Oh, hands down, you want to go here. The service was EXCELLENT. The food exceeded my expectations. The environment was fun, cozy, and welcoming. Also.. cook your own pancakes? What a fun thing to do if you have kids. I do not, but I can tell you the table that did was having a great time. I am so glad that my travels led me to this wonderful place for breakfast. My only disappointment is that I am not from this area, so I won't be able to come back as often as I'd like. 10/10.
Overview
Located in the heart of Melbourne, Florida, Backwater offers a unique dining experience that combines fresh seafood with Southern-inspired comfort food in a casual, laid-back atmosphere. Situated at 1904 Municipal Ln, this charming restaurant stands as a local favorite for those craving a delicious and satisfying meal.
One of the standout features of Backwater is its menu, which showcases an impressive variety of dishes that cater to all tastes. Whether you're a seafood lover, vegetarian, or prefer hearty meats, there's something for everyone. The menu boasts a wide selection of fresh catches, including shrimp, scallops, and fish, all expertly prepared and served with flavorful sides. The classic seafood platter, which includes a mix of fried shrimp, oysters, and fish fillets, is always a crowd favorite, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
For those who prefer non-seafood options, the Southern-inspired comfort food offerings at Backwater will not disappoint. The fried chicken, seasoned to perfection and served with mashed potatoes and gravy, is a dish that has become synonymous with comfort and warmth. Additionally, the pulled pork sandwiches and BBQ ribs are popular choices for meat lovers, offering a taste of smoky, tender goodness.
The atmosphere at Backwater adds to its charm. With a rustic, yet modern decor, the restaurant exudes an inviting vibe that makes it perfect for both casual meals with friends and intimate dinners. The interior is spacious, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and airy environment. The friendly and attentive staff ensures that every visit is a pleasant one, making diners feel right at home from the moment they walk through the door.
If you're in the mood for something lighter, the salads at Backwater are a great choice. Freshly prepared with crisp greens, seasonal vegetables, and a variety of dressings, these salads make for a refreshing and healthy meal option. The house-made vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the tangy citrus salads, while the classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and parmesan cheese offers a satisfying, simple dish.
While the food at Backwater is undoubtedly the star of the show, the drink menu is not to be overlooked. The restaurant offers a great selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails, including their signature margarita, which pairs perfectly with the shrimp tacos or fish ceviche. The full bar also features a selection of spirits, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind after a long day.
For dessert, the homemade key lime pie stands out as a refreshing end to any meal. With a perfectly balanced tart and sweet filling, topped with whipped cream, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your dining experience at Backwater.
What truly sets Backwater apart, however, is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. This dedication to fresh, high-quality produce not only supports the local community but also enhances the flavor of every dish. Diners can taste the difference in every bite, whether it's the locally caught seafood or the farm-fresh vegetables.
Reviews of Backwater are overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons praising both the food and the service. Customers appreciate the variety of options, the quality of the ingredients, and the overall friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. Regulars are quick to return, and newcomers are always welcomed with open arms.
Located in Melbourne, Backwater is more than just a place to eat - it's a community gathering spot where people can enjoy good food, good drinks, and great company. Whether you're visiting for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, the welcoming staff and delicious dishes are sure to make your experience a memorable one.
For those seeking a taste of fresh seafood and comforting Southern dishes in a relaxed setting, Backwater is a must-visit. With its consistently excellent food, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere, it continues to be a standout in Melbourne's vibrant dining scene.
Good to know
Service options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe space ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Usually a wait ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free multi-storey car park ✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 2868 reviews
Nice atmosphere with good service. Unfortunately, all of the food was just lukewarm. The flavors were good and portions appropriate. I got the Chicken and Waffle with candied orange rinds. The waffle was fine, but there were about six halves of chicken nuggets. I wish I had been told to eat the orange slices with it. They add a nice tartness. My wife got the Fried Green Tomatoes Benedict. Again, nice flavors but not hot. Our friend had the Greek Omelette. Same story. Not a terrible experience, but there are other places to spend my money.
Rustic vibes and a great place to dine! I got their lemon poppy seed pancakes and my boyfriend got their grits. Looks amazing and tasted even better, wow, I like to describe the pancakes like they taste like “cake”. Soft, fluffy, and sweet! The grits were amazing as well, had a nice savory kick and lots of protein. I also had their grapefruit juice that was very nice. We also tried gator for the first time here, the fried gator appetizer, and it was so good! It kind of tasted like a combo of fish and chicken. We were baffled (in a good way). Definitely will visit again! It gets full quick so I recommend going earlier if possible. We went around 11am!
Fun experience! The food was good, a little too greasy, but yummy. I felt I had a sugar crash. They give you a menu for their food, and then a menu to circle pancake options for the make your own. Each additional add (chocolate chips, nutella, etc is about $2 per add, strawberries are extra). You circle whatever you want, even add eggs, bacon, sausage. What we ordered (1): -Make Your Own (split it between 2 people and it was more than enough food) Strawberries Nutella Chocolate Chips Eggs (comes with 2) Sausage (comes with 2) -Make Your Own Cream Cheese Frosting Coconut
Google should allow 10 stars. We went to this place to celebrate after our wedding vow renewal. I’ve been waiting a week to come to this place. This place was awesome. We were welcomed as soon as we walked through the door. The lady at the counter said hello with a smile. It was our first time and first impressions mean everything. Let me say this, the food was so delicious and well worth the money. We got to make our own panckakes however we wanted and we also had leftovers. I had bananas and chocolate chip. My wife had gluten free pancakes with blueberries, YES GLUTEN FREE. The bacon, eggs, home fries, and the sausage was all We will definitely be coming back. I’m a restaurant owner myself and I was very impressed with this place. Small businesses rock!!! Thank you all for making our day special. Keep doing what you’re doing. We will be back Thanksgiving week.
Delicious fresh food and fun. We got to make our own pancakes. We picked the seasonal flavored batter (apple spice). The whole experience was fun, pancakes cooked fast and we also ordered the Southern breakfast which was the perfect addition to our pancakes. I completely recommend if you're looking for a
Located in downtown Melbourne, this place is dishing up some southern goodies. As soon as you walk in, you can appreciate the decor that really does give homage to the natural beauty of Florida. You add your name on a tablet and specify which type of table you want. There are tables with griddles so you can make your own pancakes or regular tables available. There is usually a little more wait for the griddle tables. We got there pretty early so we waited about 5 minutes for our griddle table. This really makes for a family fun experience!! The menu items are great! They have a lot of southern classics with their own unique twists. For example they have chicken and citrus waffles, shrimp and grits and a grilled mac and cheese sandwich!! Did I mention they have alligator bites too? We got the DIY lemon poppy seed pancakes and half the fun is making them, but the flavor is absolutely delish!! We also tried the fried green tomatoes which are in a corn meal batter. Nice and crispy! And of course, can't leave without some loaded grits. It was delicious, loaded with cheese, bacon bits and chives! The service here is great too. Our waitress was so kind and made great recommendations. She also helped us navigate the menu because it was our first time. The staff did check up on us and made sure we had enough drinks the whole time. Very helpful and kind people. This is a must try in Melbourne!
Hibachi pancakes? SOLD. This place is no gimmick. The breakfast dishes carries itself to a five star rating on its own and the make-your-own pancakes is truly a bonus. I had a blast making different pancake designs and all the prices are very reasonable. I'm not from the area but this could bring me back. Breakfast club was amazing, potatoes are fresh and crispy, not that frozen stuff. Everyone cleaned their plates. Run don't walk