My recent visit to this charming establishment left me utterly enchanted by its cute and cozy vibe. Tucked away discreetly off the street, it truly is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. What sets this place apart is the dedication to crafting everything in-house, ensuring a fresh and unique culinary experience for each patron.
Upon entering, my friend and I were warmly greeted and we chose our seats. Sol, our delightful waitress, was the embodiment of hospitality. Not only did she extend a warm welcome, but she also provided us with valuable recommendations and kindly informed us about the day's specials.
Eager to explore their offerings, I opted for their signature coffee, the Maple Bacon Brew - a refreshing concoction of maple cold brew, housemade jerk sauce, and crowned with torch marshmallow fluff and crispy bacon bits. Served cold, this unique blend was a delightful awakening of flavors. My friend, on the other hand, enjoyed a cappuccino, and together we savored a slice of their moist Lemon Olive Oil Cake - a perfect balance of deliciousness without being overly sweet.
For the main course, we both indulged in the Breakfast Hash. Despite the unavailability of their house-smoked brisket, the Pork Belly Hash and Chicken Sausage Hash proved to be exceptional alternatives. Opting for scrambled eggs myself instead of poached, I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious they were - so much so that I devoured them without my usual ketchup topping.
The true highlight of the meal, however, was the Brioche French Toast. Despite not being avid fans of traditional French toast due to its often soggy texture, we were absolutely blown away by their rendition. A classic Tres Leches-soaked Brioche French Toast, adorned with a bruleéd sugar crust and drizzled with maple syrup, created a symphony of flavors and textures that left us craving for more. The bruleéd sugar crust, in particular, was a revelation.
I must commend Sol for providing us with the best customer experience throughout our visit. Her warmth and attentiveness added an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience. This place is indeed a hidden culinary treasure, and I find myself daydreaming about that exquisite Brioche French Toast. I can't wait to return for more culinary delights and the cozy ambiance that makes this place...
Read moreAs a serial regular, I've been looking for my favorite spot since I came to browse Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods before officially moving down here (yes, yet another transplant). A week before I was set to move into my new apartment, I discovered Spud's... and immediately regretted that the lease I signed wasn't in a building within walking distance.
Spud's is one of those places that you walk into and immediately feel the energy and the love. Spud's makes it so easy to be a regular because the staff each member of the team is welcoming, helpful, and kind - not just to customers, but amongst each other as well. Each has their own talents and contributions, and help each other to grow not just as colleagues, but in their goals outside of work, too.
Megan, the owner & chef, has a truly special craft in nurturing this warm environment for her customers and her team, in addition to her creativity and commitment in the kitchen. Of course, as a regular I tend to stick to the usual - oat milk flat white & breakfast hash with pork belly. That doesn't mean I haven't strayed from my order to explore the rest of the menu... and I've yet to meet a dish I haven't loved.
In fact, I've loved all my experiences at Spud's so much that I find myself recommending it to nearly everyone I meet who's looking for the best coffee or brunch in South Florida. I even had a flight attendant a few weeks ago who happened to live around the corner and happily typed their Instagram handle into his phone so he could make a visit when he was back on land. I'm excited to share and am grateful to have such a good recommendation to give - plus, I tend to bump into a familiar face every time I go!
If you're local, or just in town visiting, or maybe even reading this from somewhere further away dreaming about your next vacation - add in a visit to Spud's. You won't...
Read moreA Modern Pause at Spud’s Coffee
At Spud’s Coffee in Fort Lauderdale, the room itself feels like a blank canvas — a tall, sunlit space punctuated only by a few pieces of curious art. The design is restrained, almost severe, but the food offers more warmth.
The iced chai, softened with milk and lifted by a dusting of cinnamon, was precise and comforting — so much so that a second round was inevitable. A green juice — a lively composition of kale, grape, apple, pineapple, ginger, honey, spinach, and celery — struck the right balance of sharpness and sweetness.
The kitchen’s reach is generally assured, though not without flaws. A breakfast plate of eggs and chicken sausage faltered on the latter: the sausage arrived overcooked and dry, resistant even to the knife. By contrast, another plate, with scrambled eggs layered onto a perfectly toasted bagel, found its harmony in a swipe of jam alongside the eggs. The lyonnaise salad was perhaps the most compelling: the pork belly, suculento, tied together crisp lettuce and tender egg with richness and restraint. Not everything arrived at its peak — the avocado on the side was under-ripe, a misstep that broke the rhythm.
Service is a strong point here: the staff showed real patience and flexibility, graciously accommodating substitutions, children at the table, and even our own slow pace in ordering. A thoughtful touch: a board game area that draws in both children and adults, turning the café into a place to linger.
Spud’s is modern and chic without being self-conscious, a café where the food is approachable yet thoughtful. It may not fill every wall, but it does fill the appetite.
#FortLauderdaleDining #ModernBrunch...
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