Backwater - Wickham Road — Restaurant in Melbourne

Having friends on the Space Coast is hard. It's a long drive out there, and there's not a lot to do or eat out there, compared to Orlando. But it had been way too long since I had seen my friends and their new baby, so I did the research, and I discovered that this legendary Melbourne breakfast/brunch joint had opened another location about a half-hour north. Bingo. Let's go.

There are two really cool things about this place. The first thing is the thing I didn't take advantage of. They have eight tables where there are griddles IN the table, so you can get pancake batter by the bottle, and toppings from chocolate chips to cookie dough pieces, and cook your pancakes yourself, right in front of you. So cool.

But, FYI, there are no reservations here, so the posted wait times that are right on the host stand will reflect, for example, that a normal table's wait time would be 45 minutes, while the griddle table's wait time would be an hour and 45 minutes. So, if you want this fun, show up early.

The other really cool thing about this place is that they openly brag about their ingredients being all, or mostly, locally sourced from the great state of Florida. And right in the middle of the lobby, there is a giant sign with the state of Florida and arrows connecting your menu ingredients to what part of Florida they are from. Nice.

Anyway, so after our 45 minute wait, we got seated. And then we had to comb through their extensive, everything-sounds-delicious, menu. While I was browsing, though, I was sipping on my glass of fresh squeezed watermelon juice. Which, there is nothing like. Order a glass of this. You can also get it in a mimosa, if that's more your speed.

After a bit, I couldn't deny myself, I ordered the Fried Gator Waffle (Orange zest waffle topped with candied orange peels and fried gator). This was good! The gator was fried nicely, and popped when eaten with the orange peel. The waffle was a little over-done. Very dry. But, they had pretty good syrup to drizzle over everything, so it was all good.

I also ordered a side of the biscuits and gravy. And oh my goodness, go look at the picture. Those thicc, fluffy biscuits were literally drowned in that gravy. The gravy was well-peppered, and you got a gulp of it with every, single, bite. Nice job, Backwater. Very Southern.

I also got to sample the Cuban Benedict (Two poached eggs atop pulled pork, grilled ham, and diced pickled on Cuban garlic bread topped with Dijon hollandaise and your choice of a side). Now this, was something truly special. Cut that egg and let that yolk run over everythinggg. Take some of that, or some hollandaise and have a bite of it with the pulled pork, or the ham. You can't go wrong. Every component of this was dynamite.

The side with that one was the black cherry grits. These were good. If you like grits, you'll like them. If you don't, you won't. Let's just leave it at that.

Overall, I'm glad this place is out on the Space Coast to offer the locals a brunch place that isn't a national chain. I will be becoming back, because there's so much more I...

I was hungry and needed lunch when I happened upon Crossroads Village shopping center which I didn't even know was there. (I guess I need to get out more 😆) The first restaurant that caught my eye was NOT Backwater, but once I parked and saw the building I knew I had to check it out. I'm SO glad that I did!

I'm not a native of Florida but I'm definitely a local, having lived here since 2000. I'm fascinated by the state's history and I also love reading Florida-centric authors such as Tim Dorsey and Carl Hiassen. So upon entering the restaurant I was a bit gobsmacked. Florida history adorns the walls; a chandelier composed of what appears to be gator skulls hangs front-and-center. On a chalkboard behind the bar is a gorgeous graphic depicting "where your food comes from today," where I discovered to my delight that the restaurant takes great pains to source their food within 500 miles of Brevard County.

But the food! O my! Be sure to look on BOTH sides of the menu; they serve both breakfast and lunch side-by-side all day (until 2'ish). I started with a beer from Miami, Havana Lager, which I'd never heard of but will now look for. Lunch for me was the Deep South Cordon Bleux -- an AMAZING concoction! The side slaw is actually some of the best slaw I've ever had, and I LIKE slaw. The veggies were shaved just a TINY BIT smaller than most slaws, and there were cranberries!! The main course was decadent and filling, with a really cool sweet/spicy thing going on. The jalapeño cornbread sneaks up on you a little but man o man it was buttery and slightly sweet and BAM! Since there's so much going on in the dish your mouth doesn't really have time to complain about a little heat: the fried chicken and grilled ham, the cheese and greens, tomato pesto... really loved it.

It's always a pleasant surprise when the staff is as amazing as the food. When I arrived the place was hopping! There's so much to look at on the walls that I was actually startled when I was approached and asked if I had been seated yet. Shortly after being led to my spot I was approached by my server, Anna, who started me off with that beer I told you about. We jawed a bit about the menu, and she helped me choose that Cordon Bleux. She also talked me into getting the slaw and not opting for say, home fries. The only complaint I have is that I wanted more cole slaw! (Maybe next time I'll ask if they have a to-go size!) We also talked a little bit about the theme of the restaurant and she shared that she made a point of trying the food before applying for the job. She was cool and fun and efficient all at the same time -- give that girl a raise!

I SO appreciate small businesses attempting to make a go of it in these uncertain times. Major props for coming up with a unique menu that elevates comfort food without being snobby about it.

I actually live much closer to their Historic Downtown Melbourne location, so I'm SUPER stoked about visiting that location -- for brunch maybe? I've got my eye on a watermelon & mint mimosa, or, wait for it... a BACON BLOODY MARY?? Yes...

Cheeky Sounthern Adventure

Step into a playful, Southern inspired café where Florida’s freshest ingredients shine 🌞. From sunrise pancakes to lunchtime comforts, every dish bursts with color, crunch, and a hint of cheeky charm.

Menu Highlights A crave worthy variety of breakfast classics, from fluffy griddle-fresh pancakes 🥞 to savory biscuits and gravy Southern favorites with a twist, featuring locally raised poultry and farm-fresh produce 🍊. Mimosa flight anyone? Interactive griddle tables for DIY pancake parties that's perfect for groups and Instagram moments 📷. An extensive drink menu: house-made mango habanero syrup for your pancakes, bold Florida craft brews on tap, and specialty coffee creations. Don't miss out on their mile high bloody mary.

Deep South Cordon Bleu - 8/10 Juicy, boneless fried chicken with a light, ultra-crispy coating. Paired with vibrant, sauteed spinach and kale and a spicy-sweet jalapeño Johnny cake that steals the show. Oh so good.

Bourbon Revival - 7/10 Served steaming hot with a rich, bourbon-infused batter. Delivers all the nostalgia of a Monte Cristo, though the sweetness of the coating might thrill some more than others.

Atmosphere - 9/10 Gander through walls adorned with “farm to table” 🚜 provenance maps, vintage Southern memorabilia, and a show-stopping alligator 🐊 skull chandelier. Every detail invites a conversation.

Seating Options - 9/10 Choose your vibe: Pull up a stool at the bar Sink into a cozy corner table Host a pancake cook-off at one of the interactive griddle stations

Space fills up fast at this bustling spot. Arrive early to secure a cozy seat!

Ready for a meal that’s as fun as it is flavorful? Bring your appetite and your best pals for a Southern-style feast with a Florida twist.

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