A complete guide to brunch in Austin
Editor's note, March 2018: We've checked to make sure these brunch spots are still good. Looking for other places to grab some food? Check out the best barbecue in Austin, the best Mexican cuisine and the best comfort food. See more of restaurant critic Matthew Odam’s picks across Austin.
(Note: this list does not include traditional breakfast places, trailers or bakeries.)
1886 Cafe & Bakery. 614 E. Sixth St. at the Driskill Hotel. 1886cafeandbakery.com
Scene: Small café offers a classic feel at Austin’s oldest hotel.
Brunch hours: 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Texas pecan waffles, bread pudding French toast, Brazos huevos rancheros, smoked salmon and bagel
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. 79 Rainey St. bangersaustin.com
Scene: Sausage and beer heaven with massive outdoor seating area.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Pastrami-styled cured salmon, six different sausages, Banger’s Benedict, Banger’s breakfast sandwich
Barlata Tapas Bar. 1500 S. Lamar Blvd. barlataaustin.com
Scene: High ceilings, modern design and a convivial atmosphere.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Tortilla Espanola, choriburger, poached eggs with jamon Iberico
Blue Star Cafeteria. 4800 Burnet Rd. bluestarcafeteria.com
Scene: Refined take on diner food.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Quiche Lorraine, vanilla-battered French toast, open-faced egg sandwich
Chez Zee. 5406 Balcones Dr. chez-zee.com
Scene: Colorful neighborhood staple has been in business for more than 25 years.
Brunch hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Crème brûlée French toast, Southern grilled pork chop and eggs, chicken and waffle
Clark’s. 1200 W. Sixth St. clarksoysterbar.com
Scene: Jewel box restaurant feels like an ocean-side retreat.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Oysters, crudo plate, beef tartare, wood-grilled shrimp toast, cioppino on grits, hangar steak and eggs
Contigo. 2027 Anchor Lane. contigotexas.com/austin
Scene: Open-air environment, wood and iron décor, and large outdoor tables give restaurant ranch-like feel.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Quiche, rabbit and dumplings, smoked trout, beef tongue hash, housemade breads
Eastside Café. 2113 Manor Rd. eastsidecafeaustin.com
Scene: Quaint restaurant built in an East Austin old house sources some ingredients from its on-site garden.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Baked huevos Mexicanos, smoked salmon Benedict, apple-almond waffle, blueberry blintzes, garden vegetable enchiladas
El Naranjo. 85 Rainey St. elnaranjo-restaurant.com
Scene: Fresh and elegant restaurant from Mexican chef Iliana de la Vega.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Ceviche de la semana, three-egg omelet with queso oaxaca served with refried black beans, avocado, salsa verde and house baked fresh bread, braised beef tenderloin tips, chilaquiles con crema and queso
Elizabeth Street Café. 1501 S. First St. elizabethstreetcafe.com
Scene: Adorable French colonial-style café and bakery with wrap-around patio seating.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Croissant with Niman Ranch ham and gruyere; Nutella and banana stuffed crepe; brioche French toast; breakfast banh mi; sticky rice with ginger sauce and poached eggs
Enoteca. 1610 S. Congress Ave. austinvespaio.com
Scene: Vespaio’s laid-back kid sister on Austin’s showcase boulevard.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Semolina-buttermilk pancakes, porchetta panini, croquet madame, poached eggs on focaccia with Niman Ranch ham or spinach and roasted tomato, crab cake with poached egg and hollandaise
Epicerie. 2307 Hancock Dr. epicerieaustin.com
Scene: French-inspired neighborhood café.
Brunch hours: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Scrapple, “Mad dog” pancakes, croque madame, eggs benedict
Fonda San Miguel. 2330 W. North Loop Blvd. fondasanmiguel.com
Scene: Austin’s original expansive temple to the flavors of Mexico.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Sprawling buffet includes black drum ceviche, cochinita pibil, chicken mole poblano, chicken mole verde, jicama fruit salad, beans and rice, housemade tortillas, arroz con leche, bread pudding, almond flan.
