When it comes down to it, brunch is just breakfast plus lunch – plus booze. What could be better? Some of our morning hangouts:
The Briarpatch
A Winter Park brunch favorite with hung-over Rollins students and prim Winter Park residents alike. Don't miss the the truffle fried eggs with Nueske's slab bacon. 252 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-628-8651, thebriarpatchrestaurant.com
Cask & Larder
The menu is wide and varied with gourmet Southern twists, but the Nashville hot chicken and waffles is the crowd-pleaser. 565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 321-280-4200, caskandlarder.com
Dexter's Thornton Park
You can count on Dexter's to do you right, from the cheddar grits with shrimp and andouille sausage to the dog-friendliest patio in town.
808 E. Washington St., 407-648-2777, thorntonpark.dexwine.com
Maxine's
Comfort classics like biscuits & gravy and eggs Benedict are turned up to 11 here. On the drinks front, find three different sizes of mimosas, made with six different kinds of juice. 337 N. Shine Ave., 407-674-6841, maxinesonshine.com
Santiago's Bodega
The massive all-you-can-eat buffet (which includes leg of lamb, prime rib and giant crab legs) makes for an endless graze, and servers refill bottomless mimosas or sangria until you beg them to stop. 802 Virginia Drive, 407-412-6979, santiagosbodega.com
Soco
This ain't no Hollandaise-in-a-can joint: Try Southern-fried quail and waffles, fresh buttermilk biscuits and gravy with crispy pork belly, and a lengthy "brunch libations" menu. 629 E. Central Blvd., 407-849-1800, socothorntonpark.com
White Wolf Café
An Orlando classic housed in a former antique shop where the atmosphere is as important as the food. They're justifiably proud of their crab cake-and-avocado eggs Benedict. 1829 N .Orange Ave., 407-895-9911, whitewolfcafe.com
