The SATURDAY SIX Ranks the Best BRUNCHES at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando

This week’s SATURDAY SIX takes a look at our favorite BRUNCHES at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Longtime readers of this blog series may remember last year when our crack foodie team completed a years long special investigation into finding The Best Chicken Sandwiches at Disney Springs. Well, we have good news because their cholesterol levels have come down to an acceptable level (maybe not to anyone with a medical degree, but to me at least) so we’re back to take a look at one of our favorite meals in the theme park foodie world: BRUNCH.

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have a whole bunch of great places to get brunch, and we’re going to kick off our ranking with…

#  6 – Bigfire American Fare

Our first stop is the most recent addition to Orlando’s brunch arsenal, Bigfire at Universal CityWalk.

Bigfire is on the walking path from the CityWalk hub to Islands of Adventure.

There are two levels of seating inside Big fire along with some outdoor tables as well.

The brunch menu is available on Sundays, from 11:30AM to 2:30PM.

Woodfire Steak & Eggs – Before ordering, we asked if the eggs for this dish were fresh eggs or the scrambled egg mixture that they use at the onsite hotels. Sever said they they were real eggs, and recommended adding cheese. He added they were “the creamiest and fluffiest scrambled eggs you have ever eaten”… and he was right.

Bigfire Omelet – This was a breakfast item to die for, with soft eggs, creamy cheese and tender ribeye pieces inside.

For those who have never ate at Bigfire, one of their signature “dishes” at dinner is the Tableside S’mores.

How incredible is this gimmick? One of the most fun dessert options at Universal or Disney.

Well, the brunch menu has a tribute to that dessert with the S’mores Pancakes. No hyperbole, these pancakes were enormous. They also somehow taste even better than they look, as they are smothered in butter, chocolate and marshmallows. The table beside us cut the pancakes into 8 pieces and shared with a big group.

The S’mores Pancakes are worth going out of your way to experience (and you might want to come back for dinner at Bigfire to try the S’mores dessert.)

My recommendation? Run, don’t walk, to this brunch option. While it’s extremely new to CityWalk, the brunch experience seems like it’s already a big hit for a restaurant that generally only does dinner. Easy to make reservations on the official Universal app.

# 5 – Olivia’s Café

I think one of the true “Best Kept Secrets” at Disney isn’t the Disney Vacation Club itself, but the fact that anyone can go to the table service restaurants at DVC resorts, even without staying there. Olivia’s Café at Old Key West is one of my favorites because you can take a nice boat ride from Disney Springs to get there. Don’t get me wrong, there are a bunch of incredible brunch options at Disney Springs (several of which we’ll cover in this very article,) but Springs can also become BUSY whereas Old Key West is much more low key.

 

Brunch at Olivia’s is available DAILY, 7:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Reservations are not required, but it’s recommend because brunch is such a special meal period.

Indoor and outdoor seating is available. The dining room is adorned with old Florida decorations and photos of some of the first members to ever join Disney Vacation Club.

A must-do when you’re at a Key West themed destination is to order Conch Fritters. Conch is a high-protein shellfish which is usually sweet and mild. Many folks compare the taste and texture of conch to fried clam strips. They are chewy, and in the case of these Conch Fritters, the conch meat is diced and rolled into the fritters. The serving yielded seven fritters and currently is offered with Key Lime Mustard.

If the S’mores Pancakes were the must-order item for foodies with a sweet tooth at Bigfire, the Banana Bread French Toast at Olivia’s is that dishes spiritual cousin. From the photo you might assume this dish is dense, but they are light and fluffy.

If you are a fan of salads, the Caesar at Olivia’s is a good option that you can also top with chicken or shrimp.

The Crab Cake-Eggs Benedict is one dish that doesn’t really deliver in the way you want. Crab cakes are always difficult to pull off well without getting into a pricey product. Most restaurants skimp on the crab meat and beef up the filling to save cost, and I would put Olivia’s in that grouping. If you’re craving seafood, go for the Conch Fritters or the Shrimp and Grits instead.

