There are brunches, and then there are experiences – those magical, slow-paced afternoons where the food is exceptional, the cocktails are thoughtfully crafted, the music drifts through the air like part of the scenery, and nobody at the table wants to leave. That’s exactly what my husband and I discovered during a recent Sunday brunch at Buffalos in the heart of Wilson Village at Montage Palmetto Bluff.
Buffalos manages to strike that elusive balance between upscale dining and relaxed Lowcountry charm. The bright, airy dining room spills naturally into outdoor seating surrounded by moss-draped oaks and lush greenery, while the energy inside feels polished without ever becoming pretentious. Families gathered around oversized brunch spreads. Couples lingered over cocktails. Groups of friends toasted with flutes of champagne, and bottomless mimosas flowed generously alongside signature cocktails, beer, and wine.
Adding to the atmosphere was live music by a local guitar soloist whose easy acoustic style somehow perfectly matched the pace of brunch itself – unhurried, soulful, and distinctly Southern.
The entire experience felt less like dining out and more like slipping into a leisurely Lowcountry Sunday tradition.
Made with corn tortillas, fried eggs, salsa roja, and lime crema, the chilaquiles srtike the perfect balance between texture and flavor.
One of the things that made the afternoon especially memorable was the fact that Buffalos is wonderfully dog-friendly – something our three teacup Yorkies greatly appreciated. We opted to sit outside beneath the shade of the oaks, where the entire scene unfolding around us felt almost cinematic in its charm.
Throughout brunch, locals and visitors alike strolled through Wilson Village with dogs of every breed imaginable happily trotting alongside them. Children laughed and played bocce ball across the park while couples wandered hand-in-hand between the nearby shops and pathways. Every 30 minutes, the church bells chimed softly through the village, adding another layer to the relaxed, storybook atmosphere that makes Palmetto Bluff feel so distinctly special.
There’s an intentional slowness to life there – a sense that people are encouraged to pause, linger, and simply enjoy where they are.
And honestly, Buffalos is perfectly designed for exactly that.
Naturally, we began with cocktails.
I ordered the Spicy Bloody Mary, served in a salt-rimmed glass garnished with lime, olive, and pickled okra. It was visually dramatic in the best possible way, but more importantly, it delivered exactly what a Bloody Mary should: bold tomato flavor, savory spice, a subtle kick of heat, and enough complexity to keep every sip interesting. The salt rim paired beautifully with the acidity of the drink, while the garnish added that classic brunch indulgence that somehow makes you feel as though you’re drinking and snacking simultaneously.
My husband opted for the signature Buffalos Old Fashioned, crafted with Bacon Fat Washed Maker’s Mark bourbon, angostura bitters, sugar, orange twist, and cherry garnish. If you’re an Old Fashioned fan, this cocktail alone is worth the trip. The bacon fat washing gave the bourbon an almost velvety richness and subtle smoky depth without overpowering the drink. Balanced with citrus oils from the orange twist and the sweetness of the cherry, it was smooth, layered, and undeniably memorable.
Before our entrées arrived, we decided to share a couple of appetizers – a decision I highly recommend.
First came the Classic Deviled Eggs topped with bacon jam. These weren’t your grandmother’s picnic deviled eggs, though they certainly carried a hint of Southern nostalgia. The filling was creamy and velvety with just enough tang, while the bacon jam added a smoky sweetness that elevated the entire dish into something far more indulgent.
Alongside the eggs came a basket of perfectly crisp French fries served with spicy mayo. Simple? Maybe. But there’s something undeniably satisfying about great fries at brunch, especially when paired with cocktails and conversation. The fries were golden, crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and utterly addictive when dipped into the creamy, slightly spicy sauce.
Together, the appetizers set the perfect tone for the meal ahead: elevated comfort food done exceptionally well.
For my entrée, I chose the Chilaquiles – and I’d order them again tomorrow without hesitation. Made with corn tortillas, fried eggs, salsa roja, and lime crema, the dish struck that perfect balance between texture and flavor. The tortillas maintained just enough structure beneath the sauce to avoid becoming soggy, while the salsa roja delivered warmth and spice without overwhelming the palate. The fried eggs added richness, and the lime crema brightened every bite with just the right amount of acidity. It was hearty without feeling heavy – a brunch accomplishment that deserves recognition all on its own.
My husband was equally impressed with his Smoked Salmon Croque Madame, which featured spinach, béchamel, and fried egg, finished with capers and dill atop fresh sourdough bread. It did not disappoint.
The Smoked Salmon Croque Madame.
The sourdough offered the perfect crunch against the creamy béchamel, while the smoked salmon brought a delicate saltiness that paired beautifully with the richness of the egg. The capers and dill added brightness and balance, cutting through the creaminess with little bursts of flavor that kept every bite interesting. And truly, who doesn’t love a great béchamel sauce? This one was silky, luxurious, and exactly what the dish needed to tie everything together.
As we enjoyed our meal, I found myself watching other dishes being delivered, each one more tempting than the last. That’s part of the fun of brunch at Buffalos: Even if you love what you ordered, you’ll inevitably start planning what you want to try next time.
Kerry Ann Williams has been a smilimg face at Buffalos for over 18 years.
The Blue Crab Benedict looked especially popular, featuring toasted English muffins topped with blue crab, poached eggs, hollandaise, and crispy hash browns. Nearby diners enthusiastically devoured the French Toast bites, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with whipped cream. Another table shared the Signature Biscuit Board, complete with pimento biscuits, butter, seasonal jam, and honey – a dish that perfectly captures the restaurant’s Lowcountry roots.
For those seeking more traditional Southern brunch fare, Buffalos also offers dishes like Lowcountry Biscuit and Gravy, shrimp and grits, omelets, and classic breakfast staples, all executed with a polished culinary touch that reflects the standards of the Montage brand without losing the warmth and comfort that Southern cuisine demands.
And while the food is certainly the star, what truly makes Buffalos memorable is the atmosphere surrounding it.
There’s a rhythm to Palmetto Bluff that encourages people to slow down. Perhaps it’s the towering live oaks. Perhaps it’s the nearby May River. Or maybe it’s simply the intentional hospitality woven into every corner of the property. Whatever the reason, brunch at Buffalos feels wonderfully disconnected from the frantic pace of everyday life.
Nobody rushes you through your meal. Nobody hovers with the check before you’re ready. Guests linger over one more cocktail, another cup of coffee, or one final conversation while music drifts softly in the background.
It feels luxurious in a way that has nothing to do with formality and everything to do with time.
Even after finishing brunch, we weren’t quite ready to leave the moment behind. Thankfully, Wilson Village makes it easy to continue the experience long after the last sip of coffee or cocktail. Just steps away from the restaurant sits Melt, the charming ice cream shop that has become something of a destination.
While Buffalos certainly offers sweet brunch options, there’s something undeniably nostalgic about strolling next door for a scoop or two of handcrafted ice cream after brunch on a warm Southern afternoon.
Watching families gather outside Melt with cones in hand while dogs lounged beside shaded benches felt like the perfect continuation of the day. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that somehow becomes a lasting memory.
That, perhaps more than anything else, is the magic of Palmetto Bluff.
It isn’t simply about the meal, though the meal is exceptional. It’s about the way the entire experience slows you down enough to notice the details: the church bells, the music, children laughing in the distance, ice cream melting a little too quickly in the Carolina heat, and the unmistakable feeling that for a few hours, you’ve stumbled into a version of the Lowcountry exactly as it was meant to be enjoyed.
To plan your next brunch, visit Montage.com/PalmettoBluff/Dining/Buffalos.