There are 85 reasons why The Brunchery has been a Tampa Bay staple since 1985. Their creative menu has more than 80 items, offering a lot of everything for brunchers.
You’ll find common favorites like French toast, waffles, and pancakes on The Brunchery menu. But what makes their French toast special is their homemade cream cheese sauce. The sauce sits atop their warm signature French toast along with strawberries, bananas, and slivered almonds.
Another specialty sauce that’s made from scratch is the hollandaise on their eggs benedict. You can choose from six versions, including the benedict Mona, named after the owner Greg Elliot’s mother.
Elliot’s passion for the restaurant business started at a young age. He has worked in the industry for 50 years and went to school for restaurant management. He’s known for visiting with patrons and making sure their experience at The Brunchery is a positive one. Elliot has a love for The Brunchery and wants residents and tourists alike to love it just as much.
“There’s an eclectic feel to the restaurant,” said Elliot, “a lot of Tampa history.” The family-friendly establishment is historical in its own right; not many can say they’ve been around for 34 years.
During that time, there have been a lot of memories made. “We have had customers meet there, get married, have babies and the babies are now grown and coming in,” Elliot said. “One customer who has been coming into The Brunchery for over 23 years; her daughter is now going to law school this fall. They were just in last week.”
“We have lit numerous sparklers to celebrate birthdays. I have had customers who later became part of our crew.”
“There was an older man and woman who were friends and would travel together with respective spouses. When their spouses passed, the couple then got married in my restaurant and had a small ceremony. What a blessing to be a part of that.”
They even served a military high-command from Austria who, turns out, had the same name as Elliot.
What keeps happy customers returning is the family-friendly environment and delicious food. The Brunchery boasts some of the best burgers in town, and they have five homemade varieties from which to choose. For a lighter option, swap out the bun for a flatbread round.
For the gluten-intolerant, a full line of options is available from waffles and pancakes to sandwiches and burgers.
While The Brunchery has healthy options on their current menu, a new one will be unveiled in the fall featuring fit, light, non-GMO options for the health-conscience. “We’re adding items like an acai bowl, power blend salads, and plant-based burgers, Elliot said. “Protein-packed superfoods that are sustainable and locally-sourced.”
Restaurants are often jammed on the weekend. The Brunchery is no different, but Elliot prides himself on the table turnaround time. “We have one of the shortest wait times in South Tampa,” said Elliot. “The staff works together, efficiently, to get short turnaround times.”
After The Brunchery closes, the space moonlights as an event space, including business meetings, rehearsal dinners, and bridal showers. “It can be utilized for whatever someone wants after we close,” offered Elliot.
The Brunchery slogan is “Breakfast at its best!” Check it out for yourself and see if you agree.
Cover photo courtesy of The Brunchery Facebook