For some reason, the Chicken & Waffles option is not on the current Olivia’s brunch menu, but I’m going to do everything I can to get them to bring it back. Time to up my letter writing campaign from one letter a week to two letters. Olivia’s has a cheeseburger option but not chicken & waffles? C’mon now!

Olivia’s Café is one of the most underrated restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. It consistently gets high rankings from TouringPlans readers, but you almost never see it talked about compared to other more high profile venues. Be sure to experience this place at least once during your travels and you won’t regret it.

# 4 – Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Whereas Olivia’s Café has an Every Day Brunch, my beloved Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal CityWalk has an Every Day, ALL DAY Brunch menu. Actually, the menu at Toothsome used to tout an all day breakfast, but somewhere along the lines they must have decided that brunch sounds better to guests.

For me, the go-to item is the Chocolate Waffle. Why, because any item that includes “crushed OREOS” is worth getting it my book.

Another waffle to try? Bananas Foster. This is incredible.

Other options on the brunch section of Toothsome menu includes crêpes, quiche and sandwiches. These aren’t the type of items I would personally get, but the people I’m with enjoy them.

Currently off the brunch menu is the amazing Banana and Hazelnut French Toast. Personally hoping this one comes back because I enjoy French toast much more than I do crêpes.

I’m actually asked often “what restaurant at Universal is the best?” and that’s a tough one to answer because of several factors. For example, there’s restaurants that are better for “date nights” compared to those you are taking kids to. However the one restaurant at Universal that you can take anyone to is Toothsome, because it’s the total package. Not only do you have a HUGE menu for varied tastes, but Toothsome is one of those dining “experiences” that  vacationing friends and family have nothing to compare to back home. The steampunk theming, the walk around characters, over-the-top milkshakes and an all day-every day brunch is just some of the things that make Toothsome going out of the way for me.

# 3 – The BOATHOUSE

Let’s head over to Disney Springs and check out The BOATHOUSE, which I consider pound for pound the best overall restaurant in Disney Springs and is always extremely highly ranked by TouringPlans readers. The ambiance can’t be beat and it also serves some absolutely fantastic dishes.

The BOATHOUSE brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays 10:00-2:00 and includes dueling pianos for entertainment. Remember what I said earlier about Disney Springs being busy? Well, if you go to brunch at The BOATHOUSE you’ll experience that first hand. The good news is that there is a TON of seating available.

You have to love a restaurant with a good bread service, and BOATHOUSE over delivers with their Parker House rolls. These are one of those items that you have to stop yourself from asking the server to keep bringing more plates because you’ll fill up way too fast. These are that good.

Here are some of the options we’ve tried at BOATHOUSE brunches. Keep in mind, the brunch options are in addition to the entire lunch menu you can also order from.

We’ve had the Belgian Waffle at the brunch, but the current menu offers a Bischoff Cookie Waffle that sounds even better (and hopefully looks better than what we got.)

Here’s a couple more options that also aren’t on the current brunch menu (although you can get Shrimp and Grits, Steak and Eggs, and Chorizo Breakfast Tacos.)

The BOATHOUSE Bloody Mary is spicy. One theme park blogging pro tip? Wear a captain’s hat to The BOATHOUSE and you just might get a surprise drink…

Speaking of drinks, one thing BOATHOUSE has also been good with his having some exclusive beers available that are served in straight up E-Ticket cans. Take a look at this one for Duck Duck Beer by Sailfish brewing. The can artwork features a rubber duck in an amphicar with The BOATHOUSE in the background. The rubber duck is referencing the restaurant’s iconic DUCK DUCK RAZZ cocktail.

The amphicar is something you may want to check out when taking your family to brunch at The BOATHOUSE. Talk about a unique experience!

While sitting in the amphicar as it drives (sails?) across the water, you’ll get an incredible viewpoint of both Disney Springs and the Saratoga Springs DVC Resort while getting some fun stories from your captain.

As a guest, it’s always wild seeing people on the water in these amphicars, but it is definitely something every Disney fan should add to their bucket list to check out.

# 2 – Homecomin’

I will fully admit to being biased on this one because I consider Art Smith’s Homecomin’ to be my personal favorite restaurant at Disney Springs.

