One of the perks of my job is all the travel I get to do across the United States.  Sure it gets tiring at times, but I really enjoy getting to travel to new places.  Every once and I while I stumble across a place that I instantly fall in love with.  This is the case with Melbourne, Florida.  Melbourne is located in Florida’s Space Coast on the I-95 corridor between Daytona and Miami in Brevard County.

Highway A1A runs down the coastline and the Indian River splits the mainland and the barrier island. If you are looking for putt putt golf and go karts you have come to the wrong town. That is not what Melbourne is about. Melbourne has a small town feel. There are not a bunch of hotels and giant condos like you get on the gulf coast. The area is mainly populated by locals and a few fortunate others that have found this hidden gem.

Food

Over the past year I have been able to hit up about every spot suggested by locals. These are a few of my “you don’t want to miss” places to eat (Note – these are all places I have eaten & none of these have paid me anything to post this):

Breakfast

The Blueberry Muffin – on A1A in Indialantic. My first choice for breakfast in Melbourne. Great service, freshly cooked, and tasty! They open early and there is always a special.

Lunch Places

Me-N-Tito’s Mexican Grill – located on Babcock St is Melbourne’s version of Chipotle with some fresh Florida twists. Tacos, Burritos, Fajitas, etc. All cooked and served fresh for you.

Goombay’s Beachside – located on A1A south of Patrick SFB. Another great spot where the Caribbean meets Florida with a touch of Cajun! The El Diablo Mahi Sandwich is one of my favorites here, but you can’t go wrong with a N’Orleans style Po’Boy if you can’t take the heat. The fresh seared Ahi Tuna tacos are also a favorite.

Frigate’s – Who doesn’t love sitting outside and enjoying a great lunch? Frigate’s is located on Harbor City Blvd and the Eau Gallie River. Sit outside on the tropical patio and enjoy a cold drink and great lunch or dinner menu.

Gourmet Cheese Steak & Pizza Company – located on Babcock Street just down the road from Me-N-Tito’s features one of the best cheesesteaks around. Custom order yours with the toppings of your liking!

Hamburger Mike’s – Just want a burger and fries? Get a fresh 8oz angus burger from Mike’s with a side of fresh cut fries!

Dinner

Bunky’s Raw Bar & Grill – my go to for peel-n-eat shrimp (cold please) and raw oysters. Don’t get me wrong the whole menu is great but I love ice cold peel-n-eat shrimp and these are perfect! I am also a big fan of the Bang Bang Shrimp and the seared Ahi Tuna here.

Squid Lips – live music, on the Indian River, need I say more! Eat inside or out. Good food and good service here at Squid Lips.

Grill’s Riverside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar – Ahhhh…the Tiki Bar. One of my favorite nighttime dining spots. I love sitting outside here. There is always a nice breeze and the food is excellent. I’m a big fan of the bacon wrapped scallops, the Ahi Tuna, and fish tacos here. Lot’s of different specials here depending on what the fish of the day is.

Amici’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – everyone loves Italian, and Amici’s is one of the top 5 Italian restaurants I have ever eaten at. If you want fresh, home cooked, real Italian you want to eat here. It’s tucked away in the a shopping center on Wickman road but Google will get you there I promise.

Pappagallo’s Pizza – if I’m crazing pizza or typically in my case a Calzone this is where I go. Located on the A1A highway right on the beach.

The Mansion – another great spot for outdoor dining. A lot of my friends love the double thick bone in pork chop, and it is tasty. I am a sucker for the filet here, and you can’t go wrong with the Tuna Tacos. Oh, and make sure you finish it off with a little Key Lime Pie.

Djon’s Steak & Lobster House – now if you want to step up your game you don’t want to miss Djon’s. Lobster, Lamb, Steak, they have it all. Located in Melbourne Beach right across from Ryckman Park and the Melbourne Beach Pier.

Dessert (Ice Cream!)

There are lots of ice cream stops along A1A and around Melbourne, but I have two favorites:

Del’s Freez – an old fashioned dairy bar. Milk shakes with real fruit! Need I say more. Del’s is CASH ONLY!

The Surfin’ Turtle – my favorite stop for a Turtle Sunday

MORE TO COME WHEN I GET TIME