Frank. 407 Colorado St. hotdogscoldbeer.com
Scene: Fun and irreverent lovers of encased meat, beer, and whiskey.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Chicken and bacon waffles; shrimp and grits; Makers Mark toast with blueberry-bourbon syrup; pulled-pork Benedict
Freedmen’s. 2402 San Gabriel St. freedmensbar.com
Scene: Historic building with great ambiance and cocktails and a large courtyard.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Barbecue Benedict with choice of brisket, pulled pork, or sausage; jalapeño cheese grits; various smoked meat by the plate or pound
Hightower. 1209 E. Seventh St. thehightoweraustin.com
Scene: Scruffy and personable neighborhood restaurant and bar.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Boudin scramble, ricotta toast, carnitas sandwich, grit waffle
?Holy Roller. 509 Rio Grande St. 512-502-5119. holyrolleraustin.com
Scene: Bold flavors, a strong sense of self and a devil-may-care attitude define this female-run rock-and-roll diner that specializes in brunch.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
?Highlights: The Casbah, migas kolache, pancakes
Hopfields. 3110 Guadalupe St. hopfieldsaustin.com
Scene: Rustic French bistro meets American pub.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
Highlights: Corned lamb hash, hamburger on a French toast bun, Full English
Hyde Park Bar & Grill. 4206 Duval St. 4521 West Gate Blvd. hpbng.com
Scene: The original has been serving neighbors (and treating strangers like neighbors) for more than three decades.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Eggs Benedict, migas, chicken and waffles
Iron Cactus. Multiple locations. ironcactus.com
Scene: Standard Tex-Mex fare.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. (Stonelake location also offers brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.)
Highlights: Brunch buffet includes huevos rancheros, migas, scrambled eggs, and hickory smoked bacon.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen. Locations in Oak Hill, Round Rock and West Austin. jackallenskitchen.com
Scene: Farm-to-table Texas comfort.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Buffet includes layered enchilada casserole, chicken-fried chicken, tomato-basil pie, and eggs cooked to order.
Josephine House. 1610 Waterston St. josephineofaustin.com
Scene: Bright and charming Clarksville café.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Coddled egg with shaved cured ham; grits, mushrooms, duck confit, kale and poached egg; petit filet and egg; Lyonnaise salad.
La Condesa. 400 W. Second St. lacondesaaustin.com
Scene: Vibrant restaurants nods to Mexico City from the heart of downtown.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Roasted carrot salad, huevos Condesa with roasted chicken and fried eggs, chilangos, Cuban sandwich
Lamberts Downtown Barbecue. 401 W. Second St. lambertsaustin.com
Scene: Classic old building colored in handsome wood fixtures gives the feel of an upscale saloon.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Buffet includes fruit and berries, classic new potato salad, jicama and cilantro slaw, house-smoked salmon, roasted garlic and rosemary crusted prime rib, brown sugar and coffee rubbed natural brisket, coriander and maple crusted Berkshire pork ribs.
Launderette. 2115 Holly St. launderetteaustin.com
Scene: Eclectic and energized café with clean lines and bold flavors.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Buttermilk pancakes, Bacon sticky bun, asparagus Benedict with truffle Hollandaise, pork and grits, fried oyster Florentine
Manuel’s. 310 Congress Ave. 10201 Jollyville Rd. manuels.com
Scene: Serving quality Mexican food for more than 30 years.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Huevos rancheros, three-egg omelet, grilled beef tenderloin with Mexican potatoes
Max’s Wine Dive. 207 San Jacinto Blvd. maxswinedive.com
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m. Sundays.
Highlights: Fried chicken and waffles, fried three-egg sandwich with bacon and Gruyère, a bowl of jalapeño cheese grits with pulled pork called the SXSW.
Moonshine. 303 Red River St. moonshinegrill.com
Scene: Historic home gives the feeling you’re dining at your grandparents’ house.
Brunch hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Buffet includes King Ranch casserole, migas, green egg scramble, green chile cheese grits, deviled eggs, spiral ham with pineapple chipotle glaze, white chocolate bread pudding
North by Northwest Restaurant and Brewery. 10010 N. Capital of Texas Hwy. 5701 W. Slaughter Ln. nxnwbrew.com
Scene: Brew pub with a family-friendly vibe.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Greek omelet, brunch pizza, poached eggs with shrimp-and-crab cakes
Odd Duck. 1201 S. Lamar Blvd. oddduckaustin.com
Scene: Farm-to-table restaurant centered around a wood-burning stove offers taste of the country in middle of the city.
Brunch hours: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Spring salad with strawberries, avocado, feta, and snow peas; corn dog with chorizo verde; pork flank taco; kohlrabi tots with goat confit; French toast with pig face ($10)
Opal Divine’s. 2200 S. Interstate 35. 12709 North Mopac Expressway.opaldivines.com
Scene: Large beer bar with a taste for scotch.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Chicken fry and eggs, French toast combo, Austin omelet with tomatoes, sprouts and avocado on a bed of white queso
Perla’s. 1400 S. Congress Ave. perlasaustin.com
Scene: Expansive patio offers great people watching while eating seafood on landlocked South Congress Avenue.
