Best Brunch and Breakfast in Austin, TX

If you're looking for top brunch recommendations that focus on the taste and food and not the vibe. Then this is your guide!

Paperboy

Paperboy is arguably the best brunch spot in Austin. Not only do reservations book up well in advance, but walk in waits can easily reach 1 to 2 hours, and I think there's a good reason for that. They started as a humble food truck before opening their brick and mortar, and now they have 2 locations. Personally, I still prefer the original East Austin location.

The must tries here are the chicken and biscuit with rosemary gravy, the pancakes with added chocolate chips, the cheddar hash brown as a side, and whatever rotating baked goods they happen to have that day.

For the most part, everything we've tried has been consistently good. There have been a few dishes that I didn't love, like the sweet potato hash, but those have definitely been the exception rather than the rule.

The real test moving forward will be whether they can maintain that same level of consistency across both locations. So far, though, every visit has been excellent, and I still think it's one of the best brunch experiences you can have in Austin.

Dai Due

The brunch at Dai Due is only served on weekends (Fri-Sun, 10am-3pm), and while it is on the pricier side, I think it is one of the best brunches you can have in Austin. Their menu rotates seasonally, so some of these dishes may change, but everything we ordered was excellent.

We started with the Central Texas Breakfast, which came with 2 eggs, fried potatoes, grits, and bacon. We also added an order of their Nilgai antelope breakfast sausage and requested sourdough toast with jam on the side.

I also ordered the grilled spicy aoudad meatballs, which came with grilled pita, chili yogurt, marinated cucumbers, tahini fries, marinara sauce, and za'atar. Another must was the crawfish hand pie, it was ooey gooey and delish with melty cheese.

Overall, everything we tried was delicious. Since the menu changes regularly, there is usually something new to try, but I have been consistently impressed every time I've visited. They also do a great job accommodating different dietary preferences, and if you're someone who likes meat, there are plenty of excellent options on the menu.

You can do walk in but I recommend a reservation!

Sugar Wolf

Sugar Wolf Bake Shop is probably what I consider the best bakery in Austin right now. I originally became a fan because of pastry chef Conor Smith and the incredible bread he made during his time at Guest House. Since then, he has left the business, so I do want to revisit and see how things have changed.

During my visits, though, I thought Sugar Wolf was making some of the best pastries in Austin. I really enjoyed all of their croissants, which were consistently flaky, buttery, and well laminated. I also think they make one of the best chocolate chip cookies in town.

For brunch I recommend their really delicious breakfast sandwich which is plated similar to Au Cheval with a smashed sausage patty, egg, and thick cut bacon on a brioche bun. The porchetta is also delicious!

Mother's Ruin

Mother's Ruin is a new addition to East Austin, originally from New York City. They're serving an all day brunch menu in a pub style setting with bright, airy vibes and late night hours, staying open until 2 a.m. on select nights.

The must order here is the McMother's Bagel Sandwich. I wouldn't say the bagel itself is anything extraordinary, but paired with the smashed sausage, egg, and their house made sauce, it comes together as a really solid breakfast sandwich.

We also enjoyed the avocado toast, and the fries were perfectly cooked and crispy. Overall, it's a great value and a solid spot if you're looking for a casual brunch or a late night bite in East Austin.

Two Hands

****Two Hands is an Australian café serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I visited for brunch and tried a range of dishes, including the steak and eggs on a hash brown, salmon grain bowl, chili fries, and the lemon poppy seed waffle. The lemon poppy seed waffle is a must try, and the chili fries are solid. However, several of the other dishes felt underwhelming. That said, if you are visiting South Congress, it is still one of the better sit down options. They also have a popular strawberry matcha that runs about nine dollars.

Click here for their website

David Doughies

I've said it before, but David Doughie's has the best bagels in Austin. The chef and owner previously worked at world renowned restaurants in Washington, D.C., and now focuses on perfecting the art of bagel making.

