Brunch in Miami isn’t just a meal—it’s an attitude. It’s that perfect blend of late mornings, a little laziness, and a whole lot of coffee poured into glasses that are way too fancy for “just coffee.” Over the years of working in restaurants, I’ve developed a sixth sense for good brunch. It’s somewhere between knowing when the avocados are ripe and spotting a mimosa tower before it hits the table. Miami, of course, has plenty of spots that make your taste buds dance, but three always hit the mark for me: First Watch, Another Broken Egg Café, and Café Americano.
Let’s start with First Watch. I know it’s a chain, but hear me out—there’s no weak link in the bunch. Every location feels like they took the time to think about what people actually want in the morning. Their avocado toast could have its own Instagram account, and I wouldn’t complain. They make it big, bold, and unapologetically covered in fresh toppings that make you feel like you’re winning at life before noon. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the lemon ricotta pancakes are like fluffy little clouds with just the right kiss of citrus. I had them once on a day when I barely slept the night before, and I swear they brought me back to life better than any coffee shot ever could. The service? Always friendly. You never feel like you’re bothering anyone for that second (or third) refill.
Then there’s Another Broken Egg Café, tucked into the Pembroke Lakes Mall. I’ll admit, the first time I went, I didn’t expect much—it’s inside a mall, after all. But wow, I was wrong. Their menu feels like brunch on steroids, and I mean that in the best way. Think cinnamon roll French toast that comes out looking like it belongs in a pastry case, or shrimp and grits so creamy you’d swear someone’s grandmother was stirring the pot all morning. I’ve sat there people-watching between bites, and there’s always this funny mix: mall walkers grabbing omelets, families negotiating pancake toppings, and tired shoppers just trying to regain strength. The vibe is relaxed, but the food is way more than “mall food.” It’s the kind of place you leave thinking, “Okay, I didn’t plan on eating this much, but I regret nothing.”
And then, of course, Collins Ave’s Café Americano. This spot is a little flashier, right in the heart of where tourists, locals, and everyone in between converge. Think leather booths, a little glitz, and a menu that somehow makes a basic omelet feel like a luxury item. I’ve had brunch here after late nights out on the beach, and nothing hits harder than their steak and eggs with a Bloody Mary on the side. It feels indulgent in a way brunch should feel. The café gives off this “see and be seen” energy—you might overhear a wild story from the next table or end up chatting with someone who just landed in Miami that morning. I love that kind of unpredictability in a brunch spot. Food-wise, it’s reliable, flavorful, and presented with that little Miami flair.
What ties all three together is how they treat brunch as more than just a meal. Each place knows people come in not just for eggs and coffee, but for a reset. A moment where the week slows down, even if just for an hour. Whether you’re sipping lattes at First Watch, indulging in sugar at Another Broken Egg, or feeling bougie at Café Americano, brunch is Miami’s way of reminding you that life’s too short to eat boring breakfasts.
And honestly, isn’t that what brunch is really about? It’s less about the clock and more about giving yourself permission to linger—over pancakes, over gossip, over that second mimosa you didn’t need but ordered anyway. Miami nails it, and these three spots prove that no matter where you end up, the best kind of brunch is the one you actually enjoy.