Brunch hours: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Wood-grilled oysters, tomato and cucumbers gazpacho, oak-grilled branzini scramble, lobster omelet
Punch Bowl Social. 11310 Domain Dr. punchbowlsocial.com/austin
Scene: Playhouse for grown-ups.
Brunch hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Blintz, smoked brisket hash, huevos rancheros, cast iron burgers
Red’s Porch. 3508 S. Lamar Blvd. redsporch.com
Scene: Casual hang with a country vibe.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: New Orleans beignets, shrimp and grits, steak and eggs, migas, fried chicken and waffles
Roaring Fork Stonelake 10850 Stonelake Blvd. roaringfork.com
Scene: Refined clubby vibe by the lake.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Green chile pork, Elgin sausage migas, honey-dipped fried chicken, biscuits and gravy
Russell’s Bistro. 1601 W. 38th St. russellsbistro.com
Scene: Mellow and friendly neighborhood café.
Brunch hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Banana-pecan pancakes, crème brûlée French toast, eggs Benedict, Russell’s migas
Second Bar + Kitchen. 200 Congress Ave. 3121 Palm Way Suite 101. secondbarkitchen.com
Scene: Consistency and a good time in one of the best locations downtown and in the Domain.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Texas benedict with pulled pork shoulder, bacon-pecan bread pudding, veal meatball sub, grilled pineapple and berry salad
South Congress Café. 1600 S. Congress Ave. southcongresscafe.com
Scene: A popular pit stop for Southwestern fare amidst the South Congress shopping madness.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Highlights: Tuna tartare, crab cakes, very blue salad, goat cheese and bacon omelet, jalapeño venison meatloaf
Swift’s Attic. 315 Congress Ave. Suite 200. swiftsattic.com
Scene: The boisterous clubby atmosphere gives way to a more relaxing vibe during daylight hours.
Brunch hours: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Turkey hash; poached eggs and pork cheeks; Korean BBQ strip steak with fried eggs; forbidden rice bibimbap, foie gras PB&J pancakes
?Tacos and Tequila. 507 Pressler Street Suite 400. tacosandtequilatnt.com
?Scene: A boozy Tex-Mex brunch.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Highlights: Buffet includes a street taco bar, omelets and huevos ranchero, salads and guacamole, enchiladas and adope pie and dessert
Taverna. 258 W. Second St. 3120 Palm Way. 512-477-1001, tavernabylombardi.com
Scene: A small taste of Italy, complete with sidewalk seating.
Brunch hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Highlights: Shrimp and asparagus omelet, vanilla French toast, pan-fried eggs with sausage and truffle oil
Texas French Bread. 2900 Rio Grande St. 512-499-0544, texasfrenchbread.com
Scene: Quaint bakery and café is a fixture in the campus area, with good reason.
Brunch hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Ham and egg sandwich; buckwheat crepe with ham, egg, and cheese; pork Milanese
Threadgill’s. 301 W. Riverside Dr. 6416 N. Lamar Blvd. threadgills.com
Scene: A taste of Old Austin. Bluegrass Brunch (North Lamar), Gospel Brunch (Riverside).
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.
Highlights: Migas, grits, biscuits and gravy, omelet station, pancakes, fruit.
Trace. 200 Lavaca St. at the W Hotel Austin. traceaustin.com
Scene: Sophistication with a sidewalk view in the Second Street District.
Brunch hours: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Farmer’s breakfast, croque madame, shrimp and crab Louis sandwich, golden malted waffle
Trio at the Four Seasons. 98 San Jacinto Blvd. triorestaurantaustin.com
Scene: Exceptional service in a calm and classy dining room.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Highlights: Amazing buffet includes crab claws, sushi, smoked fish, charcuterie, omelet station, cheese board, pastries, ceviche, eggs Benedict, pancakes, carving station, dessert station
Zocalo. 1110 West Lynn St. 512-472-8226, zocalocafe.com
Scene: Airy dining space befitting the clean approach to Mexican.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Highlights: Chilaquiles, huevos verde, breakfast burrito, granola bowl with fruit
Z’Tejas. 1110 W. Sixth St. 9400A Arboretum Blvd. 10525 W. Parmer Lane. ztejas.com
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Arboretum and Sixth Street). 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday (Parmer Lane).
Highlights: Barbacoa breakfast enchiladas, chicken-and-potato hash, migas, sweet pancakes