The process is rooted in tradition, but he also incorporates Barton Springs Mill grains to give the bagels a more artisanal touch. The result is a bagel with incredible flavor and texture that still feels unique. He's not trying to reinvent the bagel. Instead, he's elevating it with high quality ingredients, wholesome grains, and thoughtful combinations.

Beyond the bagels themselves, the sandwiches are just as impressive. From the barbacoa bagel to the vegan carrot "salmon," everything we've tried has been excellent. Honestly, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

Citizen's Cafe

Citizens All Day is a new Australian inspired brunch and dinner spot in Austin. On our first visit, we tried the BBQ Benedict, which we really enjoyed, along with their pancakes topped with blueberry sauce.

Most of the dishes we tried were solid, and the menu does a nice job balancing Australian inspired flavors, like Vegemite, with more classic breakfast staples. Overall, it's definitely worth checking out, although I'd like to go back and try more of the menu before giving my final verdict.

Skip their dinner menu.

Mercado Sin Nombre

masa pancakes and masa breakfast sandwich

Mercado Sin Nombre is a hidden gem tucked away in an alley, serving creative masa based dishes inspired by the flavors of Mexico City. From the food to the drinks, just about everything on the menu highlights masa in a unique way.

Some of my favorites are the horchata cold brew and the masa brisket biscuit, which is purple, flaky, and seriously delicious. They also serve breakfast sandwiches and tacos, although I did find the tacos a bit pricey for their size.

Their masa Twinkies and rotating seasonal specials are also worth trying. Overall, it's one of those places where you really can't go wrong, and it's a great stop if you're looking for a unique breakfast or a quick bite.

Comadre Panaderia

Pudding bread

This spot isn't really a traditional sit down breakfast restaurant, but they are serving some of the best pastries you'll find in the U.S. From pan dulce to their new bean and cheese tacos made with house made Sonoran tortillas, everything here is incredible.

The breakfast empanadas are a must order. They're flaky, decadent, and packed with filling. There are a few small tables out front where you can enjoy your food, but honestly, this is the type of place where I think it's best to grab everything to go and enjoy it at home.

I usually leave with a mix of pastries and empanadas, but I'll definitely be back to try more of their breakfast tacos.

Texas Honey Ham

Breakfast Roll and Pigs in a Blanket

Texas Honey Ham Company is one of my go to spots for affordable breakfast in Austin, TX. It's a beloved local community spot, so expect it to be busy, especially during peak hours.

My personal favorite is their breakfast roll, which features a grilled roll with a fried egg, cheese, and your choice of meat. If you're feeling adventurous, I highly recommend trying it with their signature ham.

Another great option is The Benny, their twist on a classic eggs Benedict. It features a honey cornbread muffin topped with their smoky honey glazed ham, an over easy egg, creamy queso, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. It's a unique combination that works surprisingly well.

And don't forget to order a side of their shells and cheese. It's seriously one of the best sides on the menu and the perfect addition to your meal.

ElDorado Cafe

Glorias Migas

Eldorado is my new favorite spot for TexMex, chilaquiles, and salsas! I first discovered them when they reached out to help with my fundraiser, Dine With Ukraine. The owners are fantastic people who used to work at Taco Deli. Despite not being a fan of Taco Deli, I decided to give Eldorado a chance, and the food blew me away. You can enjoy breakfast items until 11 am, but I also love their lunch options. My top picks from their breakfast menu are the Glorias Chilaquiles and the breakfast tacos, while for lunch, I recommend the breakfast burrito, Dart Bowl enchiladas, and the salsa sampler. I've also heard great things about Joel's Happy Plate. You can find their menu here, and they also take reservations!

Spread & Co.

This is a beautiful, Instagram worthy spot located on Manor Rd. While their cheese plates are popular, my personal favorite is the Grilled cheese with melty raclette cheese, and caramelized onions. Other must try is mortadella sandwich. They offer breakfast  all day, and their menu can be found I love their turkish eggs and the breakfast platter with smoked salmon spread!

here.

