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    Backwater

    4.1 (117 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Order Backwater Takeout or Delivery

    Backwater Photos

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    BACKWATER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Backwater

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    Edith C.

    Food service and ambiance was amazing!!! Stopped here in September 2025 and I didn't leave a review, not like me. So today I'm making sure I praise this place! If you're ever in the area stop and enjoy a fabulous brunch!

    Lemon poppyseed pancakes! Mmmmmmm
    Cheryl G.

    Always great food and excellent service !! Get the gator and waffles, you won't be disappointed. (And the "cook your own pancakes are fun for all)! 5 stars!

    Veggie Okeechobee ice cream
    Sami M.

    The food is pretty good. I really love their vast vegan and vegetarian menu, lots of great tasting options. The ambiance is great and the staff is super friendly and kind. If you have kids this is a great place to go because the personal griddles are a ton of fun. Only downside is the long wait times, but that's common for breakfast spots.

    PERFECTLY DONE
    Delaney S.

    THIS IS A TRUE FLORIDA GEM!!! After seeing rave reviews online, I made a point to visit. I'm so glad I did. The wait time was spot on. We opted for the griddle table. I want to give an extra 5 star review to the server Roxy! She was THE BEST server I've had at a restaurant. She was beyond helpful with explaining the menu. She went the extra mile, making us feel welcomed and well taken care of. Our drinks were always full, and we wanted for nothing. Roxy gave us lots of information on the restaurant and the area around. Dine here. Hopefully, you will get Roxy! Now for the food. We each got the Southern Breakfast with eggs, bacon or sausage, grits or home fries, and toast. We got 1 bottle of the seasonal flavor, pumpkin spice pancake batter, and cream cheese icing. The one bottle made 5 medium-sized pancakes. The pumpkin pancakes were delicious and so much fun to make. It kept us busy at our table. It really made for a fun breakfast experience. The southern breakfast was delicious. The sausage patties were very large and the best strawberry jam with whole pieces of strawberry throughout. The interior embodies the true Florida feel. As a Floridian, I can tell you this is the true Florida vibes. I was obsessed with the gator skull chandelier. I can't wait to come back!

    Pancakes, Eggs, bacon, home fries
    Ashton D.

    I went here because I was intrigued by the griddle feature. The wait was super long, but worth it. The service was excellent. I did the make your own pancakes and I did banana chocolate chip. They were delicious!! I loved being able to cook it in front of me!! I also got eggs bacon and home fries. The food was seasoned well. The decor was giving FLORIDA. It was nice!

    Griddle table, chocolate milk
    Jieun W.

    The pancakes were scrumptiously crispy. Crispy enough for me to want to steal the recipe. I will unveil your secrets, watch me. (Food: 5/5) You will never catch me drinking a carbonated beverage. Childhood left me yet I never left chocolate milk behind. But it was suspicious... cool glass I must say, very tall. I'm a woman, tall is my type. Idk why there was a film at the top of the milk though. Weird. (Drinks: 3/5) Service was good, no flaws but nothing spectacularly exceptional like you would get at those hole-in-the wall places I usually go. But everyone was friendly, checked up on us. And dear god. The pancake menu. Was. Laminated. And had. DRY ERASE MARKERS. Is this heaven? My ordering-anxiety memory loss is being accommodated? (Service: 4.5/5) The decor is giving rustic meets thrift store. Like the breakfast equivalent of Texas Roadhouse vibes but better. Not an inch of wall not covered with picture frames and antiques, my grandpa would have a field day. Nice divider to maximize seating and secluded ish area to minimize noise and stuff probably, overall love what they've done with the place. All vegetarianism left me when I saw the chandelier because that was epic. (Ambiance: 5/5) Crispy pancakes I will be back my love

    Menu
    Olivia W.

    If you've never had deep fried French toast this is the place to try it. You would never think French toast with raisin bread would be delicious, but it was an 11/10! The inside decor of Backwater is very eclectic and unique but truly catered to the Florida vibe, the crocodile chandelier was the perfect touch. We also had the roasted Tomato Benedict which was perfectly delicious as well. The wait was short & our waitress was perfect.

    Robyn F.

    Love this restaurant. Sat at the griddle booth a few mins after requesting a table. They do need to warn patrons when sitting down. My mom bumped her knee on the leg of the table. Everything was tasty & flavorful. The vegan bacon was under. Really flimsy & an unappetizing texture. We had 3 orders & put them on the griddle to get them crisp. Food did take a lil while to arrive. Pretty spacious & bar area seating. One of my favs, many vegan options. Recommended.

    Crawfish & Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict
    Ashton D.

    we went here today for a work brunch. overall, the experience was great. the server was kind of rude but maybe she was just a bit overwhelmed because we had a large party. I still tipped though. The food was delicious, and the staff that brought the food out was VERY FRIENDLY and ATTENTIVE! The prices are super affordable as well!

