Backwater Restaurant Review – Melbourne, Florida

Nestled across the street from Melbourne City Hall is Backwater, a cozy breakfast and lunch spot known for its southern-style cooking and charming atmosphere. Since 2015, Backwater has been crafting fresh, in-house dishes daily. They proudly work with multi-generational, family-owned Florida businesses to source meats, grains, and specialty ingredients—keeping things truly local.

The atmosphere inside is warm and lively with chatter from full tables and waitstaff moving about. A friendly host will greet you along with a colorful “Welcome to Backwater Downtown” blackboard that lists the seasonal specials. It features a map of Florida that highlights their locally sourced ingredients, reinforcing their farm-to-table philosophy.

The atmosphere ties it all together. Historical artwork lines the walls while a tin roof reminiscent of a rustic barn adds a touch of Southern charm. It’s the perfect place to bring family or friends new to town, offering them a taste of the South before heading out for a stroll through downtown Melbourne.

The downtown Melbourne location features high-top seating, tables, and interactive griddle stations where guests can cook their own pancakes. It was a cold, rainy morning when I went, making the griddle table the perfect spot to warm up. My waitress Holly was incredibly friendly and attentive, setting the tone for a great breakfast experience.

I started with the Pancakes and was given a menu that lets you choose your batter flavor along with a variety of toppings. I chose the seasonal snicker doodle pancakes and the house-made cream cheese topping. The batter comes in a squeeze bottle, making it easy to create fun designs on the griddle. I’m no artist, so after a failed attempt at a star, I stuck to simple circles.

The pancake batter was delicious. The warm spices of the snicker doodle flavor came through beautifully, complementing the sweetness of the cream cheese for a rich, comforting bite.

Next, I explored the savory side of the menu. The Carolina Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict was my introduction to eggs Benedict, and it couldn’t have been a better first experience. The pulled pork was spicy and tangy, true to Carolina-style barbecue. It contrasted perfectly with the mild, creamy hollandaise. The homemade biscuits were flaky, and each bite was packed with flavor, making this the standout dish of my meal.

Omelets are a breakfast staple, so I tried the Cajun made with andouille sausage, jack cheddar cheese, and onions. If you enjoy Cajun flavors but can’t handle spicy foods, this omelet is for you. The andouille sausage has a bit of a kick but is mellowed out by the sweet onions and cheese.

Since breakfast and lunch are served all day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., I decided to try their “Bourbon Revival”—a triple-decker Monte Cristo deep-fried in a sweet beer batter and served with a bourbon bacon dipping sauce made with puréed raspberries. The beer batter created a light, crispy exterior, while the layers of Turkey, Swiss, ham, and cheddar inside offered a delicious contrast of flavors. Paired with the raspberry dipping sauce, each bite was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s a rich, indulgent dish that could easily be shared.

Backwater does something truly special— it offers a dining experience that feels both creative and deeply rooted in Florida tradition. The menu is inventive and grounded, embracing bold flavors without compromising on the fundamentals.

Backwater
Address: 1904 Municipal Ln, Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: (321) 837-3925
https://www.backwaterflorida.com/

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