Tampa’s Top Brunch Hot Spots

Brunch isn’t just a morning meal or midday repast. It can extend throughout the day at some Tampa area restaurants. It can be high-end or low key, a time to dress up or a time to get down. Set aside a few hours, even the entire day, and check out some of these top Tampa brunch hot spots this weekend.

Datz

Weekend brunch at Datz is a big deal. Portions are big. Coffee doesn’t get much bigger than the 22 oz. cappuccino or latte. Even the hours are big thanks to the extended Sunday brunch to ”brinner” service that keeps brunch dishes coming from the kitchen all day until closing.

Datz specializes in “comfort food with flair” but there may be ways to make a dish even tastier by, what else, adding bacon. Who wouldn’t want to “bacon up” a warm, gooey mound of Monkey Bread? Add some sizzle to a salad with a drizzle of bacon sherry vinaigrette? Or select a side of bacon from the selections offered?

Those in the know dine at Datz and also find time to go to Dough, the sweeter, smaller sibling that further whets appetites with tempting homemade doughnuts, cupcakes and ice cream. datztampa.com/

Marchand’s Bar and Grill

An elegant, elevated brunch experience is just across the bay at The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club.

Within the downtown St. Petersburg luxury resort, Marchand’s Bar & Grill offers a fine dining option that invites you to dine at your leisure at this Mediterranean Revival-style landmark while sampling selections from its lavish Sunday brunch buffet.

Create a custom omelet, sample sushi and fresh seafood or enjoy freshly carved selections of featured meats. The Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar lets you layer on all kinds of condiments like house-made jerky and pickled vegetables plus you get to pick your preferred vodka! marriott.com

Oxford Exchange

A smartly designed restaurant, retail and event space that originated as a stable for a swanky winter resort quickly established itself as one of the signature brunch spots in the area.

Since opening in 2012 after a major renovation marked by installations of Italian marble, reclaimed white oak and leather wall panels, the Oxford Exchange constantly teems with a well-dressed, well-connected crowd. These fashionable folks are as wired by its technology as by the Buddy Brew coffee served there.

Seasonal, local and organic ingredients create an enticing brunch menu which also includes a signature Bloody Mary and champagnes served solo or blended with select juices. Brunch reservations are a must both Saturday and Sunday and be sure to take time to browse the global collection of curated merchandise on display. oxfordexchange.com/

Goody Goody Burgers

Goody Goody was an iconic Tampa eatery beloved for its burgers and butterscotch pie. When its doors closed in 2005, many mourned.

Fortunately, restaurateur Richard Gonzmart, of the Columbia Restaurant family fame, re-booted the brand and rebuilt it as a contemporary diner in the heart of historic Hyde Park. The cheery, bright interior features seats at the counter, booths, tables, table service outdoors plus a takeout window.

The menu includes updated traditional dishes and newcomers that fit right in. Prime dining times can be crowded so plan accordingly. Fortunately, no matter what time your party is seated, breakfast is always on the menu. Omelets, French toast, breakfast sandwiches and more are served all day every day.

Pro tip: You can beat the crowds by downloading the NoWait app (nowait.com/guests), which allows you to add your name on the seating list before you arrive. Monitor where you are in line while you stroll around Hyde Park Village and then arrive when your phone buzzes to tell you that your table is ready.

goodygoodyburgers.com/

Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe

Some Sundays demand to be celebrated with soul, song and sass and Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe is just the place. Located in the eclectic Seminole Heights neighborhood north of downtown Tampa, Ella’s is where you let down your hair, kick your heels up, sip delicious cocktails and load up on some oh-so-good soul food while listening to live music and admiring original art.

Don’t be shy about side dishes when selections include sweet potato salad and smoked watermelon and apple slaw. Leave plenty of room for Southern delicacies such as fried chicken and waffles and fried catfish or a big ol’ brisket smoked to perfection. Forget the diet, never mind the following day is Monday and get set to get down at Ella’s during Soul Food Sundays. ellasfolkartcafe.com/

Feature Image Credit: Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe