Waking Up to Austin: Top 10 Brunch Spots to Savor in the Heart of Texas

Greetings, foodies! You’re probably reading this because you’re on the hunt for the perfect spot to enjoy a marvelous brunch in Austin, Texas. Well, we’ve got you well covered. Embark with us on a culinary tour of Austin’s eclectic brunch scene, where sophisticated bistros meet cozy eateries, and charming cafes brush shoulders with trendy diners. It’s forks at the ready as we savor the vibrant flavors filling the Texas morning.

1. Snooze, An A.M. Eatery

Dish up Sunshine and Brunchtime Delights

Step into Snooze, a retro-styled oasis, to start your splendid morning in style. This establishment believes that your day’s most critical meal must also be your most fun meal. And they do not disappoint!

As their tagline goes, “It’s breakfast, but different”, indeed they turn breakfast and brunch into an unparalleled experience, serving up innovative versions of America’s favorite breakfast classics in a casual yet lively setting.

  • Try Their: Unique dishes like “Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes” and “Juan’s Breakfast Tacos.” The flavors burst onto your palate, leaving you wanting more.
  • Location: Snooze boasts several convenient spots around Austin, making it a hassle-free option.
  • Tips: This trendy spot can get busy, hence there may be a wait during peak brunch time. But worry not, Snooze’s breathtaking food is worth every minute you wait.

2. Cenote

A Sunshine Soak in an East Austin Bungalow

Coffee lover? Then Cenote, an East Austin jewel, might be your go-to brunch spot. Set in a beautiful blue bungalow, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, this historic building offers a unique dining experience with a friendly, laid-back vibe and locally-sourced, organic dishes.

  • Try Their: Exceptional options like the super-filling “House Egg Sandwich” and the energy-packed “Quinoa Bowl.”
  • Location: Nestled at 1010 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702.
  • Tips: Don’t forget the best part – they have an outdoor seating area, making it a perfect venue for a sunny day brunch!

3. Biscuits and Groovy

Feel the Beat with Gravy-Soaked Morning Delights

Savor a morning symphony of tastes at Biscuits and Groovy—where food meets music. Offering Southern-style biscuits and gravy with an upbeat twist, this food truck brings a cheery atmosphere that’s sure to kick your day up a notch.

Here’s a tip: Don’t just settle for your usual biscuit; try the ones with a melody of wild combinations. Biscuits and Groovy will undoubtedly serenade your palate and strike all the right chords with every bite!

  • Try Their: Iconic options like “The Gloria Gaynor,” perfect for biscuit and gravy lovers, or “The Johnny Hash,” excellent for hash brown aficionados.
  • Location: Positioned conveniently at 5015 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751.
  • Tips: Cash is king here, so stuff your wallet before you visit!

4. South Congress Café

Scratch-Made Luxury in Austin’s Pulse

South Congress Cafe, perched in Austin’s vibrant South Congress district, offers an elegant dining experience for brunch enthusiasts. With its gourmet spins on brunch classics, you can feast on their innovative crepes or give in to the caramel overload of their famous “Carrot Cake French Toast”.

  • Try Their: Top recommended picks like “Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict” or that sinfully delicious “Carrot Cake French Toast.”
  • Location: Located at 1600 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704.
  • Tips: Not afraid to mix omelets and Merlot? South Congress Café offers a half-priced bottle of wine during brunch!

5. Josephine House

Brunch in Style at Austin’s Quintessential Cottage

Brunch in Austin gets a refined spin at Josephine House. Known as Austin’s quintessential brunch establishment, nestled in the scenic Clarksville neighborhood, this eatery is synonymous with grandeur and charm. The marbled bar, cozy nooks, and scenic outdoor space provide an airy, posh atmosphere that makes it an ideal setting for a leisurely brunch.

  • Try Their: Delectable dishes such as “Lemon Ricotta Pancakes” or their nutrient-rich “Grain Bowl”.
  • Location: Conveniently placed at 1601 Waterston Ave, Austin, TX 78703.
  • Tips: Enjoy brunch with a view as the chic lawn setting offers a unique outdoor dining experience!

