Fort Myers has quietly become one of Southwest Florida's best brunch destinations. From the walkable River District downtown to the Gulf-front tables on Fort Myers Beach, the city serves up everything from Southern comfort classics to farm-to-table spreads with live music — and enough bottomless mimosa deals to keep your Sunday rolling well past noon.
The brunch scene here covers serious range. You'll find a Food Network-featured Southern cafe pouring catfish and waffles next to a gastropub slinging cannoli french toast, a working farm serving eggs alongside goats, and a Margaritaville resort plating lemon ricotta pancakes with Gulf views. Whether you're a local looking for a new Saturday morning spot or visiting after a day of exploring Fort Myers attractions, these ten restaurants deliver the best brunch in town.
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Quick Navigation: The Standard | Fancy's | Ella Mae's | The Lodge | 10 Twenty Five | Tap 42 | Burntwood Tavern | JWB Grill | Parrot Key | Blossom & Brie | Brunch Tips
1. The Standard
The Standard has earned its reputation as the River District's go-to brunch destination since opening in 2015. Executive Chef Jeremy Kurtz's made-from-scratch kitchen turns out comfort food that feels elevated without being fussy — think buttermilk pancakes stacked tall, eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise, and thick-cut bacon that snaps when you bite it.
What sets The Standard apart is the all-day bottomless mimosa deal. For a flat price, your glass keeps getting filled while you work through a menu that spans both breakfast and lunch. The jazz-inflected weekend vibe and patio seating overlooking Broadway make this feel like an event, not just a meal.
- Address: 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 791-8473
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Best for: Date brunch, bottomless mimosas, groups
- Don't miss: Buttermilk pancakes, eggs Benedict, bottomless mimosas
- Reservations: Recommended on weekends
- Website: thestandardftmyers.com
2. Fancy's Southern Cafe
Featured on Food Network's "Extra Mile," Fancy's brings serious Southern soul to brunch. The crab cake Benedict is the headliner — two pan-seared crab cakes on English muffins with poached eggs and creamy hollandaise — but the catfish and waffles give it a run. Everything is made from scratch, right down to the biscuits and gravy.
Fancy's doesn't do pretense. The vibe is warm, loud, and welcoming, with a full bar pouring Bloody Marys and mimosas. Portions are generous enough that you'll want to skip dinner. Arrive early on weekends — this place fills up fast and doesn't take reservations for brunch.
- Address: 8890 Salrose Ln #101, Fort Myers, FL 33912
- Phone: (239) 936-2777
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Southern food lovers, families, big appetites
- Don't miss: Crab cake Benedict, catfish and waffles, chicken and waffles
- Pro tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to avoid the wait
- Website: fancyssoutherncafe.com
3. Ella Mae's Diner
Tucked inside the Luminary Hotel in the heart of the River District, Ella Mae's Diner channels mid-century Southern charm with a modern kitchen behind it. The bourbon pecan french toast is worth the trip alone — thick brioche slices soaked in bourbon-vanilla custard, topped with candied pecans and real maple syrup.
The diner format means counter seating alongside booths, and the menu reads like a greatest hits of Southern breakfast: biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, chicken-fried steak and eggs. It's upscale enough for a nice brunch out but casual enough that you won't feel out of place in flip-flops. Hotel guests get priority, but walk-ins are welcome.
- Address: 2200 Edwards Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33901 (inside Luminary Hotel)
- Phone: (239) 314-3700
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Best for: Couples, hotel guests, Southern breakfast
- Don't miss: Bourbon pecan french toast, shrimp and grits
- Hours: Breakfast & brunch daily
- Website: luminaryhotel.com
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4. The Lodge
The Lodge is known for game-day vibes and BBQ, but its brunch game is quietly one of the best values in town. The $9.95 bottomless mimosa deal is the cheapest you'll find in Fort Myers, and the Belgian waffles with fresh berries and whipped cream are legitimately good — not just "good for a sports bar."
The brunch menu also includes hearty options like breakfast burritos, steak and eggs, and a loaded breakfast burger. The self-tap beer wall with 12 rotating options means you can switch from mimosas to a craft IPA without flagging down a server. Big screens everywhere make this the move for Sunday brunch during football season.
