This place is a must if you are in or visiting the Melbourne Beach/Downtown area!! Note that they do not take call-ahead or online reservations so you will encounter a wait, but it is well worth it. They have varying options for pancake batter and mix-in's (including a vegan or gluten free batter). You can either add eggs, meat and other items to your pancake mix order card or simply order a separate entree on the side. Service was great and very attentive. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hope to return when visiting the area again. read more

Backwater - Buttermilk Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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Was Staying at the Hilton 2 blocks away and just had to try the place where you can cook pancakes on your table top! Sadly for safety reasons I was not allowed (hahahaha) Service was great and attentive without being a pest. Cool place inside and big with the locals as it got crowded. Breakfast was good but my pancakes were just a little doughy for me. Couple next to me loved the place and come often. I would certainly go back and try other menu items. Maybe they will even let me cook on my table? read more

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Cool spot for visitors out of town. Usually crowded so expect a wait & the food is pretty solid. My reason for the low rating is how my family & I was treated during a visit. We marked down a non-griddle table (they have tables you can griddle your own pancakes if you plan to order them in which case we weren't) & due the long wait we were asked if we'd consider a griddle table. We did & there was obvious miscommunication because we still had no interest in pancakes, but that was not asked. After our orders were taken & server realized what happened we were informed that we made a mistake. The manager on duty in plain sight of us was arguing with the server about how WE should never have accepted the table and that WE were being rude. I don't do well with disrespect especially considering we always do our best to side with servers & others in the food industry. This is why we haven't returned. read more

Great food and service. Their entrees are a TON of food. One entree could easily feed two people. Highly recommend the mimosa flights also.

Such a fun time making pancakes! I ordered the buttermilk pancakes set of 4 colors. For our toppings, bananas, chocolate chips and strawberries. It was so fun getting creative and making our food. Also ordered the fried chicken which was amazing! The perfect place for family, friends or even a date. read more

Backwater - Buttermilk Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

This brunch restaurant is such a unique experience with the pancake griddle in front of you with tons of options to decorate your pancake in amazing flavors and toppings. I received excellent service from the staff. It's definitely a busy spot but I understand why! The servers are equipped at handling the busy environment and very prompt and tentative to their customers. Absolutely go here if you're in the area looking for the best brunch spot around. read more

Quality food. Great, friendly service. Cool environment. They have griddles on the tables that you can cook your own pancakes. Plenty of seating without that if you're not interested. read more

Up charged on the fruit and it was a hassle to get them to remove the extra charge, make sure to ask it that's extra, they sneak that in Because it's some seasonal fruit but if you don't get grits why not fruit? No you'll get charged several dollars more!!! Ridiculous! Pay attention to your recipes read more

Wife and I had an excellent breakfast at backwater recently. We went on a Saturday morning and there was a 30-minute wait. We were told that is typical for this restaurant. Very casual decor. Several of the tables have griddles so you can make your own pancakes. Several families were really enjoying that option. Keep in mind that means you'll come out smelling like you just had breakfast at a diner. We both really enjoyed our meals. Good size servings with quality ingredients that are well prepared. You can't ask for more. read more

We came here while on vacation and I am so grateful for yelp showing us this place! It has such a cool concept. The wait was long but it's obvious why. We just did some boutique shopping while we waited and it was perfect. So the food- we did the griddle cake activity with 4 colors for our kids. They LOVED it. Proclaiming it as their favorite restaurant ever. If you have kids, specifically picky ones like mine, you know how truly special this is. So we got mimosas. Also great with fresh juice. And their version of what we know as a monte cristo. When I tell you it was the best I've ever had. Oyyyeee. I will definitely miss this place when I go home. Highly recommend trying it out. Staff was super nice too. Can't go wrong here. read more

Backwater - Griddle with 4 color batter - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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Fantastic food - be prepared for a wait, but worth it! Service was fast and all staff pleasant (& busy!!) Eclectic decor and southern food with a bayou vibe. read more

Backwater - Hambone Benny with Fried Green Tomato added... Bangin! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

