No matter how often you might make excuses for skipping it in your standard morning routine, there's just something about breakfast when you're in vacation mode. You know… that mouth-watering aroma of bacon frying up in a pan, the sound of fresh-ground coffee dripping into a glass carafe, and a highly anticipated conversation about the list of activities that will fill your schedule during the hours ahead.
Some days you might want a particularly early start, others you are likely to fancy a large and leisurely first meal of the day. Don't worry; there are no lack of options here.
From quick bites to hearty appetites, these five breakfast stops in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte will quell any concerns you might have about a grumbling vacation belly. After all, it is important to be properly fueled for a day of exploring the outdoors or taking in a few local landmarks.
John Ski's House of Breakfast and Lunch
John Ski's in Punta Gorda provides a good old-fashioned "stick to your ribs" breakfast perfect for kicking off a day of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach adventures. Known for serving hearty portions of homemade favorites like biscuits and gravy, John Ski's opens at 6 am. Don't forget to ask about the "Fat Boy Breakfast Challenge" and be sure to arrive hungry.
Hometown Grill
Enjoy eggs many ways—including an amazing Benedict—and a wonderfully varied menu of breakfast specials at Hometown Grill. Other favorites include creamed chipped beef over toast or a biscuit with 2 eggs and a side, omelets, breakfast wraps, French toast, and breakfast quesadillas. Takeout or dine in to prepare for a day of adventure.
Penny's Restaurant
Penny's in Punta Gorda is the place for "build your own" breakfast sandwiches and omelets served with home fries. This is a convenient breakfast stop if you're en route to the Punta Gorda Nature Park or Allapatchee Park. Keep an eye out for Penny's 1973 Volkswagen bug parked out in front.
Abbe's Donut Nook
Abbe's in Port Charlotte is the place to go if you're planning an early fishing trip out of Charlotte Harbor or sunrise stroll on the beach, stop at Abbe's Donut Nook anytime after 5 AM to satisfy your morning sweet tooth. Pair a fresh, made-from-scratch angel cream filled donut, apple fritter, or cinnamon bun with a cup of fresh ground coffee to go. Abbe's is less than 5 miles from Charlotte Harbor and less than four miles from Port Charlotte Beach Park.
Dean's South of the Border
Dean's is a favorite spot in the heart of Punta Gorda. Featuring a variety of Benedicts and Tex-Mex breakfast delights and anything else you may want, a hearty Dean's breakfast will set you up nicely for the rest of the day.
Now that you have a list of five vacation-worthy breakfast stops in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, all you have to do is decide which one you want to try first!
