Wake Up and Smell the Bacon: Your Ultimate Guide to the Top 5 Breakfast Spots in Austin, Texas

As an early riser in Austin or a starry-eyed visitor surveying the city’s breakfast scene, you deserve to start your day right. Here’s the inside scoop on where to satisfy your morning hunger in Austin, the live music capital of the world, straight from a seasoned local.

1. Juan in a Million – A Legendary Taco Institution

Nestled in the heart of East Austin since 1980 is Juan in a Million, the legendary taqueria that famously serves mouthwatering breakfast tacos. Venture into its surprisingly roomy diner-style location and prepare for a warm welcome from the friendly staff.

Juan in a Million’s Must-Tr y Delights:

  • The Don Juan El Taco Grande: It’s not called ‘grande’ for nothing. This enormous breakfast taco is a staple menu item, filled to the brim with crispy-tender bacon, scrambled eggs, and perfectly seasoned potatoes – all bundled inside a warm, inviting tortilla. Considered the star of this institution, the Don Juan will undeniably keep you full until lunchtime.
  • Huevos Rancheros: This classic Tex-Mex dish is another local favorite. It pairs eggs and chili with a generous sprinkle of onions and cheese to make a deliciously spicy breakfast combo. One bite, and your taste buds will revel in the intense flavors – a perfect morning wake-me-up!

Remember, arrive early as the lines can get impressively long quite often – the testimony of a true local favorite. But trust us; the food worth the wait!

2. Epoch Coffee – Your Irresistible Caffeine Fix Spot

Let’s discuss the undeniable force that fuels Austin – coffee. No breakfast guide is complete without mentioning Austin’s iconic coffee shop, Epoch Coffee. Operating 24/7, this hotspot serves more than just a regular caffeine fix.

Let’s talk about Epoch Coffee’s Signature Treasures:

  • Delicious Tacos: Forget the stereotype of ‘coffee and bagels.’ How about ‘coffee and tacos?’ Epoch offers a selection of delectable tacos, making for a perfect Texan-style breakfast, complemented with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee.
  • Irresistible Pastries: Throw your diet out the window for a moment and savor the divine pastries offered here. From a variety of delectable cakes to flaky, buttery croissants, indulge guilt-free. You’re on vacation, after all!

Epoch Coffee embodies the laid back, communal vibe of Austin, making it an ideal breakfast spot to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in the city’s culture.

3. Biscuits + Groovy – A Toe-Tapping Breakfast Retreat

Prepare to groove your way to flakiness heaven at Biscuits + Groovy, a delightful breakfast hideout operating from a vintage-looking trailer. This time capsule of the 70’s serves plates so delicious, they’ll have you humming classic tunes in delight.

Do Not Miss Out on These Groovy Delicacies:

  • The Disco Biscuit: Feast on a scrumptious, fluffy biscuit drowned in heavenly gravy, interspersed with bits of succulent sausage and topped with a thick blanket of melty cheese and perfectly cooked eggs. This hearty dish is bound to get your bell bottoms dancing off towards a delightful food coma.
  • The Gloria Gaynor: Choose this mouthwatering twist on the classic biscuit and gravy if your love for veggies competes with your love for the 70s. This plate features a mountain of garden-fresh veggies on a biscuit, doused in their signature gravy.

Biscuits + Groovy encapsulates the quirky, retro vibe of Austin seamlessly. With food this delicious, it’s no wonder this psychedelic food trailer is a local favorite!

4. Paperboy – Seasonal Masterpieces for the Discerning Palate

Paperboy, an innovative breakfast haven, add an artist’s touch to every meal. Committed to seasonal, local ingredients, their menu changes according to the freshest produce available, giving patrons a chance to experience the best of Austin’s farm-fresh offerings.

Paperboy’s Deliciously Artistic Creations:

  • B.E.C Sandwich: Step beyond the ordinary with this not-so-basic sandwich. Al dente-crisp bacon, velvety pimento cheese, and a delicate poached egg artistically stacked between slices of house-made brioche. This food metamorphosis puts a gourmet spin on the traditional breakfast sandwich.
  • Texas Hash: A sensational dish for the carnivorous at heart. Devour a generous portion of sweet potatoes and smoky pork shoulder, crowned with a perfectly poached egg. The melt-in-the-mouth sensation will leave you wanting more.

With its hip atmosphere and menu loaded with elevated takes on breakfast classics, Paperboy is an ideal spot to experience the trendy, innovative side of Austin.

5. Counter Cafe – Unassumingly Brilliant Local Diner

Unveil the incognito breakfast gem of Austin, Counter Cafe. Discreetly located on a bustling Austin street, Counter Cafe captures the essence of classic American diners, delivering big flavors in bite-sized amounts.

Counter Cafe’s Unforgettable Staples:

  • Crab Cake Benedict: Elevate your breakfast game with this scrumptious Benedict. Delicate, flavorful crab cakes sit under perfectly poached eggs, drenched in a lemony hollandaise sauce. An exceptional fusion of flavors bound to catapult you into foodie paradise.
  • Counter’s Burger: Go unconventional with a breakfast burger. A tender, mouthwatering patty cooked just right – this breakfast favorite could very well be a life-changing experience.

Pocket-sized yet packed with vibe, Counter Cafe offers an intimate dining experience that perfectly captures Austin’s eclectic food scene.

The Breakfast Verdict

Austin’s breakfast scene is as dynamic and colorful as the city itself. From classic Tex-Mex to brunch burgers, these breakfast spots feature a wide range of culinary delights designed to cater to every taste. Remember, there’s no better way to experience Austin than by starting your day with breakfast at these local favorites, picked straight from a local’s guide.

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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