Grate breakfast from the rope sausage that tastes like it's homemade with lots of fennel in it to the lemon poppy pancakes with blueberries in them pumpkin pancakes with marshmallows in them that I made everything was delicious. Service was geate and we also had Gator and I've from Florida Gator throughout Florida and there's only two places alligator and this looks like the second place I've ever found y'all coming and enjoy read more

A friend and I were going to Melbourne Beach for the day. But, wanted brunch before. What I was most surprised about was that you variety of items on the menu and items that I would not of thought of. One of these was a grits battered or fried green tomatos in eggs Benedict. Credibly nice. She was very aware of the menu answered all of our preparation questions. She even took the effort to inform us of things we should have asked, but didn't. Like the grits. Prior, I had not had grits. Considering they have two types, she brought them out for us to try. I would definitely recommend. read more

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Why was the pancake arrested? Unwaffle activities . . If your looking for a unique breakfast /brunch joint when backwaters is your place. Pick your batter type (buttermilk , gluten free , seasonal flavor) select your topping and get started! Their griddle flat tops make for an exciting hands on experience. If pancakes aren't your thing then order up a serving of okeechobee ice cream (biscuits and gravy) or the bourbon revival (fried monte Cristo ) with a side of black cherry grits! Wash it all down with a #baconbloodymary or a specialty mimosa. The rosemary , cranberry was out of this world. . . #brunch #breakfast #yum #foodie #foodporn #foodphotography #grits #yummy read more

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I was in Melbourne, Fl for the weekend and went here for breakfast! It was amazing, I was blown away by the food and customer service. Everyone was so friendly and you could tell they loved their job. The food was amazing, the portion was a bit big but still delicious. The biscuit did get a little too soggy. We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals and felt so appreciated there. I understand why it's a Melbourne staple! The food is also reasonably priced for the portion size. If I'm ever in the area again, I will definitely we back. read more

Backwater - C.H. Clarks Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

Best breakfast spot, they have vegan options which is rare for breakfast. I love the inside too, the "swamp-chic" for lack of a better term is unique and very very cool. They have great servers and always get my order right. It's a must if you have family in town! Take them there. read more

Arrive as early as you can, this place fills up! The griddle at the table is so novel and fun! No worries about the little ones that can marry a kids table to the "hot" one to protect them from traumatic lessons. The pancakes are excellent and recommended. However, the real magic is in the other food! The omelets are light fluffy and fresh, the home fries are some of the best I have ever eaten! The grits are a miss, whoever said lumpy grits are preferred obviously doesn't know grits. All the meats that we tried were of great quality too, especially the bacon. The service was excellent as well! Check out my Review! https://youtu.be/gzVWC2eviTM read more

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Truly a delight from the service to the food. This place is simply great. First off this is a breakfast, brunch spot that has griddles in the middle of the tables, where you can make your own pancakes. Think of a hibachi and the melting pot put together for pancakes. Really cool, they even have color batter as well. The food is too die for. I had the regular 2 eggs breakfast with grits, toast and veggie sausage. Love how they offer vegan and veggie options which is something I always look forward to in a restaurant. Great American diner style coffee and this has to be the the best freshly squeezed orange juice I've ever had. Really sweet and good, and that's saying something because I'm not a fan of orange juice. The servers were fantastic and it's greatly priced. Fast service and attentive. The decor is very Florida fisherman and wildlife swamp if you catch my drift. Definitely will be coming back when in the area! read more

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Very inexpensive breakfast place in downtown Melbourne area. Took my team out for breakfast and we arrived right at 8 when they opened. Service was fast and food came out pretty fast. I got the shrimp and grits and man was it delicious! The shrimp was fresh and the grits was flavorful. Great breakfast place! read more

