles standing between me and a beloved chicken and waffles dish on Sunday morning. It pleases me to say that during my time in Tallahassee, I have unearthed some truly exceptional brunch spots. Located all around the campus area, these local eateries will have you voluntarily waking up early on the weekends. If you’re willing to give it a try, then stay active and eat right this week and come Saturday you will be more than deserving of a decadent afternoon brunch.

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Paisley Café - 1123 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303

After putting off my visit for quite some time, I am so glad that I finally made the trip to Paisley Café.  This cozy little restaurant is a dazzling culinary gem tucked away on Thomasville Road.  Owner Kiersten Lee has successfully crafted an intimate and eclectic setting, made perfect for a family brunch or romantic afternoon date.  Diners enter through an outdoor courtyard, which leads into the main room where they are greeted by a friendly staff.  The quaint seating and trendy décor exude a very laid back atmosphere, with chic wall fixtures and colorful chairs.  All dishes are prepared with top quality and locally sourced ingredients, such as the candied smoked sausage in their grits and collard dish. But let me tell you a thing or two about the Paisley Café brunch specials.  How about some creamy smoked Gouda cheese grits with gulf shrimp or a pancetta and Brie sandwich pressed to crispy perfection?  Oh yeah, I said Brie.  Aside from a lust for cheese, I came here with an aching sweet tooth and was definitely not disappointed.  I satisfied my sugar craving with their fluffy Nutella bread pudding and rounded the meal off with a tangy blueberry mimosa topped with fresh fruit.  Suffice to say, my first experience at Paisley left me with a satisfied appetite and a desire to return for another delicious meal.  Quit neglecting your taste buds and urge a friend to join you for a fabulous brunch this weekend at “Paisley Café.”

The Bada Bean - 2500 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32301 

“Bada Bean” is certainly one of my top choices for breakfast in Tallahassee. Although it’s a little further away from campus, the extra drive is completely worth the diverse options and affordable prices. Opened in 2001 by Wendy Neubauer, this “coffee shop on crack” has developed into a regular spot for hungry locals looking for a hearty meal. The small dining room is enhanced with a quirky mobster theme and the aroma of fresh coffee perpetually lingers in the air. The best part about this family owned establishment is that brunch is always available thanks to the permanent breakfast menu. All of Wendy’s homemade creations offer something for any type of appetite, ranging from one of a kind daily specials, to legendary staple dishes such as the decadent cinnamon roll pancakes or the savory mountain of crispy home fries topped with grilled onions, chunks of pot roast, and scrambled eggs smothered in hollandaise sauce, otherwise known as the bodyguard. Not only is the food delightful, they brew some of the best java in town. “Bada Bean’s” gourmet coffee selection is almost dessert worthy, boasting divine concoctions such as the rich and chocolatey snickers coffee. If you’re more of a cream and sugar kind of guy, try out their self-serve coffee counter where you can continuously refill on a variety of flavorful roasts. Whether you’re looking for a simple plate of perfectly cooked eggs, or in the mood for something a little more exciting (peanut butter and banana French toast anybody?), come and visit this amazing location. “Bada Bean” has more than earned its spot as a top ranking brunch competitor.

Prime Time - 1921 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304

“Prime Time” is a spot best known for its popular happy hour specials and festive atmosphere. Located close to campus, it has become the go to place for celebratory birthday dinners, out-of-towners, and special date nights. The loungey ambience of the main room and outdoor patio, both decked out with full bars, separate it from any average restaurant. The bar area and open seating layout are designed for easy socializing with surrounding diners. This is probably why brunch at “Prime Time” always feels like more of a party rather than just a yummy meal, especially considering the all you can drink mimosa special and bloody mary bar stocked with every imaginable accouterment. The array of brunch options crafted by the “A-rated” Chef Paul himself, are sure to please any morning appetite. Cure a Sunday hangover with the epic Fat Boy Breakfast Burrito (the name says it all), rolled up with two fried eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, onions, tomatoes, and jalapenos, topped off with a large glazed doughnut. Talk about savory meeting sweet, am I right? For those of you looking for something a bit more low key, try out another tasty treat like the red velvet pancakes with vanilla buttercream frosting, or my personal favorite, the fried chicken and waffles. “Prime Time’s” brunch even offers a “Lite Bite” menu for those devout dieters. Regardless of your flavor preference, “Prime Time” certainly has something for every individual looking to experience a lively weekend brunch.

Canopy Road Café - 1913 N Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32303 & 2202 N.E.Capital Circle, Tallahassee, FL 32308

Upon moving to Tallahassee, one of the very first places that I encountered was Canopy Road Café.  It’s safe to say that I received a warm welcome.  With two locations, one in Midtown and another on Capital Circle, both offer the same delicious fare in a cozy setting.  Perfect for a Sunday brunch on any budget, the extensive menu is full of sweet and savory breakfast options with substantial portions.  During my first visit to Canopy Road, I didn’t hesitate to try their signature sweet potato cakes.  These massive pillow-like pancakes are whipped with sweet potatoes and topped with praline sauce, pecans, and whipped cream.  I remember eating there with my Cuban mother who was moving me into my new apartment prior to my first semester at FSU.  Although she’s lived in Miami for most of her life, her exposure to southern dining was certainly at a minimum.  But with one bite of these sweet potato pancakes, her entire perspective on American cuisine was forever changed.  She can’t wait to come back to Tallahassee and try those “orange potato pancakes.”  Another favorite are the Cap’n Crunch french toast, which are rolled in crushed cereal and fried until golden brown.  The breakfast skillets are a hefty choice for anyone with a deep hunger, serving up three eggs, a mixture of veggies, bacon, home fries, cheeses, and hash browns atop a sizzling iron skillet.  The menu also offers a diverse lineup of home made omelets, breakfast combos, and sandwiches.  So if you’re feeling more concerned about your finances than your diet, I would recommend checking out one of the Canopy Road Café locations for the weekend brunch of a lifetime.

Feeling hungry yet?  Me too.  Luckily you don’t have to wait until the weekend to embark on a satisfying brunch journey.  Grab a table at Bada Bean or Canopy Road this afternoon and try some of those delicious pancakes for yourself. Unless you have the discipline to wait until the weekend and really splurge (I’ll say it again: chicken and waffles), at Paisley Café or Prime Time.  So whether you’re looking to celebrate with doses (of syrup) and mimosas, or craving a classically delicious breakfast, I suggest that you take a morning this weekend to try out one of these delightful spots in Tallahassee.  I promise you won’t be disappointed.

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