    Play with your food
    Soo C.

    The food was great! We had a griddle table so we could cook our own breakfast. I'm sure that you get your pancakes already made however if you're looking for being creative or have youngsters who need entertained or the young at heart to entertain its fun and they are still tasty. The noise level wasn't very loud and we came in at a not so busy time and were seated within 10 minutes for a griddle tables. Griddle tables are a longer wait. There's lots of variety and the good was great. If you're going in with a larger group you may have to wait a while. This is the 2nd time I've been to one of their restaurants when I was in town to visit and I plan to be back again.

    Desiree R.

    Services was great, friendly and attentive to our large group. Food was okay, not bad but nothing mind-blowing. The griddles are what makes the place unique and fun for all ages. Portions are pretty large so bring your appetite.

    Poppyseed pancakes with a side of scrambled eggs and thick bacon, just like I like my women.
    Tom R.

    This place is amazing. My sister loves this restaurant and it was highly recommended by her. So this morning coming in off of a cruise, she took us there. The food was amazing and the service was great. I was a little hungry and was craving for some pancakes and then it caught my eye. I seen the poppyseed pancakes. So I had to oblige my hunger and ordered this. The taste was so good that you didn't need syrup in my honest opinion. It also came with some thick bacon which were awesomely good and I ordered scrambled eggs. There was so much food leftover that I have enough for tomorrow morning before I fly back to Lone Star state. Forgot to mention, the fried green tomatoes were good, but i like them they not so thick. I did enjoy them but I like my tomatoes slices a little thinner but each is their own, right?

    Bridget H.

    I have visited Backwater several times and it has usually met my expectations--until this visit. We were assigned a server named Mimi, whose behavior was extremely rude and dismissive throughout our experience. After introducing herself, she promptly disappeared. We sat at a griddle table, circled our order, and placed it at the end of the table. Another staff member brought our food. Mimi never checked on us, and when I finally managed to get her attention to ask for a spatula to make our pancakes, she responded with a condescending "yeah, you need that." I was very dissatisfied with the service. I had to ask another server for our check and a to-go box because Mimi was completely absent. Having worked in restaurants, I understand how busy it can get, but her tone and lack of attention were inexcusable, especially for paying customers. The food was delicious and the staff members that did help us were incredible and very kind but Mimi needs to get it together. Don't come here if you're in a rush.

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    4 years ago

    The griddle table was awesome but the grits were hard with my shrimp and grits. And my wife's biscuit was old.

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    4 years ago

    Getting griddle pancakes is good fun with the family. The breakfast food is solid. I'd love a few healthier options.

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    3 years ago

    Food was amazing! Service was above par. Will definitely be back and recommend to others. Great job guys!

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    3 years ago

    the food is not fresh . and the service is terrible . an don't get me started with ambiance is horrorible the horror.

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    4 years ago

    Great experience and friendly staff! The wait is long because the place isn't huge so prepare for that!!

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - Backwater

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    Backwater - Loaded grits

    Backwater

    4.6(931 reviews)
    9.1 mi
    $$

    So we found ourselves visiting family for Christmas this week in Melbourne, Florida former stomping…read moregrounds of Jim Morrison for you Doors fans. We got up early on Christmas Eve and opted to find a cool breakfast place. After a few minutes in Yelp, we found Backwater which is nestled in Historic Downtown Melbourne. Parking should not be a problem but if you can't find some on your he street their is a public parking garage not to far away. Upon arrival we were seated pretty quickly and all the staff were very friendly. Our server Amy was awesome and recommended a few breakfast items that were awesome. We opted for the Greek breakfast and the Cuban Benedict which were both fresh and excellent. We also split their seasonal Cinammon pancake as well which was great as well. Pancakes are huge so make sure you leave some room if you plan on having one. All portions were healthy as well, no skimping at Backwater and everyone was in the Christmas spirit as well which was awesome! The atmosphere is friendly, laid back and welcoming which is great if you are from out of Town. So if you are in the area, make sure you check them out for breakfast or lunch. I am sure you will not be disappointed! So in fact he spirit of the holiday I will adjust my customary ending to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a prosperous and blessed Happy New Year to all of you! Enjoy and Bon Appétit mes amis!

