Big Mike’s Healthy Choices- Breakfast – Lunch – Brunch

Overview

Big Mike’s Healthy Choices sits on SE 17th Street in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s marina district, serving a fully dedicated gluten-free kitchen that draws locals and visitors who take clean eating seriously – and plenty who just want a great breakfast. Owner Big Mike, who has celiac disease himself, built the menu around what he actually wants to eat, and it shows. The waffles come out light and crispy, the pancakes are thick and fluffy, and the chocolate donuts taste like they have no business being gluten-free. Vegan and dairy-free options run deep across the menu, so nearly every dietary lane is covered without compromise.

The vibe reads more healthy diner than trendy brunch spot. Big Mike works the room himself, greeting tables, swapping stories, and pointing first-timers toward local attractions. His staff matches that energy – expect genuine warmth and Caribbean-inflected hospitality from the crew. Regulars describe it as family-like, the kind of place where the owner remembers your name and the kitchen puts real care into every plate.

Coffee arrives in a French press, and the fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies are standouts – the fuschia juice gets specific shoutouts. Big Mike’s house-made hot sauce is worth trying on the home fries; it leans flavorful rather than fiery, and bottles are available to take home alongside baked goods and bottled juices.

The restaurant is proudly Black-owned, LGBTQ-friendly, and welcoming to everyone who walks through the door. Portions run generous for the price point, and the breakfast sandwich served on a waffle is one of those items people photograph before they eat. It fills up fast, especially on weekends, so arriving closer to the 8 AM open is smart. Parking is available in the adjacent garage – just have your ticket validated by staff before you leave. Open seven days a week until 3 PM, this is a daytime-only destination that earns its 4.6-star rating across more than 1,700 Google reviews.

Good to know

• Rating: 4.6/5 from 1,727 Google reviews
• Price: $$
• Best for: Gluten-Free Dining, Vegan Brunch, LGBTQ-Friendly Spot, Health-Conscious Breakfast, Quick Daytime Bite
• Features: LGBTQ+

Hours