The visit to Fort Lauderdale was made during a press trip with Visit Lauderdale and Air Canada, but all thoughts and opinions are, as usual, my own.
One of the most common questions I get after my trip to Florida is about the cost of eating out – especially the cost of eating breakfast. In the US, it's common for hotels to offer rooms without breakfast included, but is it really cheaper to skip the hotel's breakfast and eat somewhere else?
When I travel, I almost always book hotel rooms that include breakfast. It's convenient, saves time when you need it most, and frankly, breakfast is rarely something I'm willing to spend big on. Give me an egg, a sandwich and a bottomless cup of coffee and I'm ready to face the day's adventure.
But during my last trip to Fort Lauderdale, something happened. The breakfast became more than a quick bite of food – it became an extravagant event. The dishes that landed on my plate could just as well have been the stars of a creative brunch menu. Freshly baked pancakes decorated with edible flowers, poached eggs on a bed of creamy avocado and fresh fruit that could make any rainbow fade.
But the question remains: What does it really cost to leave the hotel buffet and step out into the a la carte breakfast world? And above all – is it worth it? Come with me to Fort Lauderdale's inspiring breakfast scene where the first goal of the day can set the mood for the whole day.
Something to think about for the price-conscious
Before you decide whether to enjoy a buffet at the hotel or go in search of a la carte breakfast in Florida, there is one important thing to keep in mind: the prices on the menus are not the price you end up paying . In Florida, both tax and tip are added. A sales tax of around 7% is added to the bill, and then expected tip of 20-25%, which quickly adds to the price.
Take a $12 juice as an example. With tax, tip and the current dollar rate, it comes to almost 175 kronor (based on the exchange rate of 1 USD = 11 SEK in December 2024). In comparison, hotel breakfasts are often between $20 and $40 per adult. Having said that, there is usually a lot included in the hotel buffet, which means that the cost can be advantageous if you eat a lot for breakfast.
Ol'days at Las Olas
As soon as the deep-fried tapioca cubes ($16) are brought to the table, garnished with baby pansies and small bowls of chili honey and agave, I realize that Ol'days is anything but a regular breakfast trail. The menu offers South American flavors, an explosion of color from Florida fruits, a touch of Middle Eastern spiciness and generous portions that only the American South can deliver. It is extra everything, but with a style and finesse.
You'll find Ol'days right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's vibrant Las Olas, surrounded by trendy restaurants, bars and shops. Despite the busy street outside, it feels like we are stepping into a Sorrento backyard. The hand-painted lemon trees on the walls and the light wood details are appealing and pleasant. Here, farm-to-table is not just a concept – it is the essence of the experience. The cafe works directly with local producers to guarantee freshness and quality that is noticeable in both taste and presentation.
I can't resist ordering one of my favorites: shakshuka. It's served in a cast-iron dish with perfectly poached eggs nestled in a tangy tomato sauce, topped with feta cheese and avocado ($16). For that, I choose a café latte ($6,50) and a freshly squeezed orange juice ($7,50).
My traveling companions order a delicious smorgasbord of breakfast favorites – everything from banana pancakes topped with shredded coconut, honey and fresh fruit, to avocado toast with hummus and poached eggs. Despite the large order and the constant flow of coffee and freshly squeezed juices, the wait time is surprisingly short.
My shakshuka arrives in a steaming hot cast iron pan, with warm liba bread on the side. It has just the right amount of spicy heat and the egg and avocado melt perfectly on the tongue. It's the perfect start to a day of adventure in Fort Lauderdale.
Summary
My coffee, freshly squeezed juice and shakshuka came to $30 before tax and tip. With the mandatory surcharges, the cost finally lands at approximately 450 kronor. A price level that might feel juicy for a breakfast, but which included small beautiful masterpieces on a plate.
Maple and Cream – Pastries and a bucket of coffee
On the way to the Everglades, we make a stop at Maple and Cream, located on the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale. The restaurant is an American classic that is built like an old barn, complete with a spacious parking lot. A verdant outdoor patio invites you to spend some time in the shade, but as is usually the case here in Florida, all the guests sit indoors.
Already at the door I am greeted by the irresistible aromas of bacon, maple syrup and freshly brewed coffee. It's such a scent that raises expectations and I'm more than ready to dig into what the menu can now offer.
Maple & Cream is not only a restaurant, but also a bakery where a tempting glass case is constantly replenished with steaming fresh pastries. Here croissants, cinnamon buns and carrot cakes come together in tempting rows, and many guests choose to just slip in and order a coffee and a freshly baked bun.
The menu is filled with the classic American breakfast plate with bacon and eggs that you find at all diners, but also some more creative elements for those who want to add a golden edge to breakfast. Belgian waffles topped with fried chicken, croissants with berry compote and fluffy cream, and french toast on sourdough bread with fresh berries, dulce de leche, whipped cream and nutella. I'm a little too tired to make any of these tempting dishes, so it has to be something simpler. I ask the waitress and ask for a suggestion. Her answer comes quickly: their best seller is the Carnitas Sunrise Skillet. A plate filled with pulled pork, poached eggs, creamy guacamole and roasted potatoes in a rich tomato sauce ($18). Let it be the one. I complete the order with a large café latte ($9) and a glass of water—a breakfast guaranteed to keep me full all the way out to the alligators in the Everglades.
My breakfast comes in, and the coffee is served in a cup the size of a smaller bucket. Just the way I want it. My The breakfast dish is not too shabby either. The pulled pork falls apart in your mouth and the creamy guacamole with the perfectly poached eggs is a combination to remember.
Next to me, the orders from my traveling companions are displayed. Someone chose pancakes with a tangy lemon ricotta, while another happily ordered a classic with eggs and bacon. But the craziest breakfast is undoubtedly the Belgian waffles with fried chicken. It's a huge portion, where the chicken alone could feed a smaller family. Whoever manages to eat it for breakfast deserves a smaller medal.
Summary
Maple and Cream is truly a classic breakfast spot, where the menu offers both the expected and a few pleasant surprises. The name of the place makes my taste buds sing, even for me who is usually not a big fan of copious amounts of maple syrup and cream.
The total cost of this experience, $27 before tax and tip, equates to roughly 400 kronor.
So, how much does it really cost to eat breakfast in Fort Lauderdale?
If you have the opportunity to enjoy a long and relaxing breakfast and don't feel like you have to keep track of every penny on your trip, a hearty breakfast at a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale is definitely something to recommend. Fort Lauderdale has a wealth of really good breakfast restaurants in all price ranges that serve innovative, well-prepared dishes with influences from South America, Europe and the Caribbean. However, expect to put in between 400 – 500 kronor per person and day for a luxurious breakfast in town.
If you'd rather spend both time and money on other experiences, you can keep costs down with a hotel breakfast instead, which often costs between 250 – 400 kronor per person. A surcharge on a hotel breakfast only means 7% tax, and you don't have to leave a tip at buffets.
A tip is that you shouldn't feel locked into eating breakfast at the hotel you're staying at - it's usually a good idea to do a drop-in at another hotel nearby that has a nice breakfast.
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