First Look: Check Out the New Elevated Brunch at AC Orlando Hotel’s SkyBar

Gather your brunch bunch: You’ll want to share this news! AC Hotel Orlando Downtown’s SkyBar, located on the 18th floor of the sexy new hi-rise, is launching their Elevated Brunch on Sunday, March 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—and you won’t want to miss it.

The AC Orlando, located on Garland Avenue, shares space with Suntrust. (Brooke Fehr)

We recently took an exclusive tour of the space as well as the menu and found some delicious, unique, tapas-style offerings that are guaranteed to add new life to your brunch routine.

The Atmosphere

Take your seat for incredible views, drinks and bites for a Sunday meal that’s anything but traditional. To begin, let’s take a little tour. Exit the elevators to find an airy lobby with comfortable seating and a commanding view.

AC Hotel Lobby. (Brooke Fehr)

Next, make your way to the door adjacent the bar, you’ll find the door to the SkyBar, and be prepared to be impressed.

Fire tables and low seating offer plenty of comfort. (Brooke Fehr)

Guests take in sweeping views of the surrounding city. Closeby, you’ll spy the Amway Arena and Camping World Stadium, as well as freeways taking busy Orlandoans and visitors north, south, east and west.

On a clear day you can see all the way to the attractions. (Brooke Fehr)

But on a clear day—like the one we experienced—you can see all the way to the attractions. We spied the ICON Orlando Eye!

Choose from communal seating or more intimate gathering spots. (Brooke Fehr)

While you marvel at the view, however, make your way to a table and prepare to tuck into a modern take on brunch that’s befitting this marvelous space.

Dishes and Drinks

During our recent afternoon visit to SkyBar, Executive Chef and Director of Beverage and Food Robert Mason prepared several cocktails and dishes for us to try. Chef Mason is eager to embrace the company’s Spanish heritage by offering a brunch menus of tapas-style offerings, replete with Spanish influences.

By all means, start with a festive beverage. We sampled mimosas made with Cava as well as a G&T and a bacon-topped Bloody Mary with Black Lava Salt and Tajin Spice—a favorite of mine! You can’t go wrong with any of these drinks. But seriously, when you’re in a bar that specializes in tapas and you can drink Cava-laced mimosas, go for it.

Gin & Tonic, Bloody Mary, and Mimosa. Salud! (Brooke Fehr)

Croissants are served with Nutella and fresh jam, and are the perfect consistency of crisp-tender goodness.

Fresh croissant. (Brooke Fehr)

Creme Brulee French Toast is a standout, made with croissants and a custard laced with orange and cinnamon. The sweet-salty combo with bacon is the perfect decadent treat.

Creme Brulee French Toast and bacon. (Brooke Fehr)

For something a little different, indulge in the Open Face Brunch Toast with cage-free egg, La Quercia Prosciutto and Manchego cheese served atop grilled bread. That dollop of romesco on the side finishes the bite perfectly.

Open Face Brunch Toast. (Brooke Fehr)

DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT ORDERING the Egg and Prosciutto Cazuela. Bubbly cheese, just crunchy arounds the edges, covers a still-runny egg nested on Prosciutto. If all you have is this dish and a mimosa, you’ll leave happy.

Egg and Prosciutto Cazuela. (Brooke Fehr)

If you’re looking for light bites, try the Grilled Salmon Salad served on a bed of spinach and arugula, tossed with garbanzo beans and feta, and dressed lightly in a lemon vinaigrette for a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.

Grilled Salmon Salad. (Brooke Fehr)

Guests looking for more of a lunch than a brunch can tuck into the Pasta e Pollo, featuring fettuccine, grilled chicken, Prosciutto and pesto.

Pasta e Pollo. (Brooke Fehr)

The portion is deceiving; it’s rich, just right and satisfying.

The Takeaway

SkyBar’s Elevated Brunch is a worthy addition to your weekend dining plans. Look for weekly rotating entertainment to begin soon, including a DJ.

Plan for a thoroughly modern brunch experience unlike anything else around.