Brunch at Homcomin’ every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00AM – 1:00PM. The regular menu at Homecomin’ is also available starting after 11:00AM.

The Church Lady Deviled Eggs are available on both the Brunch and regular menus, and are definitely a must get item.

Any “side” at Homecomin’ is just incredible. Whether it be their mac & cheese or their soups.

I mean this is just nuts.

Always recommend making sure you’re in the restaurant when the Thigh-Hi Chicken Biscuits are available on the main menu. They are one of the best items in Walt Disney World in my book, and be sure to ask for an extra side of hot honey.

I can’t think of a dish at Homecomin’ that isn’t awesome. The venue may not have all the bells and whistles that you’ll find at The BOATHOUSE, but the menu delivers in a big way.

# 1 – Acoustic Brunch at Hard Rock Hotel

On Sundays from 10:30AM-2PM The Kitchen at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel offers the Acoustic Brunch. Just an incredible dining experience and has what I consider the best overall buffet. Period.

The atmosphere with the live music combined with the fantastic food is just off-the-charts.

There are many serving containers with all your normal breakfast buffet staples, but the kitchen staff is also making specials such as the MUST GET Elvis French Toast.

I’ve been to pretty much every place at Universal and Disney that offer breakfast options, and this dish is my favorite of them all.

The griddle station is where you’ll find the specialty waffles and pancake options.

There is also an omelet station that offers a special omelet, but you can always ask the chefs for whatever you want.

All the staples of your standard breakfast buffet are here, including a carving station. The Acoustic Brunch is just wonderful.

Honorable Mention – Raglan Road

In addition to what we already mentioned, Disney Springs has several other venues to get brunch including House of Blues, Maria and Enzo’s, and Summer House. However I think the best of this bunch would be Raglan Road. I love that the menu itself is cheeky, with items like “Pancakes. Yes. We Make Them Too” and the “Hipsters Lament.” I mean that’s my kind of place.

The stout bread with apple butter at Raglan for every meal is one of my favorites at Disney.

The lively atmosphere and unique menu at Raglan really separate it from the pack at Disney Springs and I bet for a large amount of readers this option would be in their top 3 brunch in Orlando.

DOUBLE SECRET HONORABLE MENTIONS – BLunch and More!

Let’s head over to the Grand Floridian and check out… BLunch?

Yes, Blunch.

Not sure how BLunch exists, but the menu at the Grand Flo Café is pretty decent.

If you don’t want to head to a Disney Deluxe Resort but you want have a classy brunch, you can’t go wrong with Wine Bar George at Disney Springs.

So there you have it: The SATURDAY SIX Looks at our Favorite BRUNCHES at WDW and Universal Orlando! See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out the THEME PARK ENJOYMENT INDEX, giving a monthly recap of all the theme park news you need to know (and a lot more you don’t need to know, but we’re gonna tell you anyway). You can also follow Your Humble Author on BlueSky (@derekburgan).

If you enjoyed this article, you will surely like the following: 

Theme Park Turkeys of the Year Archives

The SATURDAY SIX Celebrates 10 Years of @bioreconstruct

SATURDAY SIX Tribute to Josh easyWDW

SATURDAY SIX Tribute to Ian Barritt

Special Thanks to The Elite Brandon Glover, Digital Maestro Scott Walker, the bio-est of all reconstructs @bioreconstruct, Captain Cruiseline Scott Sanders of the world famous Disney Cruise Line Blog, my personal protege Hunter “Elvey” Underwood, artist @SonderQuest, the mighty maven of merchandise Hedgehog’s Corner, the SAT SIX Fun Squad of Parkscope Joe and “the Dadalorian” Nick, hot shot Michael Carelli, charter member of the Universal Four @Nitro230, the permit princess Alicia Stella, master cartographer Tommy Hawkins, and Hermione Granger’s tutor Megan Stump for their invaluable assistance with this article. Absolutely no help was added by SeaWorld Influencer @SuperWeenieHtJr. The SAT SIX is inspired each week by goofballs Aengus Mackenzie and LitemAndHide and you Potterheads will enjoy Meg’s other blog work over at the Central Florida Slug Club.