Proud Mary

Breakfast Hash

Proud Mary is an Australian coffee and brunch spot in Austin that prides itself on using ethically sourced ingredients for their artisanal coffee. While their menu changes frequently, I highly recommend their signature dish, the potato hash. Made with smoked pork belly bacon, a poached egg, kale salad, and bagna cauda sauce (a creamy sauce made with garlic and anchovies), this dish is consistently delicious. The bacon here is known for its thickness and flavor. Be warned, there's no sign outside, so it's easy to miss. Check out their menu here.

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Brooklyn Breakfast Company

The Sweet Heat

I love this food truck! The owner, Ryan, is a great guy who previously worked at Peached Tortilla before starting his own food truck. He makes everything from scratch, and you can really taste the care and quality that goes into every dish.

I highly recommend trying any of his fried chicken biscuits, which change monthly. My personal favorite is the Sweet Heat, featuring buttermilk fried chicken, house pickles, sweet heat sauce, and an egg served on a biscuit. It's the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and satisfying.

They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, so make sure to stop by before they close!

Check out their menu here.

Granny's Tacos

Tacos at Granny's Tacos

This spot is a must visit for breakfast taco lovers. The owners are actually the parents of the Veracruz Tacos founders and they make their tortillas from scratch. In my opinion, their tortillas are even better than Veracruz's! I highly recommend trying the mole rice breakfast taco and the migas. Their corn tortillas are also noteworthy, with a smooth consistency and no graininess. Check out their menu here.

Bird Bird Biscuit

Bird Bird Biscuit

One of my favorite spots in town for a delicious biscuit sandwich is here! The Queen Beak (with cayenne black pepper honey, bacon infused chipotle mayo, and fried chicken breast) is my go to chicken sandwich. I also recommend getting an order of their dough doughs! They also have delicious biscuits and gravy. Check out their menu here.

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Snooze

Eggs Benedict Snooze

While Snooze isn't technically an Austin original, I can't help but mention it. The Eggs Benedict are my absolute favorite in town, especially the Ham Benedict III (featuring shaved Tender Belly ham, perfectly poached cage, free eggs, and house-made smoked cheddar hollandaise). I usually opt for breakfast sausage and bacon, and the Tender Belly bacon here is a standout. I appreciate that they provide Sir Kensington Ketchup and Yellow Bird Sauce as well. Additionally, the seasonal pancakes are always a hit. Pro tip: ask for your hash browns to be cooked thin and crispy.

I do want to note that quality has dipped considerably since I wrote this review ~ Check out the menu here.

Hillside Farmacy

Hillside Farmacy

Hillside Farmacy is located in East Austin and serves American style breakfast dishes with some French influences. It's a great spot if you're visiting Austin or looking for a nice meal. While not perfect, their mac and cheese and pancakes are worth trying. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm and they take reservations. Check out their menu here.

Moonshines

Not the best photo but the brunch buffet at Moonshines.

Moonshine's Sunday brunch buffet is an iconic experience that runs from 9 am to 2 pm every Sunday at their downtown location. While it's been a while since my last visit, they serve delicious Southwestern style food. I highly recommend trying their hot chocolate as well! Check out their menu, which includes pricing information, here.

Nervous Charlies $

Bagel Sandwiches

Nervous Charlie's is a great spot for bagel sandwiches in Austin, TX . The logo and name are actually inspired by the owner's dog. My favorite options are the everything bagel and the poppy seed bagel. I highly recommend trying their breakfast sandwiches, such as the Longhorn (2 fried eggs, cheddar cheese, breakfast potatoes, Charlie's hot sauce (contains dairy), and your choice of protein), the Big Apple (Turkey, sliced apple, brie cheese, and honey mustard), the Empire (Fried chicken cutlet, bacon, coleslaw, mozzarella cheese, and Russian dressing) pictured, or the Classic (2 fried eggs and your choice of protein and cheese). You can also grab some bagels to go, they sell out fast, but I believe you can order online. Check out their menu here.

Here are some other spots for breakfast/brunch that I have not tried (Phoebes, and Sawyer and Co) I will continue to update this list as I try more spots that I like!

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