This St. Cloud, Florida Brunch Spot Serves Breakfast Waffle Tacos And Cinnabon French Toast Magic
Some Florida brunch spots get attention. Others quietly become the ones everyone wishes they had found sooner.
In historic downtown St. Cloud, there’s a place turning ordinary mornings into something people talk about long after the plates are cleared, and you can feel it the second you step inside.
The air carries hints of cinnamon, butter, and that unmistakable weekend excitement drifting through the room.
Plates pass by that make heads turn. Conversations pause.
Orders suddenly get upgraded because everything looks too good to ignore. You arrive expecting a quick Florida bite and a simple start to your day.
Instead, you’re smiling at the table, leaning in for another taste, and wondering how brunch became the highlight of your whole weekend.
Why do locals keep coming back while visitors leave already planning their return trip?
Because some Florida spots don’t just serve food. They create cravings you think about long after you leave.
The Location: A Downtown St. Cloud Gem Worth Seeking Out
Finding a great brunch spot in a small downtown district feels like striking gold, and this St. Cloud favorite delivers exactly that kind of discovery. Set along the brick-lined streets of historic downtown, the restaurant sits in a compact yet lively nook that fits seamlessly into the area’s old-Florida charm.
Street parking is typically easy to find nearby, and the surrounding neighborhood is pleasant to stroll through before or after a meal, turning a simple outing into a relaxed morning experience.
The walkable setting and unhurried pace add to the appeal, giving the entire visit a laid-back rhythm that makes it easy to linger a little longer. With local shops and the lakefront just steps away, it is simple to turn brunch into a full Florida morning plan.
Planning ahead is a smart move if you want a smooth visit to Loading Gastrobrunch at 1023 New York Ave, St. Cloud, FL 34769, since hours run Thursday through Monday from 9 AM to 3 PM, and the restaurant is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Checking the menu in advance at loadinggastrobrunch.com or calling +1 407-508-0961 helps you arrive ready to order with confidence.
Breakfast Waffle Tacos: The Dish That Started The Conversation
Some dishes earn their reputation through sheer originality, and the chorizo chicken waffle tacos at Loading Gastrobrunch are exactly that kind of menu moment. Imagine a crispy, golden waffle folded taco-style and packed with seasoned chorizo and tender chicken, creating a handheld breakfast experience that feels playful yet deeply satisfying.
One diner reported that her sister ordered them and absolutely loved every bite, which tracks given how often they appear in glowing reviews.
The concept of a waffle taco sounds like something dreamed up at a late-night brainstorm session, but the execution here is polished and deliberate. The contrast between the slightly sweet, crisp waffle shell and the savory, spiced filling creates a flavor combination that keeps your taste buds genuinely engaged from the first bite to the last.
Portion sizes are generous, so arriving hungry is strongly encouraged.
Cinnabon French Toast: The Sweet Showstopper On Every Table
There are French toast dishes, and then there is the Cinnibun French toast at Loading Gastrobrunch, a creation so memorable that customers specifically mention it by name in their reviews. One longtime local called it the best French toast they had ever eaten, placing it as the clear highlight of an already impressive meal.
Thick, custardy bread soaked to perfection and finished with warm cinnamon-sweet flavors, it carries the spirit of a Cinnabon roll but in brunch form.
The texture is the real magic here. Soft and pillowy on the inside with a lightly caramelized exterior, each slice delivers that ideal balance between indulgent sweetness and satisfying substance.
It is the kind of dish that makes the table go quiet for a moment while everyone takes their first bite and processes what just happened to their morning.
Candied Bacon Appetizer: The Table Starter Everyone Talks About
Starting a brunch meal with an appetizer might not be everyone’s instinct, but the candied bacon at Loading Gastrobrunch will quickly change that habit. Soaked in a maple and Sriracha glaze, these thick strips of bacon deliver a flavor profile that somehow manages to be sweet, smoky, and spicy all at once without any single note overpowering the others.
It is the kind of appetizer that disappears from the table faster than anyone planned.
Multiple reviews specifically recommend ordering this dish for the table, with one group of six diners reporting zero complaints across the board after sharing it. The Sriracha syrup served alongside adds an extra kick for those who want to lean into the heat, while the maple base keeps things grounded and familiar.
Think of it as a warm-up act that sets the tone for everything delicious that follows.
For newcomers who feel unsure about appetizers at brunch, consider this a friendly nudge from basically every regular customer who has ever eaten here. The candied bacon is a crowd-pleaser in the truest sense, appealing to people who love sweet breakfasts and those who prefer savory starts equally.
Order it first, thank yourself later.
Mac And Cheese That Earns Its Own Fan Club
Mac and cheese as a brunch side dish might raise an eyebrow until you taste the version at Loading Gastrobrunch, which has earned its own dedicated fan base among regulars. One self-described picky mac-and-cheese enthusiast called it one of the best they had ever tried, ranking it above versions from far more famous establishments.
Creamy, rich, and made from scratch, it hits that nostalgic comfort-food note while still feeling elevated and intentional.
