Breakfast Spot Shines with True Grit(s)

Talya
Sep 10
3 min read

Updated: Sep 25

Crackings is a family owned and operated restaurant that began in 1998. They are a breakfast, brunch, and lunch establishment. They currently have 2 locations, one in Destin and the other in Santa Rosa Beach (Grayton). I typically only go to a breakfast restaurant when I am on vacation. I find that most breakfast restaurants smell greasy or like dirty dishwater and the floors are either sticky tile or carpet that hasn’t been changed in at least a decade. Thus, I’m a little apprehensive to checking out breakfast joints. However, I am happy to say that Crackings was the complete opposite of that picture. The restaurant was noticeably clean, and the only smells were that of good home-cooking that had your mouth watering and your stomach beckoning the waiter to take your order with great anticipation. The day we visited it was obvious that this restaurant was even popular amongst the locals. It was well-staffed to meet the high volume of customers flowing in and out. The atmosphere had a casual farmhouse southern country charm with a comfortable homey feel. For my menu selection, I went with a healthy option choosing the Spinacado Omelet with the much-anticipated side of smoked gouda grits. The omelet consisted of egg whites, spinach, and roasted portabella mushrooms. It was topped with sliced avocado, goat cheese and pickled red onions piled high. My entrée was accompanied with fresh fruit and an English Muffin of my desired choice. The omelet was cooked perfectly with fresh tasting ingredients. The mushrooms added a rich earthiness to the omelet, while the avocado and goat cheese gave it a smooth creamy finish. The pickled onions on top were a tangy unique twist that elevated the dish above my expectations. As tasty as the omelet was, the real highlight of the meal for me was finally getting to dig into those smoked gouda grits. While yes, it is true that grits by themselves are pretty bland and needs something to give it a boost of flavor, I was amazed at how the taste of smoked gouda really was pronounced in the dish. The amount of cheese was precisely measured, allowing a perfect texture to the grits without abandoning the star ingredient of the gouda to shine through. Breakfast is often the forgotten meal of the day when it comes to pursuit of an extraordinary dining experience. However, if breakfast fine dining was a thing, this place could be a contender. Every dish that passed by my table had a sharp presentation and looked appetizing. Ultimately, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcoming atmosphere and the high quality of food served at Crackings. Most of their menu items are unique creations of old favorites. So, if you are looking for a more upscale breakfast experience while on vacation, I would absolutely recommend you check out Crackings in Destin or Santa Rosa Beach if you are ever in the area.

Summary

Restaurant Name: Crackings

Address: 979 US-98, Destin, FL 32541

Service –Good

Food – Very Good

Portion Size – Average

Menu Selection – Average (Breakfast classics plus options including seafood and Creole influences.)

Dietary Options – Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Friendly, Approximately 45% Biblically Clean

Cost/Value – Moderate

Ambiance –Welcoming, Cozy, Farmhouse Southern Country

Parking – Free. Limited availability.

Reservations/Waitlist – Waitlist on Yelp