    Wowowow! Friendly staff and incredible food!…read moreHad the Monte Cristo which was fluffy, toasty, heaven. Home fries were nice and crispy. Super casual interior and smell of yummy pancakes all over. Prices couldn't be beat either! Will be back when traveling through this part of FL next

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    Backwater - Backwater Interior

    Backwater Interior

    Backwater - Fried green tomatoes

    Fried green tomatoes

    Backwater - Southern Breakfast

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    Southern Breakfast

    The Roots Restaurant Tavern - Cowboy Burger Lunch

    The Roots Restaurant Tavern

    4.4(134 reviews)
    9.2 mi
    $$

    I went to this unique restaurant with my best friend and wow! I love it because the environment is…read moreinviting. I ordered the build your own breakfast sandwich and wow! AMAZING Anastasia is a wonderful server and she was prompt and friendly!!! Ask for her Best experience and definitely will come back

    **INITIAL REVIEW**…read more Most of my fellow Yelpers know if food were categorized by a genre, breakfast and brunch has a special place in my heart. Ergo, I am on the constant search for more breakfast and brunch places to add to my repertoire. With that in mind, I must stress that Historic Downtown Melbourne a.k.a. Melbourne Main Street has an amazing number of breakfast and brunch places. But the one I admire the most is The Roots Restaurant Tavern, which I will shorthand simply to The Roots for the remainder of this review. Though an address is provided, it must be stressed The Roots is a little "off the mainstreet" of Melbourne Main Street. Just west of the train tracks, the road splits in which the northernly direction is the continuation of New Haven Ave. or the actual Melbourne Main Street. The Roots is on the southern road, right next to The Iron Oak. Take note that The Roots is quite a cozy location. On the outside, The Roots has this look of an old saloon out in the wild west. There are a few tables and chairs for outdoor seating, excellent for people-viewing while eating your meal. Inside, The Roots looks delightfully tacky with all the knick-knacks hanging around and about on the walls. Imagine how Cracker Barrel used to look before the new CEO decided the decor should be more minimalist. But my statement on how The Roots looks small from the outside definitely shows when you are inside, too. The place is small. They definitely utilize the space as best they could, with large party seating being in the back for only one party. Still, take note of this limitation. My waitresses were very kind and attentive when serving me. But I am sure you all want to know about the food. The times I have eaten here, I have had three meals: The Eggs Benny Flight, and Pancake Flight, and Shrimp n' Grits. I will detail each in the pictures of food (if I have them), but I will say that everything here was delicious. My one lone criticism is that some of these flights are best enjoyed with another, not by yourself. On a sidenote, the restroom is clean and stocked, but there is only one and it is unisex. As I said earlier, The Roots is the best breakfast and brunch restaurant, well for me, in Historic Downtown Melbourne. So it is understandable why I am giving them a five-out-of-five stars for their review. Food, service, and ambiance are all excellent and the issues are way too minimal for me to consider them having any major affect. If you are ever going to eat at The Roots only once. My suggestion are the flights. Either eggs bennies, pancakes, or mimosas, you can't go wrong with any of them.

    Photos
    The Roots Restaurant Tavern - Keep Calm & Drink Wine

    Keep Calm & Drink Wine

    The Roots Restaurant Tavern - Shrimp and grits were so yum

    Shrimp and grits were so yum

    The Roots Restaurant Tavern

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    Mel's Tiki Cafe

    Mel's Tiki Cafe

    4.8(246 reviews)
    7.7 mi
    $$

    We had visited Mela years ago and loved it! We are in the Melbourne area and so wanted to try it…read moreout again and we think it is even better!! Tried the PB and banana waffle- WOW, Super yummy, and mt husband had the bltiki, delicious!! We will be back next time we are in the area!

    We had such a great experience at Tiki Café in Melbourne. From the moment we arrived, the…read moreatmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. Shannon was our waitress and she was incredibly sweet, charismatic, and attentive. She made us feel right at home and added such a positive energy to the whole experience. I ordered the "Kahili" Rainbow Bowl and my husband had the biscuit sliders with delicious tiki bacon!!! Both dishes were flavorful and absolutely delicious. The ingredients tasted fresh and the portions were generous without being overwhelming. You could tell care went into the preparation and presentation. We both ordered the Frothy Coffee, which ended up being one of our favorite parts of the meal. It was such a unique and fun touch and made the whole breakfast feel a little more special. It was delicious and different from your typical coffee drink. Everything from the food to the service made this a memorable stop during our trip. We enjoyed it so much that we're already hoping to come back again before we fly home. Highly recommend stopping here if you're in Melbourne and looking for a delicious breakfast with great service.

    Photos
    Mel's Tiki Cafe - Children's art work under the tiki bar roof!

    Children's art work under the tiki bar roof!

    Mel's Tiki Cafe - Create Your Own Breakfast Bowl

    Create Your Own Breakfast Bowl

    Mel's Tiki Cafe - Frothy coffee with coconut milk. Sooo darn tasty if you love iced coffee.

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    Frothy coffee with coconut milk. Sooo darn tasty if you love iced coffee.

    Backwater - breakfast_brunch - Updated June 2026

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