One of the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach is to eat! Of course the beach is the jewel of the city and the main attraction but foodies and diners alike know that dining in New Smyrna is a treat, with ample choices and a lot of variety. On our recent visit to New Smyrna we decided that the best way to start off a day at the beach would be a good brunch and Third Wave Café on Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach has one of the best around. Here are our quick 5 highlights!
1. The atmosphere
You will be transported to a picturesque Key West locale when you walk thru the outdoor entry way. Bamboo, palm trees and other tropical flora provide shade and make up a quaint outside dining area where you can view the kitchen, lounge at an outside bar or dine around several tables in this sweet setting. Several fans and shade make this outdoor space very pleasant. There is also very cool deck overlooking Flagler Ave as well as inside dining just in case the weather is not inviting.
2. The menu
Third Wave Café’s brunch menu features a variety of traditional breakfast and lunch items served with a daring twist. On our visit, my friend chose the Southwestern Hash with Mexican Chorizo, served with roasted corn, red peppers, onions and potatoes topped with an over easy egg. He confirmed that it tasted as good as it looked. As I am not an egg eater, I chose the Blanco Pizza which added a zing of preserved lemon and arugula to the traditional white pizza. The cheese was smooth and creamy and the lemon added a nice pop of flavor to break up the cheese. The crust was also fresh and just the right amount crisp. Next time I might get the shrimp and grits as they looked just as delicious.
3. The drinks
Our choice for this Saturday brunch visit was the Funky Buddha Floridian. This local brew is a German style wheat beer and it is tasty and refreshing, perfect for a Saturday brunch menu. Third Wave offers a good selection of craft beers on draught as well as a nice selection of wines to choose from. I cannot forget to mention the $3 mimosas which looked quite good!
4. Specials
We didn’t choose the specials of the day but we were very tempted. On our visit they offered spoon bread with gravy, egg and sausage as well as an Ahi Taco plate. Both looked delicious as we watched them being delivered to neighboring diners. Because Third Wave likes to promote local and fresh ingredients, the daily specials are always creative and ever-changing.
5. Hours and location
Third Wave Café is opened daily from 7:30 am to 10 pm except on Tuesdays when the café is only open 7:30 am to 12 pm. Brunch and café dining happen most days until 2:30 pm but check their website for more detailed information on their hours. Third Wave Café is located on Flagler Ave on the corner of Peninsula close to the Causeway Drawbridge and just down the road from Ponce Inlet and the New Smyrna Dog Beach. There is plenty of street parking as well as in the public parking lot across the street (look for the large banyan tree).
We had a fantastic visit at the Third Wave Café and cannot wait to go back for dinner and lunch. I’d recommend it as a wonderful stop during a visit to beautiful New Smyrna Beach. Our day at the beach had a great start beginning with this brunch. The food and the atmosphere create a truly pleasant experience. New Smyrna has many culinary gems and Third Wave Café is another shining example