- Address: 2278 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 476-7256
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Budget-friendly brunch, sports fans, groups
- Don't miss: $9.95 bottomless mimosas, Belgian waffles, self-tap beer wall
- Pro tip: Perfect for NFL Sunday — brunch and football in one stop
- Website: thelodgefl.com
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5. 10 Twenty Five
This gastropub on the edge of the River District takes brunch seriously. The cannoli french toast — crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta, drizzled in chocolate — sounds like a gimmick but genuinely works. On the savory side, the shakshuka with house-baked bread is one of the more interesting brunch plates in Fort Myers.
10 Twenty Five balances creativity with execution. The menu rotates seasonally, the cocktail program goes beyond basic mimosas (try the lavender lemonade), and the exposed-brick interior gives it a vibe that feels more Brooklyn than Florida. Weekend brunch draws a younger crowd and the patio fills fast.
- Address: 1025 Heitman St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 689-3781
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Best for: Foodies, creative brunch, date morning
- Don't miss: Cannoli french toast, shakshuka, craft cocktails
- Reservations: Recommended on weekends
- Website: 1025restaurant.com
6. Tap 42
Located at the Bell Tower shops in South Fort Myers, Tap 42 brings a Miami-influenced brunch energy to the area. The $25 bottomless brunch deal includes unlimited mimosas, sangria, or rosé for 90 minutes alongside a full menu of elevated comfort food.
The fried chicken and waffle Benedict is the signature — crispy chicken on a waffle base with poached eggs and sriracha hollandaise. The space itself is sleek and modern, with a rooftop bar that's perfect for a boozy Sunday afternoon. Tap 42 skews younger and louder than most Fort Myers brunch spots, which is exactly the point.
- Address: 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907 (Bell Tower)
- Phone: (239) 226-4210
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Best for: Bottomless brunch deal, groups, rooftop vibes
- Don't miss: Fried chicken waffle Benedict, $25 bottomless deal, rooftop bar
- Hours: Brunch Saturday & Sunday
- Website: tap42.com
7. Burntwood Tavern
Burntwood Tavern's build-your-own Bloody Mary bar is reason enough to visit. A spread of hot sauces, pickled vegetables, bacon strips, olives, celery, and more lets you architect your ideal drink while the kitchen works on your order. It's interactive, it's fun, and it pairs perfectly with their hearty brunch menu.
Beyond the Bloody Mary spectacle, the tavern serves solid brunch staples — avocado toast on thick sourdough, breakfast tacos, and a smoked salmon platter. The wood-fired aesthetic and warm lighting make it feel like a mountain lodge dropped into Southwest Florida. Multiple SWFL locations mean you're never far from one.
- Address: 13581 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907 (Bell Tower)
- Phone: (239) 931-4996
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Bloody Mary lovers, interactive brunch, families
- Don't miss: Build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, avocado toast
- Website: burntwoodtavern.com
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8. JWB Grill
Inside the Margaritaville Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach, JWB Grill serves the kind of upscale beachfront brunch that makes you forget you're at a chain hotel. The lemon ricotta pancakes are light and citrusy, the Gulf shrimp omelet uses local catch, and the dining room's floor-to-ceiling windows frame unobstructed Gulf of Mexico views.
This is your splurge brunch. Prices run higher than downtown spots, but you're paying for the setting — and it delivers. After eating, you can walk straight onto the beach or grab a cocktail at the resort's pool bar. Non-guests are welcome, but parking fills up on weekends.
- Address: 1160 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Phone: (239) 463-6400
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Special occasions, beachfront dining, Gulf views
- Don't miss: Lemon ricotta pancakes, Gulf shrimp omelet, the view
- Pro tip: Request window seating when you reserve
- Website: margaritavilleresortfortmyersbeach.com
9. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
Parrot Key sits right on the marina at Salty Sam's on Fort Myers Beach, and the Caribbean-influenced brunch menu matches the waterfront setting. Coconut french toast, jerk chicken and eggs, and tropical fruit plates bring island flavors that you won't find at other Fort Myers brunch spots.
The bottomless mimosa and Bloody Mary options pair perfectly with the open-air waterfront seating. Watch boats come and go while you eat — it's the most relaxed brunch atmosphere on this list. Live music on weekends seals the deal. If you're looking for waterfront dining in Southwest Florida, this is one of the best options.
