Wake Up to Flavor: Your Ultimate Guide to Austin’s Top Breakfast Spots
Whether you’re a seasoned Austinite, a newcomer in town, or just visiting our scenic city in the lone-star state, everyone agrees on one thing: nothing puts a pep in your step quite like a savory breakfast. For those who aren’t sure where to get their morning fix, here’s the ultimate guide to the best breakfast spots in Austin, Texas. It’s time to wake up to flavor, adventures, and the promise of lip-smacking goodness!
Why Austin is a Breakfast Wonderland
Austin, Texas is not just known for its bustling music scene, stunning outdoor parks, or prestigious university. Any local will tell you: we love our breakfast. Forget the phrase, “everything’s bigger in Texas.” In Austin, we say, “everything’s tastier in the morning!” From southern-style breakfast fare to the famously beloved breakfast tacos, there’s a mouthwatering array of options for you to explore. So, put on your breakfast boots and let your taste buds take a foot-stomping ride through Austin’s breakfast wonderland.
1. Juan in a Million
The heart of the Austin breakfast scene certainly beats around Juan in a Million. Making its home in East Cesar Chavez, this iconic eatery began its journey in 1980 and has been a beloved institution ever since. It’s no wonder, really – their “Don Juan” breakfast taco, a monstrous helping of potatoes, eggs, bacon, and cheese wrapped in a warm, cozy tortilla, is enough to make you crave breakfast not just in the morning, but all day long!
Pro tip: Arrive early to skip waiting in the line, and don’t forget to shake hands with Juan himself – his handshake is rated as one of the world’s firmest!
2. Biscuits + Groovy
This food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar is a prime example of Austin’s vibrant food scene rooted in originality and quirk. Biscuits + Groovy is known for turning a standard breakfast food into a true culinary wonder. Select from a broad menu of biscuits enhanced with everything from gravy to jalapeno or cheddar. Opt for the popular “The Johnny Hash” – fluffy biscuits smothered with gravy, cheese, and a flavorful hash or the “Gloria Gaynor” – layered with white pepper gravy, sausage, and eggs, with the optional add-on of bacon or sausage.
Pro tip: Come hungry! The portion sizes here are hearty, making Biscuits + Groovy perfect for when you want to indulge.
3. Counter Café
Step into Austin’s culinary heart at our own downtown gourmet diner, Counter Café. They pride themselves on concocting fresh, local, classic breakfasts made from scratch. While all the classics are served, indulging in their signatures like Crab Cake Benedict and Quail and Eggs will offer an unforgettable delight. The diner style seating arrangement and the open kitchen make for an intimate breakfast experience in the heart of the city.
Pro tip: Try the Counter Benedict, a spin on classic Eggs Benedict with delicious crab cake instead of Canadian bacon.
Breakfast Tacos: An Austin Staple
Forget cornflakes and toast: Austin runs on breakfast tacos. These mouthwatering tacos have a special place in Austin’s heart and are a must-have culinary experience.
1. Veracruz All Natural
Veracruz All Natural began its journey as a humble food truck and has since blossomed into one of the top contenders for the best breakfast tacos in Austin. With multiple outlets in the city, Veracruz serves up hearty breakfast tacos like The Migas, an Austin classic: crispy tortilla strips mixed with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and Monterey Jack cheese, wrapped in a house-made corn tortilla.
Pro tip: Try their unique watermelon agua frescas – it is known to be refreshing and pairs beautifully with their breakfast offerings.
2. Tacodeli
Balancing dietary needs with flavorful cravings is the high note Tacodeli hits effortlessly. This breakfast spot offers an extensive menu with the most locally sourced ingredients possible, presenting a myriad of options for vegans and gluten-free patrons. They’ve got everything from The Jess Special, a crowd favorite with a perfect blend of avocado, jack cheese, and their award-winning Doña sauce, to more exotic options like The Vaquero, packed with eggs, grilled corn, roasted pepper, and cheese.
Pro tip: Don’t skip their award-winning homemade salsas. They’re perfect for spicing up your morning!
Southern-Style Breakfast Feasts
There’s nothing like waking up to a plate of traditional Southern-style breakfast. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and these breakfast spots do it like no other:
1. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
Nestled comfortably in a historic home, Moonshine serves up comfort food in an ambiance charged with quaint charm. They’re famous for their heavenly Sunday brunch buffet, an endless array of breakfast favorites like King Ranch Casserole, Cornflake Chicken Tenders, Green Chile Cheese Grits, and more – all in an environment that feels like your own backyard.
Pro tip: Don’t miss their homemade hot sauces and definitely try their white lightning: moonshine infused for over 72 hours.
2. Annie’s Café & Bar
Annie’s boasts a unique mix – a Paris café vibe combined with a healthy dose of Texan flair. Along with traditional breakfast dishes, their specials like Croque Madame and Crab Cake Breakfast are true show-stealers. Fresh mimosas coupled with the breezy patio make Annie’s a top choice for a relaxed yet decadent breakfast.
Pro tip: Their lattes are said to be the best in town, so coffee lovers, make sure you give them a shot!
The Sweet Side of Austin’s Breakfast
Not everyone craves salty and savory in the morning. For the sweet-toothed among you, Austin’s got you covered:
1. Gourdough’s Public House
Located on South Lamar Boulevard, Gourdough’s has turned the humble doughnut into a complete breakfast experience. If you’re in the mood for something memorable and unique on your tour through Austin’s breakfast scene, The Mother Clucker (a fried chicken strip, topped with honey butter, all hosted by a piping hot donut) promises to be exactly that.
Pro tip: Their donut burgers are also a great hit, especially for those late breakfast hunters.
2. Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery
Since 1983, Quack’s has been adding sweetness to Austin’s mornings. This beloved bakery and cafe is known for their selection of heavenly pastries, including superbly moist muffins, delightfully light scones, and decadent cinnamon rolls. These are all baked fresh every day, making Quack’s the perfect spot to start your morning right.
Pro tip: Their chai latte is a local favorite, so be sure to pair your pastry with one of those for an extra special breakfast!
Brunch Spots With A Difference
Where’s the fun in breakfast without an added serving of character, right? These brunch spots bring a host of unique flavors to the table.
1. Cisco’s
This treasure trove of a brunch spot has been a local favorite since 1943. Housed in an East Austin institution, Cisco’s is the go-to place for mouthwatering migas, fresh-from-the-oven biscuits, and homemade hot sauce that takes breakfast to a whole new level.
Pro tip: Be sure to try their Huevos Rancheros, a recipe that’s been pleasing Austin locals for decades.
2. Güero’s Taco Bar
Housed in what once was a feed store, Güero’s has turned into one of Austin’s most characterful brunch spots. On weekends, live music gives the perfect rhythm to your sips of their refreshing margaritas and bites from their carefully crafted and extensive brunch menu.
Pro tip: Their Salsa Bar, which offers a salsa for every palate, is a not-to-be-missed experience at Güero’s.
So, when it comes to breakfast, Austin, Texas, is a paradise waiting to be explored. This vibrant city serves up mouthwatering dishes that beautifully reflect its unique culinary spirit. Whether you profile as a Tex-Mex foodie, a lover of Southern staples, or someone with a penchant for sweet breakfast delights, Austin’s culinary scene has something special for you. Hats off to this magnificent city as we salute and savor the diversity of the best breakfast spots in town.
And remember– as the locals say, let us “Keep Austin Delicious!” and always continue to explore the hidden culinary treasures this lovely city has to offer.
Disclaimer: Please make sure to visit the venue’s website or contact them directly to ensure their opening hours and service format hasn’t been affected by any local restrictions related to Covid-19.