6. Juan In A Million

Engulf in Tex-Mex Extravaganza

At Juan In A Million, the taste of Texas meets the flavors of Mexico in an explosion of taste and tradition. Serving hearty, Tex-Mex style breakfasts for over 30 years, their food is warm, in both the literal and figurative senses.

  • Try Their: One of their classics – the “Don Juan El Taco Grande.” A taco so substantial, it has been termed a “day’s worth of breakfast.”
  • Location: Stationed at 2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702.
  • Tips: Meet Juan himself, a local celebrity, who might just greet you at the door!

7. 24 Diner

Retro Vibes with a 24-hour Promise

24 Diner, featuring a mashup of classic and modern aesthetics, offers chef-inspired dishes around the clock. Their menu boasts comforting classics and healthy alternatives, catering to foodies, healthy eaters, and everyone in between.

  • Try Their: Popular dished like the “Chicken and Waffles” or the “24 Hash.” Both ooze deliciousness with every bite.
  • Location: Find them at W. 6th & N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78703.
  • Tips: Fear not the ungodly hours! Their 24/7 service ensures you can get your brunch fix whenever your heart desires.

8. Cisco’s

Vintage Austin – Best Tex-Mex Style Brunch

If you’re hoping to brunch with a dash of historic flavor, then Cisco’s, established by the legendary “Mayor of East Austin,” is a must-visit. With its host of hearty Tex-Mex breakfasts, you can expect to get a heap of Austin history with a side of delicious pastries.

  • Try Their: Renowned “Migas” or their flavorful “Huevos Rancheros”. Each promises a taste of old Austin right on your plate.
  • Location: Rooted at 1511 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702.
  • Tips: Do not—I repeat, do not—skip their homemade biscuits!

9. Paperboy

Gourmet Grub off the Truck

Paperboy offers just what you’d expect: flavorful, newspaper-wrapped fare, handed off to you from a trendy food truck. But don’t mistake it for your generic run-of-the-mill food stand. Each dish radiates hearty wholesomeness that’s sure to satiate your brunch cravings.

  • Try Their: Signature dishes like the “Texas Hash” or be intrigued by their playful “Toad In A Hole”.
  • Location: Look for the friendly food truck at 1203 East 11th, Austin, TX 78702.
  • Tips: A good brunch needs a good beverage – don’t miss out on their excellent house coffees!

10. TacoDeli

For the Love of Tacos

TacoDeli, an award-winning local chain, rounds off our culinary journey across Austin’s brunch scene. With its artisanal tacos packed with an array of top-quality ingredients, it satisfies a broad spectrum of palates from traditional lovers to the adventurous.

  • Try Their: Exciting choices like “The Otto” and, for a robust, cheesy start to the day, the “Jess Special”.
  • Location: Varied locations across Austin.
  • Tips: The salsas, ranging from mild to wild, are a perfect accompaniment to their tacos!

There you have it, the top 10 sizzling brunch spots in Austin guaranteed to start your day on the right note. So get ready to tickle those taste buds and dive into Austin’s brunch scene, skipping the research and diving forks-first into the food.

In the thriving city of Austin with its unique culture, diverse population, and high emphasis on quality, these top brunch spots surely hold their own. From simple but delicious food truck offerings to elegant dine-in experiences, you’re sure to find something that matches your mood and preferences.

So, grab a friend or a good book and pull up a chair at one of the best brunch destinations in this vibrant Texas city. The hardest part? Deciding where to start! So here’s to great food, a hearty Texan welcome, and an utterly unique Austin brunch experience. Happy brunching, fellow foodie! Bon appetite!

Lauren Critzer

I was born in Charlottesville, Virginia and after college, I moved to San Francisco to explore new opportunities and broaden my horizons. I fell in love with the city's vibrant culture and unique atmosphere, but eventually, I moved again, this time to Austin, Texas.

As much as I loved living in different parts of the country, having a baby boy brought me back to my hometown in Charlottesville, where I now live with my husband, our little one, and two furry friends. I enjoy going to wineries, taking my pups everywhere, and spending quality time with my family.

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