Brunch should not be confused with breakfast tacos–that will be a separate post. Brunch involves a menu full of eggs, pancakes, french toast, avocado toast, a lovely table to sit at and have your choice of mimosa or coffee, etc. I will admit, sometimes I have a hard time finding a place to eat at noon in Austin that has breakfast food. I am always eager to try somewhere new, but these have become my go-to favorites. Let me know if I’m missing yours!
- Cenote– No reservations needed. Seat yourself at the picnic tables in the bag or cozy up inside with a book and your coffee. Counter service makes the bill easy for a large group and there are healthy and indulgent options for all kinds of eaters. I am in love with the Cenote Scramble because I’m a pesto and capers girl. Why have I never had this combo on eggs anywhere else? Order the biscuit off the menu.
- June’s All Day– You might be obsessed with the outstanding wine list and June’s Brut Rosé, but don’t let that pinhole you into only going during happy hour (4-6 p.m). The pastry game with scones and Monster cookies along with the best sourdough in town is a perfect morning greeting. Go for the Breakfast Chalupa topped with egg whites, avocado, ricotta salata, and if you are always going to go for the omelette option, this is my favorite one in town. It’s fluffy yet firm and stuffed with boursin.
- Citizen Eatery– You wouldn’t even realize this place is all vegetarian because there are so many creative options for the meat lover as well. The vegan flapjacks are addicting and a delight covered in maple syrup and sunflower seed butter. I’m not really into tempeh or meat substitutes, but the Chorizo Omelette flavors converted me. It’s vegan chorizo with cheddar cheese (they have vegan cheese if you prefer) and topped with aioli and salsa verde.
- Better Half – This new hipster coffee and cocktail spot made it’s way to the West Side. Go for the buttermilk biscuits and stay for the Fried Chicken.
- Mattie’s – A historical piece of 23- acre land in Bouldin Creek with live peacocks running amok makes this place feel Southern and old Austin. It began as a farmhouse and now is known for some of the best biscuits with local honey in town. It feels like a perfect post Sunday church brunch spot as it’s sophisticated yet comfortable with several rooms and old pieces of art to look at. It also makes for a great wedding venue p.s.
- Launderette – Known for its birthday cake ice cream sandwiches (only at dinner though), I recently discovered that brunch is an equal delight. The covered patio is soothing, cute, and a perfect spot for Turkish Eggs and homemade zucchini bread topped with a hunk of butter.
- Josephine House – Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Berries, Homemade Cereal with Nut Milk, Nutella stuffed Morning Buns, and what I believe to be as the BEST Huevos Rancheros in town. No joke.
- The Well– Located downtown on 2nd street, this spot has a front lounge like cafe for breakfast and brunch everyday of the week and regular service for dinner. You’ll see immunity shots, açaí bowls, smoothies in the morning, and my favorite dish is actually the breakfast tacos on cassava “tortillas.” You’ll quickly learn its a hot spot for meetings and power players in the area as it’s all gluten, soy, and refined sugar free. It’s worth it!
- Clark’s – When you think of Clark’s oysters and martini’s are synonymous, but I love the Banana & Blueberry Pancakes. Also, since the Cioppino is my favorite dish literally in all of Austin, the addition of grits and poached egg in the bowl at brunch makes me smile.
- Central Standard – If you are diagnosed with a hangover, the South Congress Hotel brunch spot is here to rescue: Egg Casserole, Party Dip (mornay, brie, ham, pumpernickel), and a Snickerdoodle Apple Cobbler Pastry. Also, best cinnamon roll in town!
- Rollin Smoke BBQ– Since we are in Texas, there is a chance you want to skip the eggs and pancakes and head straight to the smoked meat! I love going to this food truck on East 6th on Sunday specifically for the QuesaTaco. It’s a crisped (fried) corn tortilla stuffed with beef cheek, cilantro, onions, Oaxaca cheese, queso fresco, and a verde sauce made with smoked chiles, They open at 11 a.m. on weekends.
- Paperboy – A great East Austin food truck turned brick-and-mortar with glorious rooftop seating and a walk-up coffee window. They have an unending bakery list of croissants, pop-tarts, bear claws, caramelized onion cheddar scones. You’ll find basic brunch dishes but not in a negative way, just in the way of being able to order exactly what you want with a fun local crowd. All kinds of toasts (cinnamon, whipped ricotta, avocado), sandwiches, burger, salads, and bowls. I like the Kale Salad with chickpea, sweet potato, basil pesto, sunflower seeds, soft boiled egg, and parmesan.
- El Alma – This rooftop patio in Bouldin Creek is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in town. It has an incredible frozen mango margarita and an electric ceviche – mainly because their fried corn tortilla chips are unreal. For brunch they have Banana Bread Pudding, Enchiladas with Eggs, Gorditas, and Chilaquiles.
- Magnolia Cafe – Might bring back memories from late night’s in college, but their migas and chocolate chip pancakes are one for the books when you feel like you don’t want to go out and put pants on. No one will judge you here. Used to be open 24 hours so check due to new hours.
- Odd Duck – This wild restaurant always blows my socks off. I never know what I’m getting and always leave surprised and satisfied. The menu changes regularly but right now I’m enjoying their Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecan-Pork Fat Crumble, Breakfast Pizza SLICE with Pork Shoulder and Soft Scrambled Eggs, and the Sunny Chicken Egg, Tots, Duck, and Carrot Hot Sauce.
- Two Hands– This is an Australian cafe owned by Australians and started in New York City. The Music Lane spot is a perfect pleaser for any type of person or eater, and you can always make a reservation in advance if you just do it. I prefer the lunch style food over the breakfast, but if you want eggs go for the Two Hands Seasonal Scramble that is soft ribboned eggs, avocado, on a piece of toast from Sour Duck. My favorite item on the menu is the Brassicas Salad with Charred Broccolini, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Hummus, Soft-Boiled Eggs, Avocado, Pickled Shallots, Buzz Chili, Seeds .They also have a walk-up coffee window for lattes.
- Pacha Organic Cafe – While this coffee shop’s service is a little slow ( I mean hello you can see the tiny tiny kitchen in the middle of the room), I’d happily wait 45 minutes for the best buttermilk banana pancake topped with cheesy, creamy eggs again. They have bagel sandwiches here, too.
- Tamale House – A photo of Frida Kahlo made me feel like I had found the right place. The Migas are covered in chips and queso and I would’ve liked it to be a little more egg heavy, but the restaurant lives up to its name and the Chicken Tamale was rad!
- Wu Chow – For a Chinese brunch right in the heart of downtown, Wu Chow, gets the job done but only on Sundays and with bottomless mimosas.
- Bouldin Creek Cafe – Another vegetarian favorite. Beware of the tofu eggs and stick to the real deal! Get the sweet potato tamales topped with fried eggs. YUM!
