5 Places to Get the Best Brunch in Austin, Texas
Powering up for a fun day, or recovering from a big night out, there’s no better way to spend a weekend morning than enjoying a brunch with friends. In a food city like Austin, it can be hard to know where to go, so we’ve put together a list of a few of our favorite spots with brunch menus perfect for whatever type of day you’re gearing up for.
Pre-Hike Fuel Up
With two Austin locations (and a third permanent location opening in the fall of 2019) Paperboy is a quick and easy spot to grab a bite before heading out for a day in nature. Their menu ranges from a yogurt parfait to steak and eggs (featuring Texas wagyu and mushroom relish) and everything in between. But our favorite is definitely the Texas Hash: sweet potato, pork shoulder, and onion, served with an egg on top and smothered in pecan mole. Grab a cold brew coffee or a hibiscus punch for the road and you’ll be ready to adventure all day.
Photo Courtesy of Mi Madre Restaurant
Classic Diner
Looking for an Austin classic? Look no further, because The Omelettry has everything you could want in a classic diner breakfast. Bottomless coffee for less than $3, all your favorite omelette fillings, portions that are almost irresponsibly large, and decor that hits the perfect balance of cheery and cheesy (love that Green Eggs and Ham mural) makes a brunch at the Omelettry the perfect way to start the day.
Tex-Mex
However you feel about Tex-Mex, it’s hard to find a brunch more satisfying than one that comes with rice, beans, and salsa along with your eggs. Check out Mi Madre for breakfast tacos, patio vibes, and our favorite, Mi Madres Migas, the best scramble with eggs, corn tortilla chips, and pico de gallo, covered in cheese and served with refried beans and homefries. Add chorizo for $2 more, or if you’re a vegetarian, you can sub avocado for meat on any breakfast plate. If you round out your brunch with a Bloody Maria or their Mimosa Rosa (champagne with a splash of jamaica - HIGHLY RECOMMEND) you’ll probably never want to leave.
Photo Courtesy of Mi Madre Restaurant
All-You-Can-Eat
Cafe Josie - self-proclaimed “Badass Since ‘97” - has been an Austin staple for over twenty years. You’ve maybe had The Experience at dinner time (a chef’s tasting menu meets casual fine dining) but have you had The Brunch Experience? When regular brunch just won’t cut it, come to Cafe Josie for unlimited small plates, including such winners as the Pecan Square Benny, Fried Gulf Shrimp and Grits, and Banana Pudding Yogurt Parfait. After brunch, it’s only a short walk to Zilker Botanical Garden - make a day of it!
Every Day
Brunch isn’t confined to just Saturday and Sunday anymore. Some restaurants are embracing the all brunch all the time lifestyle, and we support it. One of our favorites is solid staple Snooze, an A.M. Eatery for all your brunch favorites done to the nth degree. If you’re looking for a savory breakfast, check out the Bella! Bella! Benny, served on ciabatta with prosciutto, taleggio cheese, hollandaise, arugula, and balsamic. Or if you’re feeling sweet, you have to try the Blueberry Danish Pancakes: blueberry coulis, almond streusel, and lemon cream cheese filling.
Whether you’re a local, a transplant, or in town for a visit, we hope we’ve inspired you to make time for brunch. After all, it’s the most important meal of the day, especially when you need to fuel up for whatever adventures the day brings.