I am the youngest of a trio of octogenarians who meet regularly for breakfast. Two days ago was our second visit this year to Backwater on North Wickham Road. Suffice it to say that my two compadres were very satisfied with their choices. But candidly, they are not as critical as I. Neither of them cooks. I do. I cook breakfast every morning as well as prepare lunch and cook dinner. I ordered a build-your-own three-egg omelet. This place does the half-fold style. (I do a double fold at home with two eggs.) I asked for spinach, mushrooms, avocado, and cheddar. The omelet came fluffy, but the avocado had been sliced, and heavily grilled and laid on top. When I inquired of the server, she was polite, a bit short, telling me "that's the way we do it here." When I pointed out the other items were placed inside, she indicated that "next time" I could request that. My complaint was not enough to send the omelet back, but I was miffed at the illogic. Placing something on top of the omelet is a garnish. I likewise was not pleased that the mushrooms, although pre-sauteed, came in large slices and as did the spinach. Backwater serves roasted potatoes with breakfast, with no choice for hash browns. I like roasted potatoes; these were quartered slices with skin on but came very dark, almost black. And the kitchen serves too much, thereby wasting food. I ordered a side of bacon, which at Backwater means the thick variety. One of the slices had one-third fat-showing. I don't need bacon hard and crisp; it can be fully cooked but still loose. We had to ask for coffee refills. Very uncool for breakfast service. I expect that we will return; it is on our list of rotation among eight breakfast spots in the general area where we live just outside the northern city limits of Melbourne in Suntree. read more

Kids loved it! We saw it last year on vacation but the line was out the door. This year we got to try it and it's 5 stars all the way! -The Ramirez's read more

Backwater - Go Chiefs!!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

I took my mom here for her birthday for our first time and our server Sara was amazing!! The staff were very friendly and the drinks & food were on point! I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a New Orleans style brunch read more

Backwater - Black cherry grits with a Fried Green Tomato & Spinach Eggs Benedict and it's amazing! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

Excellent food and more so excellent service. This is a place I could eat at everyday. Sausage gravy is so good. Great bacon and just all around good food. Very tastefully decorated. read more

Backwater - Okeechobee ice cream. Which is sausage gravy on a biscuit with egg - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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Okeechobee Ice Cream This is probably one of the best things I have ever eaten for breakfast. The best corn bread biscuit, delicious sausage gravy, and a sunny. Just three words, to die for! read more

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Absolutely delicious! We got the seasonal pancakes which were peaches and cream. They were better than expected. Doing the griddle was just something we wanted to experience, and it was great! Definitely something for kids to jump in on and have a good time. We ordered shrimp and grits and the ham benedict. Along with biscuits and gravy. All was beyond amazing! We were so happy with our visit and can not wait to go back. read more

Backwater - Peaches and Cream Panacakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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I love this place! The veggie bacon is so good. The mimosas are nice and strong. I've tried all of them except for the grapefruit one. I still prefer the traditional orange, it's freeze squeezed. My sons love that they can make their own pancakes. It's fun & passes the time while we wait for my usual variation of their omelette. I appreciate all the sides & bread choices. The rye toast & biscuits are my go too. The potatoes are filling but the usual (seasoning n flavor), I'm not a fan of their grits or coleslaw. The service is always timely & friendly. I wish they stayed open a few hours later & had more seating. I will continue to be a patron as long as they have the veggie bacon & stuffed French toast! read more

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This place is amazing! The entire staff were friendly and attentive. They all work together so as soon as I put me menu down I had a server ready to take my order. The menu is two sided. One side is breakfast and the other is lunch. There are plenty of choices! There are tables with a hot griddle where guests are given colored bottles of pancake batter and they can design and make their own cakes. I had the green fried tomato BLT with a side of gumbo and my spouse had the Cajun omelette. The food was incredible! The gumbo was so flavorful with perfectly fried gator and tasty Sausage. The servings were large so you won't walk away hungry. I highly recommend this gem, read more

This place is a hidden gem :) food was delicious and you get to make your own pancakes. Great for families, friends, or even a self love date read more

Backwater - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

Food was ok, a little warm, might come back this fall.bacon was burnt and scramble egg was over done read more

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Being from out of town & after reading great reviews on yelp for Backwater, we were super excited to give it a try!! Upon walking in staff was welcoming and extremely personable. We grabbed a seat at the counter where the kitchen is visible to guests (super cool, home-like feel). They offer griddle tables where you can make your own pancakes (they are known for all different home made batters). My boyfriend and I ordered the Southern breakfast with cheesy grits & deep fried chocolate chip/banana bread French toast which was incredible!!! Absolutely worth the food coma that followed. Would highly recommend!!! Great atmosphere, amazing service and outstanding food!! read more

