Spinnaker Café has been a local favorite in Englewood, Florida, for over 30 years. It’s a family-run place, and you feel that the second you walk in.
“Our doors open early at 6 a.m. sharp, and we keep serving breakfast and lunch right up to 3 p.m. every day,” says Sue, mother of Lisa, the owner of Spinnaker Café.
The menu? It’s a big menu with a wide variety of selections. Think homemade classics, weekly specials, and a whole spread of fresh bakery treats, all made right there in their kitchen. The staff is friendly, and there’s this welcoming, small-town diner vibe that makes people want to stay awhile.
Now, with St. Patrick’s Day coming up, they’re doing something special. “We’re bringing back our traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage plate, which is always a hit,” Sue promises. “You get the whole works: corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. We’ll be serving it up Saturday through Tuesday, and you can eat in or take it home. It’s one of those ‘once-a-year’ meals that people look forward to.”
They’re also making a pistachio cake French toast, which sounds amazing. And the answer is yes, it’s green, and it looks delectable. Powdered sugar on top, served with eggs and your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage.
And if you’re in the mood for some seasonal bakery items, Spinnaker Café has it covered. They’re baking up homemade butter sugar cookies shaped like shamrocks and other festive designs, all hand-decorated and boxed up nice and pretty. The cookies are available now, and Sue promises they’ll keep making them until they’re gone.
Breakfast and lunch are both available all day, so if you want eggs at 3 p.m. or a burger for breakfast, go for it. Everything’s made fresh, and their bakery roots run deep. “We’re originally from New England and used to run Honey Dew Donut shops near Foxborough Stadium,” Sue explains. “All our baked goods are made in-house; nothing is bought out.”
For drinks, they’ve got beer, wine, and some pretty fun mimosas, not just your typical orange, but peach, cranberry, mango, pineapple, and even guava lemonade. “People love it here,” Sue says with a smile. “We’ve been voted Best Breakfast, Diner, and Café year after year, and honestly, that means a lot to us.”
The team at Spinnaker Café loves to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. “Some of us get into the spirit with leprechaun hats or fun decorations,” adds Sue. “Chris, who handles all our decorating, really goes all out. It keeps things lively. And just so you know, the café is now owned by my daughter, Lisa. My husband and I help her out, especially in the winter. It’s still truly a family business.”
The restaurant has been a townie favorite for decades. Sue says it best: “We get all the locals, and there’s a real sense of community. If you’re new in town or just stopping by on your own, the counter’s a great place to sit and chat. Our staff, the girls up front, are super friendly, and regulars will always make you feel at home. That’s just how we do things here.”