- Address: 2500 Main St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Phone: (239) 463-3257
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Best for: Waterfront brunch, Caribbean flavors, live music
- Don't miss: Coconut french toast, jerk chicken and eggs, marina views
- Hours: Brunch Saturday & Sunday
- Website: myparrotkey.com
10. Blossom & Brie
This one's different. Blossom & Brie operates on a working farm in Buckingham, about 20 minutes east of downtown Fort Myers. The farm-to-table brunch features eggs from their own chickens, produce from the surrounding gardens, and a menu that changes with what's in season.
Reservations are required — this isn't a walk-in operation. The experience includes wandering the property before or after your meal, with goats, chickens, and herb gardens as your backdrop. Live acoustic music on weekend mornings and a rustic open-air dining setup make this feel like a brunch event rather than just breakfast. It's the most unique brunch experience in the Fort Myers area, and it books up fast during season.
- Address: 18801 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905
- Phone: (239) 789-7878
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Farm-to-table, unique experiences, couples
- Don't miss: Seasonal egg dishes, house-baked pastries, the farm walk
- Reservations: Required — book at least a week ahead during season
- Website: blossomandbrie.com
Brunch Tips for Fort Myers
When to Go
Peak brunch hours run 10 AM to noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Arrive by 9:30 AM to beat the rush at popular spots like Fancy's and The Standard. After 1 PM, most places thin out considerably — late brunch is the local move.
Season vs. off-season: December through April brings longer waits everywhere. Summer brunch is a breeze with shorter waits and better parking.
Reservations
- Always reserve: The Standard, Blossom & Brie, JWB Grill, 10 Twenty Five
- Call ahead: Tap 42, Parrot Key (especially for waterfront tables)
- Walk-in friendly: Fancy's, The Lodge, Burntwood Tavern, Ella Mae's
Bottomless Mimosa Deals
| Restaurant | Price | Duration | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lodge | $9.95 | Unlimited | Mimosas |
| Tap 42 | $25 | 90 min | Mimosas, sangria, rosé |
| The Standard | Market | All day | Mimosas |
| Parrot Key | Market | Brunch hours | Mimosas, Bloody Marys |
Parking
River District: Free street parking is limited on weekends. City garages on First Street run $1-2/hour and are your best bet. Arrive before 10 AM for street spots.
Fort Myers Beach: Parking is tight year-round. JWB Grill has resort parking (ask about validation). Parrot Key has marina lot parking. Budget an extra 15 minutes.
Bell Tower (Tap 42, Burntwood): Free lot parking — no stress here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bottomless mimosa deal in Fort Myers?
The Lodge in the River District offers the best value at $9.95 for unlimited mimosas with no time limit. Tap 42 at Bell Tower runs a $25 bottomless deal including mimosas, sangria, and rosé for 90 minutes. The Standard also offers bottomless mimosas all day during weekend brunch.
Where's the best waterfront brunch in Fort Myers?
JWB Grill at the Margaritaville Beach Resort serves upscale brunch with Gulf of Mexico views through floor-to-ceiling windows. For a more casual waterfront vibe, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill at Salty Sam's Marina offers open-air dining with marina views and Caribbean-inspired dishes like coconut french toast.
Do I need reservations for brunch in Fort Myers?
During season (December through April), reservations are strongly recommended at The Standard, JWB Grill, 10 Twenty Five, and Blossom & Brie. Fancy's Southern Cafe and The Lodge are walk-in friendly, but expect a 30-45 minute wait at Fancy's on weekend mornings during peak season.
What time does brunch start in Fort Myers?
Most Fort Myers brunch spots open between 8 AM and 10 AM on weekends. Fancy's and Ella Mae's Diner start serving as early as 8 AM. Tap 42 and Parrot Key typically begin brunch service around 10 AM. For the best experience, arrive by 9:30 AM to beat the rush at the most popular spots.
Is Fort Myers good for brunch compared to Naples?
Fort Myers offers more variety and better value for brunch than Naples. The River District's walkability lets you explore multiple spots easily, bottomless mimosa deals are more common and affordable, and unique options like Blossom & Brie's farm brunch don't exist elsewhere in SWFL. Naples trends more upscale but Fort Myers has more personality.
More Fort Myers & SWFL Guides
Looking for more dining and things to do? Check out these related guides:
- Best Restaurants in Fort Myers — Full dinner guide with River District favorites
- Things to Do in Fort Myers — Top attractions and activities
- Retiring to Fort Myers Guide — Everything about living in Fort Myers
- Best Hotels in Fort Myers — Where to stay for every budget
- Best Waterfront Restaurants in SWFL — Dine with stunning water views
