I’m not sure why brunch is so refreshing to me on any given weekend, but it always feels like a treat. Now that I think about it, perhaps my brunch time is made extra-special thanks to the bottomless Bloody Marys or the second round of Hollandaise I typically order.

I recently enjoyed two different brunch meals in smaller Florida communities outside my home of Sarasota. The first was in Homestead (outside Miami) at City Hall Bistro and Martini Bar.

Built in 1904 and located in historic Hotel Redland, City Hall Bistro and Martini Bar is found inside the oldest building in Homestead. Recently renovated in 2023, it’s a smaller hotel with only 13 rooms, but the size of the hotel has nothing to do with the amount of flavor I enjoyed.

I ordered the crab cake Benedict for brunch, with a lychee martini to wash it down. Both were super-smooth and delicious, with large chunks of buttered crab meat melting in my mouth and a soft purple orchid adorning the martini glass. Live music from a DJ playing a variety of old-school ’80s hits and new-school beats struck the perfect balance with those of us brunching. It’s been a while since I had crab cake Benedict with so much “swagger” in both appearance and flavor. Definitely more than bar food, City Hall Bistro and Martini Bar exceeded my expectations and earns 5 stars in my book.

The second recent brunch spot worthy of note is The Terrace Grille inside Terrace Hotel Lakeland. I was in Lakeland watching this year’s Miss Florida and Miss Florida’s Teen competitions when I decided to see what brunch spots in Lakeland might surprise me.

Terrace Hotel Lakeland is on the National Historic Register by the Department of the Interior because of its original construction in 1924. It was among the first hotels in the state welcoming visitors throughout the year, thanks to a keen investment in air conditioning. Frank Sinatra, Henry Ford and Frank Lloyd Wright are all said to have stayed at Terrace Hotel in central Florida, located somewhat off the beaten path between Tampa and Orlando.

The atmosphere inside The Terrace Grill is still reminiscent of the roaring twenties with floor-to-ceiling arched windows, striking ceilings and a memorable black and white floor. Although I didn’t see either the new Miss Florida or Miss Florida’s Teen, there was a hint of celebration in the air, and I did recognize a few contestants at various tables.

I ordered the Lake Mirror Benny with a bottomless Bloody Mary. My time chatting a bit with bartender Michelle hit the spot, as did the Hollandaise-smothered, applewood-smoked bacon and poached egg atop my toasted English muffin.

I’m sure brunch will continue to be one of my favorite meals of the week — regardless of the location. And while Homestead and Lakeland aren’t likely to be known as the brunch capitals of Florida, I can safely say they both delivered more than I expected on taste, ambience and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality.

— Carrie Cox, account executive