- May 8, 2024
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Nothing better than a big breakfast to kick off the weekend and, luckily, Flagler County is chock full of great places to gorge on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Here are our picks of the top five places to grab a breakfast bite in town, according to a poll of Observer staffers
1) The Funky Pelican at the Flagler Beach Pier
Address: 215 State Road A1A, Flagler Beach
Phone: 439-0011
If you have out-of-town friends or family stopping in for the night, and you want to give them that authentic “Flagler Experience,” the beach has simply got to be part of that equation.
And Funky Pelican owns the beach.
One of only two restaurants on the coast set on the ocean side of A1A (actually built on the sand, attached to the Flagler Beach Pier), Funky Pelican has great, big windows overlooking an unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean. And when the weather’s nice, the deck is perfect for soaking up a summer’s sunrise, with a bold cup of coffee in one hand (how do you not measure a breakfast place by its cup of joe?) and a fork in the other.
Their seasoned red potatoes are a tasty variation from the traditional hash browns, to pair with an omelet, their signature Orange Creamsicle Pancakes or some French P.B.J. Toast. But if you’re feeling handsy, go with the Dive Bomb sandwich: ham, cheddar, an over-easy egg, all on buttery garlic toast.
Add some hot sauce on the top bad boy, and you’ve got yourself the best worst decision you’ll make all day.
2) Maggie’s European Bakery and Café
Address: 909 State Road A1A, Flagler Beach
Phone: 439-9990
Just down the street from Funky, Maggie’s is a quaint, little, diner-type spot with some big, serious eats.
In the mood for traditional? OK, get your meats, get your eggs, get your potatoes — but get ready: they’re also going to throw some flaky, ridiculously good croissants on the side on that plate. Want a breakfast burrito? They can do that — but they’re going to wrap it with a homemade crepe, not some stinkin’ bagged tortilla.
They do it all at Maggie’s, but they do it just a little bit differently, adding a touch of European flair to even the most American dishes. Order one of their nine mimosa options, or one of the tons of hot and frozen coffee/espresso/tea/latte/cappuccino drinks, and don’t be afraid to veer off menu and go for a daily special.
Another cool thing: Although they’re only open for breakfast and lunch, they’re working on a Supper Club, where special dinners will be served once a week with limited seating. The series is still in the prep stage, but it is in the works — keep an eye out.
Oh, and heads up: They’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
3) Grace’s Place Bagels and Deli
Address: 1000 Palm Coast Parkway S.W., Palm Coast
Phone: 283-5686
The best bagels in Flagler are Grace’s Place’s biggest claim to fame. They’re so good, in fact, that if you don’t get there early (like, before 10 a.m. early), they’re likely to be out of your favorite kinds (read: the everything bagel; but the underappreciated cheddar-jalepeno is a solid substitute).
Not being able to get your favorite bagel at a bagel shop can be a bummer. And sometimes, the service can be on the slow side. But Grace’s makes up for those shortfalls with huge portions, great coffee, about a million schmear options, massive menu variety, towering sandwiches (which you’d be crazy not to get on a bagel) and, of course, a sweet and salty miracle of modern food science called praline bacon.
Don’t get me started.
Also, since the new owners came in last April, Grace’s also serves dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, beer and wine, and some hearty Italian options.
4) Hi Tulip Café
Address: 400 Beach Village Drive, Flagler Beach
Phone: 439-9274
If you’re into caffeine like we are, you’ll be into Hi Tulip.
Their loose tea menu is so legit a whole half of it is set aside for explanations: a Tea Guide. And their coffees: Last time I was there, a couple next to me called over a server and picked his brain for 20 minutes about the restaurant’s beans and brewing process. That’s how much they liked it.
But there’s just something fresh-feeling about Hi Tulip. It’s clean and bright and happy inside. The meals aren’t too heavy or greasy. And there’s a good amount of vegetarian options (and even multigrain pancakes!).
But don’t worry: If you’re the type that needs some weight to his breakfast, go for the chicken and waffles. Blueberry butter and Cajun maple syrup. Enough said.
5) Java Joint
Address: 2201 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach
Phone: 439-1013
If you’re a benedict fan, you’ve come to the right place.
“I love the crab cakes benedict,” Community Editor Shanna Fortier said. “Java Joint has a smaller menu, but it’s more specialty items. Great food, coffee, oceanview and Wifi.”
Not a crab cake fan? Get the lobster benedict, instead. Or maybe the corned beef hash benedict.
“If I am going out to eat, I usually want something I'm not going to make at home,” Fortier said. “Which is why I usually go with Java Joint. The benedicts do me in."
“Java Joint also has fun sweet treat drinks!” Account Manager Kait Murray said. “The choices are great! Make your own scramble! Kahlua French toast! Nommmmm!”
CLICK HERE for our top five best pizza places in town
CLICK HERE for our top five burgers.
