5 Lighter Fare Brunch Spots
If you’re still working to maintain your new year’s resolution, perhaps to eat better or at least be more mindful of what you’re eating, we’re here with a list of five healthy alternatives to the typical brunch spots. Using farm-fresh, local ingredients and creative preparations, these spots will make you forget all about the loaded French toasts and bulging omelettes in your past.
Jax Beach Brunch Haus
“A local spot for local people,” as they proudly proclaim, the JBBH offers a break from the tourist driven hustle and bustle of Jax Beach. They’re an active member of the community, planning a variety of fundraisers throughout the year and incorporating local ingredients into as much of the menu as possible. The diverse menu features plenty of decadent dishes, but also has several healthier options, like a classic avocado toast or a greek yogurt parfait with housemade granola and seasonal fruit, and a robust vegan menu, with options like a loaded super veggie tofu scramble and a savory Mexicali wrap. Wednesday through Monday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 610 3rd St. S Jacksonville Beach, FL; jaxbeachbrunchhaus.com // @jbbrunchhaus
Town Hall
Sunday brunch at Town Hall is an extension of their dedication to high-quality ingredient sourcing for their main menu, with a special focus on using local, sustainable, organic products as much as possible. Healthy eaters will be greeted with items like sweet potato hummus, seared cauliflower with avocado, harissa and arugula, and a local greens bowl topped with cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, croutons and goat cheese. Sunday 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 2012 San Marco Blvd. Jacksonville, FL; townhalljax.com // @townhalljax
Ida Claire
When thinking Southern food, a lot of words come to mind, but “healthy” isn’t necessarily one of them. Flavorful? Decadent? Sure! But it’s typically not the best cuisine for those watching what they eat. Ida Claire rejects that stereotype with a selection of well-crafted lighter fare on their brunch menu, current options include Nanny’s Winter Salad, featuring beets, grapefruit, feta, arugula, and more, and a gulf shrimp and ancient grains bowl, topped with crunchy fennel, celery root, and kale. 10209 River Coast Dr. Jacksonville, FL; ida-claire.com // @idaclairejax
Kairos Juice
It’s always time to be healthy at Kairos Jax, a health food-oriented cafe and juice bar with a robust smoothie menu and plenty of cold pressed juices and potent wellness shots. Their all-day breakfast menu features a slew of healthy, protein-packed bowls, sandwiches and wraps, as well as a few tasty salads and soups. There are lots to explore at Kairos, so repeat visits will certainly be rewarded. Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 13423 Beach Blvd. Ste. 204, Jacksonville, FL; kairosjuices.com // @kairosjax
Congaree and Penn
This “field-to-fork dining experience” is a one-of-a-kind spot in Jacksonville, with an elegant yet rustic vibe and an emphasis on fresh, seasonal cooking. After a meal, you’re able to explore the grounds of the farm that the restaurant occupies, making for a truly unique dining experience. Brunch options include a trio of salads, including an intriguing kale salad with fennel, cashews, cocoa, and pomegranate, and a winter harvest salad topped with a variety of root veggies, and elevated takes on classics like the Farmhouse quiche and short rib hash. Friday through Sunday 11 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. 11830 Old Kings Rd. Jacksonville, FL; congareeandpenn.com // @congareeandpenn