Bite Club: The Chattaway's new breakfast buffet

One of St. Pete's oldest restaurants has added a new meal to the mix.

What's happening: The Chattaway, founded in 1951 and known for its burgers and quirky garden patio, rolled out a weekend breakfast buffet this month. I gave it a try.

Context: Breakfast is my favorite meal. Not brunch. I'm talking your classic, diner-style two-egg breakfast — which The Chattaway excelled at. I went in early July, during the inaugural breakfast weekend.

• The brunch runs from 8am to noon.

The food: The buffet included classic breakfast items, including bacon, sausage, grits, scrambled eggs, French toast and some flavorful potatoes.

• Sautéed shrimp and fried chicken tenders made for more savory options (think shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles but with French toast).
• I could have used some fruit to balance out the heavier food but looks like I was just a weekend too early. This past weekend's spread included fresh fruit and veggies as well as some other new offerings like pancakes, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.

The price: The buffet is $16.95 per person, a good deal for unlimited food. Mimosas are $6 a glass or $20 for bottomless. And, of course, there's coffee.

• Of note: The Chattaway is cash-only. If you forget, like I did, there's an ATM inside the restaurant.

The vibe: I'm a big fan of the outdoor space and its fun bathtub planters. But I wish I had dined inside. The more I ate, the worse the Florida summer heat felt, even in the shade.

• This will be a great outdoor breakfast or brunch spot when the weather cools. Until then, know your heat limit, and gulp down some ice water between bites!