Grumpy's Breakfast

Would you be excited to eat at a restaurant known for it’s “Bad Mood Dude”? What if we were to tell you that just last year, they were voted Jacksonville’s Best Overall Restaurant and Jacksonville’s Best Breakfast by reputable sources including The Florida Times Union, Jacksonville.com, and News4Jax? That type of word of mouth was enough to interest us (Tayla and Phil) in waking up at an early enough time to attempt to beat the assured crowd. Another fact that must be noted: we called in about 15 minutes ahead of time, and placed our name on the waiting list. This proved to be a tip we can only hope future Grump’s goers will take advantage of! As we pulled up to the restaurant, we were astonished to see just how many people were ready to wait for a hot plate. The line was beginning to wrap around the building, and people appeared to be patiently waiting for a table despite the chilly weather.

You can tell from how efficiently Grumpy’s staff moves that making sure people leave as happily and quickly as they came is part of their appeal. It’s also very apparent that handling and attending to large crowds of hungry people is nothing new to them, it’s something they’ve crafted over the last 18 years. Our server Annie was with us shortly after we were seated. We also want to note that along with the food, Annie was definitely a highlight of our trip. She had real southern hospitality and a genuine friendliness that showed in her service. At every turn, Annie made sure that we were well taken care of. After taking our order, she quickly returned with a rich smelling Snickerdoodle Coffee and orange juice that was the definition of fresh pressed. We watched it be made in the same room we were seated in! Very quickly after our drinks arrived we received the appetizer; a freshly baked, evenly iced, cinnamon roll that paired nicely with the house coffee. Immediately following our baked delight, we were greeted with the real reason we’ll be back. Annie was hustling to our table with just a few of the entrees behind the aroma that had been filling our nostrils since we entered the restaurant that morning.

WARNING: To anyone with eyes-bigger-than-stomach-itis, be careful. Grumpy’s makes it hard to pick with prices that make it so you just don’t have to!

We opted for a southern classic by choosing the Shrimp & Grits, and decided to give the renowned crab cakes a shot by ordering the Crab Cake Benedict. One thing is for sure, we were not disappointed! Grumpy’s uniquely flavored shrimp roux was just the twist the classic dish needed to wake you up. The enormous shrimp, visible even through the ocean of grits, let us know our stomachs were in for a treat. We even asked Annie if she could find out the ingredient giving the sauce its flavor, but upon her return from the kitchen we were informed that a good chef doesn’t divulge their secrets. The hollandaise covering the crab cakes was butter based with a distinct dill flavoring, a perfect combination for the fresh crab and poached egg that rested on two biscuit halves. It became increasingly clear that the only reason one could be “Grumpy” about anything at this place, is when they have to leave such a great spot!

Grumpy’s is the kind of cooking that makes you feel like you’ve been transported through space and time to your grandmother’s kitchen. The experience of eating with the Bad Mood Dude makes you appreciate the process, from start to finish. You can tell that the service provided by Grumpy’s is made possible through the labor of people who have a passion for what they are doing. Grumpy opened his doors with a desire to serve the people of Jacksonville good food, and that same enthusiasm attracted a staff that wanted to see genuine smiles from full bellies coupled with non-emptied wallets. Together they make a bit of magic we should all share in. If you have not been, it is simple, go! This Jax Hot Spot is now a staple on our list and we hope to be back soon.

Sincerely,

Tayla & Phil; Jax Hot Spots