The scratch-kitchen approach is key here. Because everything is made fresh rather than pulled from a package, the mac and cheese carries a depth of flavor that pre-made versions simply cannot replicate.
It appears both as a standalone side and as an ingredient in other dishes, including the Mac Attack Wrap, where it is tucked inside a crispy tortilla with chicken for a meal that is as satisfying as it sounds.
Chicken And Waffles Done Right: A Classic Elevated
Chicken and waffles is one of those brunch staples that every restaurant attempts but only a few truly master, and Loading Gastrobrunch lands firmly in the latter category. A server at the restaurant personally recommended the dish to a first-time visitor, describing it as one of their personal favorites, and the customer left convinced it was the best version they had tried anywhere.
High praise from someone who eats it regularly carries real weight.
The fried chicken arrives crispy on the outside and juicy inside, resting on a waffle that holds its structure without going soggy under the weight of the toppings. The balance between the savory crunch of the chicken and the slightly sweet, airy waffle creates a dynamic that makes each forkful feel considered and complete.
Portion sizes are generous, meaning leftovers are almost a guarantee, and reviewers report that the next-day experience is equally enjoyable.
The Scratch Kitchen Philosophy Behind Every Plate
Something unmistakable happens when a restaurant commits fully to cooking from scratch, and Loading Gastrobrunch wears that commitment openly. Every dish on the menu is made with fresh ingredients rather than pre-packaged shortcuts, and the difference shows up clearly in the flavor, texture, and overall quality of each plate.
One reviewer described it plainly: it is a scratch kitchen, and you can taste the difference because it is delicious.
That philosophy extends across the entire menu, from the grits that reviewers rave about to the biscuits, hashes, and salads that round out the offerings. Nothing feels generic or mass-produced, and the seasoning across dishes reflects a kitchen that pays attention to detail at every step.
The menu reads as creative and intentional rather than a collection of safe, predictable choices thrown together to appeal to the broadest possible audience.
For diners who have grown accustomed to brunch spots that reheat and assemble rather than actually cook, Loading Gastrobrunch offers a refreshing contrast. The extra effort required to operate a true scratch kitchen translates directly into a dining experience that feels personal and authentic.
That authenticity is a significant part of why customers return repeatedly and recommend the restaurant enthusiastically to friends and family.
The Ambiance: Brick Walls, Cozy Corners, And Good Energy
Walking into Loading Gastrobrunch feels like stepping into a space that was designed specifically for lingering over coffee and good conversation. The brick-lined interior creates a warm, textured backdrop that makes the restaurant feel both casual and carefully curated, striking that balance between neighborhood hangout and genuinely special dining destination.
Whether you choose to sit inside or take advantage of the outdoor seating, the atmosphere wraps around you comfortably.
Reviewers consistently describe the vibe as energetic yet relaxed, with a friendly buzz in the room that reflects a mix of regulars and curious newcomers. One diner noted a clear sense of camaraderie among the staff, which adds to the feeling that this is a place where people genuinely enjoy showing up to work.
That energy is contagious and makes the overall experience feel warmer than a standard restaurant visit.
Service That Makes Guests Feel Like Regulars From Day One
Great food carries a meal, but great service transforms it into a memory, and Loading Gastrobrunch has built a reputation for staff who genuinely care about the people at their tables. Server Lyneve received a glowing shoutout from a large group celebrating a birthday, with reviewers praising her patience, attentiveness, and ability to make the entire table feel celebrated.
Staff members like Jesse and Laura have also been called out by name in reviews for their polished, personable approach.
For newcomers who arrive without a clear idea of what to order, the servers here act as enthusiastic guides rather than order-takers. Recommendations come with genuine enthusiasm, and the staff seem to have personal favorites they are happy to share.
The restaurant also handles special occasions with care, including singing happy birthday to guests and ensuring celebratory moments feel acknowledged and festive. For groups marking milestones or simply enjoying a weekend together, that extra layer of attentiveness makes a meaningful difference.
Good service here is not an accident but a consistent part of the experience.
Price, Hours, And Value: What To Expect Before You Go
Loading Gastrobrunch falls into the moderate price range, typically marked as double dollar sign on review platforms, which means a meal for two with coffee and an appetizer will likely land around $60 to $75 before tip. Reviewers acknowledge that the prices sit slightly above what locals might expect from a St. Cloud establishment, but the consistent feedback is that the quality and portion sizes make the investment feel worthwhile.
One couple described spending $70 on appetizer, two entrees, and two coffees as completely worth it for the experience.
The restaurant operates Thursday through Monday from 9 AM to 3 PM and remains closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. That schedule means weekends are typically the busiest windows, and arriving early or on a quieter Friday morning can mean shorter waits and more relaxed service.
One reviewer who arrived early on a Saturday found the pace comfortable and the service quick and attentive.
Street parking is available along New York Avenue, though it may require a short walk depending on availability. Planning your visit during off-peak hours, bringing a group ready to share dishes, and saving room for dessert-style items like the Cinnibun French toast will ensure you leave feeling like the price was more than justified.
Quality brunch this creative rarely comes cheap, and here it earns every dollar.