Backwater - Southern breakfast: 2 over easy eggs, bacon, grits & deep fried chocolate chip/banana bread French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

My first suggestion: get here early if possible to cut your wait time significantly!!! The wait should give you the indication of the gastro-adventure ahead. If you have young ones with you, they will probably enjoy making pancakes themselves (with assistance of course) at a grill table. The hot surfaced tables are an option. There are also normal tables, high tops and a bar for seating. The choices of mimosas are delightful and tasty. Entrée selections are well varied and each one I've tried over my multiple visits to Backwater have been delightful. If you wanted to dine in a place with authentic atmosphere, you've come to the right place! From the wall décor and lighting to the seating, it's worth a trip to take natural Florida all in. Love the t-shirts on the staff as well (available for purchase should you choose). Kudos to the staff and owners of Backwater for a great dining experience. read more

They gave me a left handed mug and I am a leftie! Nice job! The service is outstanding. The food is amazing. The ambiance is perfect. The music is fantastic. We chose the "cook your own pancakes" with a griddle in the table and it was a great experience. read more

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What a fun place to go! Felt safe inside with safety protocols in place. Our server was very attentive and nice and we got to play with our food! Wait for the griddle table and get the 4 color buttermilk batter. Best with at least 3 or 4 people since it's a lot of pancake mix! Had fun creating our own designs in a great atmosphere. Def will be back. First come first serve so get there early. Still waited about 15 min at 930 on a Friday. read more

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So excited when the new location opened on Wickham. Great food, excellent server, delicious coffee. Fun to make your own pancakes or just order off the menu for breakfast or lunch. Plenty of free parking. Only downside is they need to open their big outdoor area once they hire more staff, because there is often a wait to get in. For a new location this place is a booming business read more

Went to the new location today with a friend of mine for breakfast and was pleasantly Surprised at how quickly we were seated. We were there before noon time there were some tables taken it wasn't completely empty. The new location is on Wickham Road in Melbourne Florida. I decided to try the fried green tomato BLT sandwich which was very good which was served with a side of fresh fruit that I chose and a pickle. My friend decided to try just a basic breakfast of English muffin sausage patty and eggs and some freshly squeezed orange juice. I had a coffee which was very good though I couldn't finish it because I was too full off of just half of the sandwich that I had. Nice atmosphere very clean bathroom as I said before this is a new place so you would expect it to be nice inside. It's a little bit pricey for some of the items but I'm glad I got a chance to take this place off my list of places that I want to try read more

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Sounds funny but I love the fact that they offer Tofu eggs for their eggs benedict items. Too good, lots of spinach on the english muffins. Yum Husband is not Vegan, but he loves all their meaty dishes also. read more

Very nice atmosphere and friendly servers. We tried it for lunch and were not impressed. I had the shrimp and grits and did not like the appearance nor the taste, very bland and the grits was not made properly (it was clumpy). My husband had a sandwich and it was ok. Maybe they are better at breakfast, but I don't know if I would go back even though it was recommended to us with high praises. read more

Get here early beat the morning crowd or you will be waiting in line outside. When you arrive you will be asked if you want a grilddle or regular table. You can make your own pancakes at griddle table. Fun for kids. Great decorations. Friendly fun staff. Healthy portions. Innovative southern breakfast and lunch. read more

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I was in town visiting friends and they like this place, so we came in Sunday about 10am for breakfast. There was a bit of a wait so we hung out outside until our table was ready. We originally asked for a table with a griddle, but changed it when we realized no one in our group of 6 wanted pancakes. Once we were seated our server came over right away and got our drinks. Great assortment of mimosas, but I did the Bloody Mary. Bonus points for the slice of bacon in my drink. I ordered the southern breakfast with grits for my meal. Instead of toast, I did a biscuit and a side of gravy. The biscuit was homemade and huge.. so was the bowl of sausage gravy that came with my meal. Grits were made with cheese and were good, but I liked the other items on my plate a little bit better. Good food, good service.. a great little place! read more

The pumpkin spice pancakes, delish!! Big portion of sausage and eggs to go with. The wait staff was very nice and attentive. I preferred not to griddle my own pancakes, there is an option for that if you want. Cool location and a nice stroll through town upon leaving. read more