The Decantery: A slow start to your morning, in the best way

If your ideal morning starts with a fresh cup of coffee and a light pastry in a comfy chair — the kind of slow start you'd savor at home — then The Decantery in downtown Fernandina Beach is calling your name.

Already known as the go-to spot for post-dinner wine and desserts, The Decantery’s inviting interior — all cushioned chairs and sofas piled with pillows — lured my better half and me back for a breakfast tryout one quiet Sunday morning.

Breakfast is a new venture here, and word hasn’t quite gotten out. But they’re serving a short-and-sweet morning menu alongside their signature cakes and desserts.

Let’s be clear: if you're after a full diner-style breakfast — stacks of pancakes, bacon, eggs, toast — this isn’t that. The Decantery offers a quieter kind of morning. No clatter of dishes. No servers rushing by. And most importantly, no vats of bitter, mass-brewed coffee.

Instead, you’ll find a curated list of 11 individually brewed coffees and espressos, including decaf. My  house blend was fine, but my spouse reported the decaf Americano was pedestrian.

Morning cocktails? Yes — they’ve got Irish coffee, Mexi-Café, mimosas, and more.

The food menu keeps it simple with eight options: two types of egg bites, a jumbo cinnamon roll, croissant, chocolate or blueberry muffin, a sausage-egg-maple waffle sandwich, and a bacon-egg-Gouda ciabatta.

You order at the counter and we were greeted by a smiling, friendly barista. He was alone which meant we had to wait a few moments while he prepared several coffee orders for others. If the place gets busy, which it wasn't, this could be problematic.

The best part of The Decantery experience?  A front-row seat to downtown Fernandina Beach waking up. Grab a window seat, sip slowly, and watch the city come to life.

Our bill came in at $18 and change.

Breakfast at The Decantery might still be a well-kept secret — but hopefully not for long.

The challege will be can single served fresh coffees and small bites compete with other downtown eateries? Time will tell.

Meanwhile, it's a welcome alternative for anyone who prefers their mornings low-key, a comfortable seat and quality sweets.