When I was a young child, our weekend schedule was dictated by my dad’s band gigs, my mom’s social calendar coupled with a side catering business, and church. We often ate breakfast with my dad at a place as simple as the American Legion Post or at a luxurious hotel with an enormous Sunday brunch buffet because his band played a large event there the night before. To say I love breakfast foods is an understatement - I enjoy finding brunch spots for me and my family. My husband and I have been known to drive for hours for the perfect pancake (Parker’s Maple Barn in Mason, New Hampshire was one of our favorites when we lived in Boston). I hope you enjoy this list of my Top 5 Fredericksburg Brunch Spots for families - not in any particular order:
The Sunken Well - what makes this a good choice for families is that the atmosphere is super laid back and the chocolate chip pancakes could last you all day. The menu is diverse enough for any member of the family to find something - NY Strip Steak & Eggs or just a simple egg sandwich. And, the chef means business by bringing in the Taylor Ham from Jersey. The key is, get there early, the place is cozy and it fills up fast. 720 Littlepage Street, 540-370-0911
Vivify - Simplicity is what is key here. The brunch menu is simple and just like their lunch/dinner options for kids, the brunch kids meal is super easy too (eggs, bacon, roll, and a drink). The whole family will probably want to chow down on the Chicken & Waffles while you have the Fried Rice & Pork all to yourself. Or is that just me? 314 William Street, 540-656-2500
Tito’s Diner - I like Tito’s for evoking the 50s diner style - it’s a fun and easy atmosphere for kids. Like most diners, you can get breakfast all day and of course, you can get your home style meals like meatloaf, open-faced roast beef sandwich, and yes, liver and onions! The kids like how you can get all kinds of fruits and toppings on the waffles and I like the yummy breakfast sandwich options. 1695 Carl D. Silver Parkway, 540-548-3406
2400 Diner - If you have a super large party, this would be a tough place to go, however, it’s a staple in Fredericksburg history, built in 1955. The omelettes, home fries, pancakes, and sausage never disappoint - nothing is ever too greasy or lacking in flavor. There are usually brunch specials that marry the diner’s Greek tradition. Get there early! 2400 Princess Anne Street, 540-373-9040
Mason-Dixon Cafe - Now in both Fredericksburg and Stafford, this cafe has developed local dishes to die for (and drive to). The Breakfast Club is an egg sandwich made with Belgian Waffles. My mom loves the classic Monte Cristo and the kids, well, who can resist Peanut Butter & Jelly Stuffed French Toast? Even though they serve breakfast every day, all day, make sure you arrive early on the weekends. 2100 Princess Anne Street, 540-371-1950 and 11 Hope Road, Suite 115, Stafford, 540-288-3131.
About the Author: Gin Schaffer was a student affairs administrator for roughly 20 years at institutions such as Marymount University, University of North Florida, and Boston University. She studied Counseling Psychology and Higher Education Administration. In May 2014, Gin fought breast cancer alongside her husband and two young children. As of August 2015, she has been working part-time as the Integrative Medicine Coordinator at Mary Washington Healthcare’s Regional Cancer Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
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